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 ($526 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference for me is that I was able to make a lot of transformations within the house which includes buying the new set of sofa-set which now makes my living room to be a beautiful place to live in because I no longer get embarrassed about welcoming my visitors to my place reason being that I have a nice piece of sitting coaches that they can rest on.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly has brought a lot of development that has never been seen before in this village. For instance, the type of permanent building s that have currently flooded the region was never there before. Most probably people could not afford these type of houses due to poverty.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used the money to buy a new sofa-set and other new types of furniture because those are what I lacked the most. In addition to that, I also bought enough food for my family because as a basic need I had to make sure that I provided enough for the family. My kids also wanted me to give them a portion of the transfers, and as a mother, I could not deny them, so each of the seven kids got some pocket money which they used as each one of them desired.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to take a break from the menial jobs to enable me feed my family. I have been able to find ease in buying food.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy and could not believe my eyes. I have been doing odd jobs and the money I get is never enough.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying new furniture for my living room. I did not have good seats for my house. Some part of the money I also spent on paying school fees for my son who is in secondary school and the rest on clothing for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to build a kitchen for my self. Currently, I am cooking in my main house in a room that I had demarcated act as a kitchen. However, the smoke emited as a result of cooking using firewood really weakens the iron sheets thus making it rusty and they leak frequently. I also plan to purchase new furniture and add more cows to the ones that I have.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I return home from work. I manage to share a meal with my family and rest afterwards as we listen to our favourite radio stations.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have faced was losing my parents while I was very young. I was forced to flee my home country of Uganda to migrate into Kenya in search of greener pastures since I had no one else to take care of me. Unfortunately, I landed a job as a house help and the torture that I endured while working for my employers was too much. I once contemplated suicide but I thank God that he made me meet my husband who took me in and together we made a home for ourselves.
