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
55000 KES ($387 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 aspirations lie in launching two ventures: a clothing business and a hotel. The unexpected hurdle of joblessness has led me to explore new avenues for financial independence and fulfillment. My vision encompasses not only personal success but also the chance to contribute to my community by creating job opportunities and offering quality products and services. As I plan and strategize, I am filled with hope and determination, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead and turn my dreams into a thriving reality.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has exceeded all expectations in transforming my life for the better. With their unconditional money transfer, I now proudly own a house, a place I can call home and feel secure. The funds allowed me to build a sturdy and comfortable dwelling, providing my family with the safety and shelter we always needed. Additionally, GiveDirectly's support didn't stop there; it also enabled me to pay for my child's school fees. This act of kindness has opened doors of opportunity for him, ensuring he receives a quality education and a chance for a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the pressing issue of our living conditions, I knew I had to take action. With seven family members cramped in a small dwelling, privacy and comfort were scarce. Determined to improve our living conditions, I invested $350 in purchasing all the necessary materials to build a new two-bedroom semi-permanent house. This decision brought joy and relief to my children, as they now had their own space to sleep and study without any distractions. The new house not only provided physical comfort but also brought a sense of security and dignity to my family. Another pressing issue I addressed with the cash transfer was my son's education. Despite finishing secondary school, he had been denied his certificate due to accumulated arrears. This setback hindered him from pursuing further education or seeking employment opportunities. To remove this obstacle from his path, I promptly paid off the outstanding fees, allowing him to finally obtain his certificate and take steps towards his dreams and ambitions. As a housewife with my spouse's limited income as a teacher, the unconditional cash transfer not only improved our living conditions but also opened up brighter possibilities for our children's futures.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($399 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was still at my farm ploughing cowpeas when I noticed that two new messages were unread. Upon checking who had remembered me at that particular time, I confirmed that it was from GiveDirectly alerting me that I had received my first cash transfers. I was overwhelmed with happiness to learn that I will soon own a spacious house that will accommodate my growing family, which is now comprised of six family members.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being in a polygamous marriage and being the first wife has been quite tough on my end for years. My spouse has been the breadwinner for the two families, which was a challenge for him, hence the unending crises. The condition of my house has not been good at all, and I have always lived in fear that it might collapse at any time. I am now a happy mother and thankful to GiveDirectly for coming to my rescue because I managed to build a very beautiful, spacious house that can accommodate my family. My children no longer have to go from one house to another to seek shelter, as they used to. There is peace in my house, thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to experience tough moments, especially on the issue of sheltering. There came a time when I almost thought that poverty had been some part of my life; it was miserable. Therefore, upon receiving the cash transfers, I purchased building materials like iron sheets, poles, and labor charges, which all cost around $400. I had intended to put up a new two-room house that I was certain would accommodate my family of six. The initial one was small and in a poor state, which forced my children to seek shelter from relatives. However, some were not accommodative and had to forcefully squeeze into our house. Finally, I bought sufficient food, which has taken us almost a month now. My children are healthy and even stronger since they can at least take two meals a day.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a son who is yet to join college after having passed we'll his secondary school exams. His scores guarantee him a chance at University but he is yet to join due to financial instability. With this money, I am so happy to support his studies to ensure that, he realized a better future life. I, therefore, intend to spend the entire transfers ($1100) to cater for his tuition fees. Hence, this is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the financial challenges that I am experiencing in life, one thing I am grateful for is the great effort my husband has, to ensure our children are schooling well. Imagine in the last Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, my son scored 375 marks out of 500 marks. This guaranteed him a national school slot, something that brought a feeling of joy to my life. I am now so optimistic to know that, his future life is promising and I will always support him to realize his dreams.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The prolonged drought in our area has affected my ability to engage in farm work since it is no longer reliable. This means the only available work which many people are doing is the charcoal business, a very energy-intensive venture. My health condition can not allow me to perform this work because I had complications after having a stillbirth 10 years ago. I am currently depending on my husband who is a primary teacher. Since we are in a polygamous family, his income can not fully cater to our needs and sometimes, we miss the very basic needs like food and nice beddings. This has directly robbed away my joy as a parent and I, therefore, consider financial crisis to be the biggest hardship to me.