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 ($485 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently I do not have any different goal to look at since I do not want to mix several projects at the same time. My only goal remains the one I had with the second transfer that is my children education. My desire is to see them comfortably finalizing they studies without problems.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Getting help at a time you need it most is a wonderful thing that is hard to explain. The organization is faultless. What it did to me and the whole community at large is commendable and we appreciate it. As for me, I am so grateful for the support though if I would recommend the organization to add us some more if possible so as to create more impact.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The second transfer was fully dedicated to the children education. When I withdrew the money, I took KES 12000.00 and paid for my form for child who is finalizing his secondary education this year 2022 and for also took KES 1000.00 and paid school fees for my 2 primary school children who are in class 6 and 8. For the remaining KES 40000.00 I saved it for the class 8 children who will be joining secondary school soon. This amount will enable me to cater for his shopping and school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was from the dam then I heard my phone vibrating continuously. I was so tired and I opted to relax first opted to check the notification on my cellphone. Suddenly another message notification popped in and I became more curious. I decided to check its contents and I did not believe my eyes. I had finally received my first transfer as I had been promised earlier on the enrolment group. I truly couldn't explain how I felt at the moment, it was like a miracle to me. I went ahead and informed all my family members and they were all happy as well. We were optimistic that we would finally fulfill our heart desires.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I cleared school fees for my children and they are now studying with minimal distractions. As a single parent with five children, it has never been at all for me. I did not have a stable job and my income was very low to sustain all my family expenses and pay fees at the same time. This made them stay home for months and it used to frustrate me because I felt like I was failing them as their parent. They had even started performing poorly as a result of this and I felt guilty. Therefore after receiving the money, this was my priority, making sure they study comfortably. I am now happy because I finally fulfilled my heart desires and see a promising future in them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 14000 of my first transfer on paying school fees for my children one in secondary and the two in primary respectively. I am now at peace because at least for this term, I will study peacefully without distractions. I also bought new clothes for my children since the old ones had worn out. Later on, I bought a new wooded bed at KES 5000 which I am happy sleeping comfortably in a decent place. Also, I am planning to buy goats which will serve as the living assets that I can lean on anytime I have an emergency. With the remaining money, I am using it to buy enough foodstuffs for my family and new plastic chairs.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a reliable source for my household. Currently, I am a charcoal vendor, a very tiresome job, and earn little income of $60 per month. This amount cannot fully sustain the household needs. I am planning to spend $400 on my first transfer to start a livestock business. With this business, I am assured of a profit of $50 per week. The remaining amount of my first transfer will help me to cater to household needs like food. My second transfer will help me to clear school fees for my children in secondary school so that they cannot be sent back home to collect school fees, this will improve their performance in school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is the time that I can rest. Unlike in the morning and afternoon when I am busy with my charcoal work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. I am an unskilled person getting a good job has been a problem for me. The kind of job I am doing is tiresome and earns a little amount of $60 per month that cannot fully sustain my family of four. I have been struggling to put food on my table and seeking help from relatives has been part of my life something that ashames me a lot.