We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($528 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I would not have been in a position to buy building materials since I have children in school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by giving us money to settle the issue that was so pressing. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly did not do well since all the promises were fulfilled.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spend my second transfer on to buy a dairy cow, I also bought timber planning to build a house and the rest of the money I used it to pay part of the school fees for my children and bought food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the first transfer is the great changes in the appearance of our household.
We have made to change a lot and what amazes me most is the improved cleanliness both of the household facilities and also my children who are now dressed well in new clothing which they never had before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At the moment I received the money, my happiness was really unmeasurable. I was filled with joy and at first, I could not believe what I was seeing on my phone. My husband was equally happier and even the neighborhood was full of celebration. Everyone was praising God who was never biased but blessed every household in our village equally. To date we are still happy in our household, working hard on the new goals as we anticipate the second transfer.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The first transfer from GiveDirectly came with great joy which rejuvenated our happiness and the spirit of working more harder once more in our household. We spent the first 25000 KES on purchasing a good breed of a heifer, used 15000 KES on buying a chain link in preparation to construct a chicken coop since we have just started a poultry farming. The remaining part of it was spent on the household foodstuff and clothing for all the members of the household.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For the last ten years I have sacrificed my comfort so my children could gain. I have sponsored three of my children through secondary school and university. Because of this I do not have a comfortable house and receiving this money from GD will bestow me an opportunity to put up a better house for my husband and I. I have estimated that this is going to cost me around Kshs 30,000 (300usd) with labor excluded since my husband is a carpenter and will take up the task.
Finally after a long time of hardwork, GiveDirectly has come to accord me a life of dignity in the name of a new house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I leave home every morning for a door to door search of products for my cereals business. I trade in beans and sometimes maize to earn a living. I would then transport them to various towns during different market days of the week selling them from dawn till evening. The happiest part of my day is at dusk after having reaped enormous amount of profits. My heart would light up with great joy knowing I am a step away towards fulfilling my children's dreams through education.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband and I have raised 9 lovely children. While we want to secure a better future for them, taking them through various levels of education for the last 20 years has been a thorny path. My small cereals business and my husband's carpentry work does not bring enough money to the table to educate such a huge number, especially the three who are in the university now.
While one more is in secondary school, three others are in a candidate class and owing to their brightness their transition to high school come January next year is a guarantee. I am afraid we are going to be overwhelmed by this inevitable obligation should we not find financial breakthrough.
