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 ($525 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If it were to construct my house, it could have taken century to accomplish this dream .This is because the manual jobs around the village which is my income can barely sustain my family's needs. Therefore, I had to keep on staying in this old leaky grass thatched house which when it rained my family and I had to stand at on point of the house with some of the properties that seemed precious to us to avoid them getting soaked with cold water. At the moment, I have bought the required building materials with GiveDirectly's transfer and the construction has commenced . The biggest gift I have received is being able to provide for my family members mostly my children a decent shelter through GiveDirectrly's finances .
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well through selectively prioritizing the most needy households in the village to benefit from the cash program since most of the beneficiaries spent the money to change their living standards . Therefore, in my village our economic standards have increase and their is a slight measure of equality which was a gap before.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy building materials such as 20 pieces of iron sheets, nails, and timbers which I intend to use in building a new house. I am hopeful that after completing constructing the new house and transition in it ,then, I would no longer stay in a grass thatched a leaking house which has always been my greatest worry. The remaining amount after completing building this new house, I shall buy a she - calf .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 4 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 settled part of the arrears for land which I bought on deposit. Four months before GiveDirectly came into our village, I was unable to settle the monthly installment which we had agreed on with the landowner. This was because the manual jobs that I do depend on for a living were meager therefore securing a slot was very hard. I was afraid I would lose this piece of land that has been helpful in cultivating my farm produce . My gratitude goes to GiveDirectly for the financial help. I am at peace knowing that I have an upper hand in the acquisition for this piece of land.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a confirmatory message early in the morning from GiveDirectly indicating my money had been sent . After reading it out aloud to my family , I was very happy since I didn't expect such a lump-sum amount at that particular time . It was a surprise which I will never forget .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 20, 000 KES of my first transfer to pay part of the dowry to my wife's parent . I have been reminded by my in- laws to settle the dowry since my wife is the first born therefore with the customary customs it requirement that I should pay dowry then other of my in - laws to follow . I partly settled the arrears I had from a piece of land I had bought earlier through my savings . I also bought a she calf with the remaining amount .
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being food secured is one thing that I've been yearning to achieve in my life. At the moment, I spend almost 90% of my daily earnings on food purchases from the shops leaving none for other pressing needs like shelter, education, and health care for the family. Now that we are enrolled in the program, I foresee a better future as I intend to invest part of my transfers in improving farming techniques. First, I will purchase oxen and its plougher to facilitate easy and timely cultivation. This will double my harvests and that means food security for us. Again, the house we are currently living in is in a deplorable condition, and every time it rains at night, my family is subjected to cold. Consequently, I will use the remaining part of the transfers to improve it. And that is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For someone who engages is manual work like me, having that moment of rest is always precious and that is what my evening part of the day presents. This is also a moment to meet up with friends and I always look forward to it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable sources of income has been the biggest hardship in my life. As a sole provider, and having elderly parents who also depend on me, it is always an uphill task to adequately sustain the needs of the family. The only source of income here is charcoal burning and given its hazardous nature to one's health, it is not something that one can comfortably depend on it. Often times, I'm forced to stay in the forest for most days of the week, and that sometimes is unbearable. Receiving this money will enable me to venture fully in farm work and being closer to the family makes it even better.
