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 ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to add additional stock to my newly opened shop. This is because it will enable me to get more customers hence making much profit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly did well by improving the poor living standards of most homesteads in my village by giving unconditional cash transfers. I do not see what Givedirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I managed to open up a small business in the nearby shopping center. The business deals with the normal goods that the customer can acquire without any difficulty. I had to at least obtain enough stock of KES 54,000 this has at least kept me busy and made my dreams valid because I had a passion to start one but due to financial constraints it was unattainable. I can at least make a profit and even restock my shop without any difficulty and also bring food to the table to my family. I thank Give Directly for their support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($504 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so happy the moment I received the notifications message that I had received my transfer, I was at home enjoying a cup of tea when I heard my phone ringing, When I checked it was the promised transfer from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy, I thanked God for the Aid that came my way in this hard time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am a business-woman who sells French fries in the nearby shopping centre, before, I used firewood in preparing the meals, but the transfer has enabled me to buy modern frying machines for my business, I was able to boost my business, therefore am hopeful that I will be able to earn an extra income from it, I also bought a dairy cow that would produce milk for us, I normally spent 1 dollar daily on buying milk, meaning that I will be able to save extra cash.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer in buying a modern frying machine for my business worth 350 dollars, this was a big relief compared to before where I was using Firewood in Frying, I also spent 170 dollars in buying a dairy cow to cut down the cost of milk, I am grateful and hopeful that my living standard will be better and admirable.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a lot to me, will mean a lot to me, I recently graduated with a diploma in secretarial studies but I haven't been able to get my dream job of being a secretary. I had to resort to business and my parents saved some cash and helped me start a small business of vending fast food in the village. On a good day I make about 1200 shillings which is not enough to cater for my toddler. I will use the transfer to expand my business,that way I am guaranteed an increased income and I can later on build my own house and save for my child's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On my usual working days I wake up at 6 in the morning and get ready for work. I normally cook on the previous night to manage time during the next day. I also go with my son to work where I spend the whole day selling cooked food until evening. On days that I'm able to finish my produce for the day and get a good return from the sells is when am mostly happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship has been unemployment, after pursing my dream course I haven't been able to get a well paying job. My food vending business is still a start-up and I get 1000 on average including profit. That alone can not cater for food and other basic needs for my family.
