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 ($420 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I want to purchase some land so I can start farming and, if I can, put some rental homes on it. Farming will be beneficial since it will guarantee that my family has a steady source of food all year round.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We appreciate your help and look forward to seeing our level of living continue to increase with it. I have nothing against the project, but I would be appreciative if we could obtain an addition to help with the high expense of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my second transfer, I spent $300 on three goats that I have been raising at home in the hopes of later selling them to assist pay for the school expenses for my two children. I struggle occasionally to provide for my family because I make a low salary as a primary school teacher. My husband, a veterinarian, has been a fantastic support system. I paid off a $100 bill that had accumulated to make sure my kids stayed in school. I restocked depleting food supplies and consumables with the remaining $130, as well as purchasing some new clothing for the entire family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was at my workstation. I had left my phone inside my staff room locker, when I was done with the lessons I went back to the staff room. That was when I realised that I had a message notification on my phone. Upon checking I realised that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. Words can not explain the immense joy and happiness that I felt, it was the happiest day of my life because I was optimistic that I would achieve all the plans that I had in place. I later informed my husband who was equally happy and grateful for the support that came our way.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in our lives today is that our lives are filled with joy and happiness. This is because I was able to stock up on my husband's business. We are optimistic that with it we will be able to make a profit. Additionally, I was able to smoothly pay for my son's school fees in a private school. I am grateful for the timely support that lifted our living standards positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received my transfer, My husband and I settled on boosting my husband's business with the cash that we had received. The business went down since we all depended on it before I got a job. Therefore I used 30,000 on the business. I then Used KES 20,000 in buying household items. I work as a teacher and my husband is a businessman, together we are blessed with two children. I was unable to boost my husband's business before since what I earn is not much. I then used KES 9500 in paying school fees for our son. I am so grateful for the milestones that I have achieved in a short time.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been married for more than five years now. For two of these years, my husband had to pay my school fee while I was in college. This did not allow us to save up or acquire any property or assets. Currently, we do not have any cows of our own which forces us to purchase milk from the market costing us up to KES 2,000 per month. This strains us, as we do not have a steady source of income. I am yet to be permanently employed while my husband is a veterinary officer but has no permanent job. We plan to use KES 35,000 to buy a heifer that will give us milk mainly for domestic use. For the rain amount, my husband will use it to expand his small business by running an agro vet shop / veterinary work. Receiving this money will be a big boost for us in starting life as a young family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Five months ago, I graduated from college with a diploma in Education. It was a happy moment for me as a mother to have succeeded and did well despite the other responsibilities of raising a family. It is a relief too to us as we are done paying school fees. I am hoping to secure a good job soon.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is food insecurity, especially milk and maize flour. We own a small piece of land that the much we harvest from it cannot last us the whole year. For the better part of the year, we buy the foodstuff from the expensive market. Both our occupation is temporary, sometimes my husband can go for weeks without getting a business. Sometimes, I can go for months without pay. It is harder because we have two young children who also need constant care and attention.
