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 ($428 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My long-term goal is to ensure my two children finish their secondary education. My husband and I set some money aside for the fees and with discipline, we will manage to take them through school without strain.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I get excited whenever I get phone calls from the organization. The staff is very kind and soft-spoken, and they listen to me with no rush, It is therapeutic talking to them about the challengings I am facing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the transfer, I worked as a Mansory where I would get $4 a day. I am a woman and most times whenever I went to search for a job, they decline saying that I did not have the manpower. Most days I did not get such jobs and paying for bills such as school fees, and water was challenging. Whenever I do not get a job we would not take dinner. Receiving this money has been a blessing, I expanded my house, earlier it was a one-roomed house that we occupied with my six children. It was not comfortable for all of us. But now we sleep comfortably, I am thankful for GiveDirectly. Also, I was able to enroll my daughter in a boarding high school, bought bedding, a mattress, soap, books, and paid school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($480 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing when i heard a message notification from my phone. I called my son who's my helper and he confirmed I had received the money. I was so happy that we rushed to an Mpesa shop where he withdrew the money and handed back to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that my kids nolonger complain of back pains and they will have time to concentrate on their studies once they are back to school because I'll have settled the fees arrears.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Raising my six kids alone hasn't been a walk in the park ever since my husband died. I have been doing casual jobs in construction sites which pays me an average of KES 200 per day. Since these jobs are not reliable paying bills has not been easy for me. The house that we live in is in sorry state but have not been in a position to build another one. When I was enrolled in the program, I saw it as opportunity to build my children a decent house and that's why I spend KES 30000 of my recent transfers to buy building materials. I also spend KES 5000 to buy matress for my kids who were sleeping on cartons, KES 3000 to buy food and I saved the balance to pay school fees for my kids when schools reopens. I am so happy that we are going to have decent house soon and my kids can finally enjoy their sleep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At the age of 48, I work as a casual laborer on construction sites. I do not despise this job but I feel humiliated when I have to fight for a spot at work with youngsters. I feel like they deserve them more because they are still energetic. I have for a long time desired to start a grocery selling business. This will help me pay bills with ease, and I keep my dignity. The thought of this desire coming to me makes me happy and I can't wait. I would also use some of the funds to buy goats and rear for resale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Amidst the struggles we might be faced with, I do not take the gift of life for granted. My entire family is alive and I could never be happier.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The sudden change in weather conditions brought about illnesses. Two of my children have been in and out of the hospital nursing colds. It rained for a while in December and that was the beginning of the hospital visits. I can see improvement in their health and I am grateful.
