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 ($527 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My brother-in-law who is mentally unstable was left homeless after his house collapsed due to heavy rainfall. I was very devastated by the situation. We had planned to use our transfer to build our house but changed our minds. My husband and I sacrificed part of the money and decided to build him a house. I feel happy since his new house is almost completed, therefore, soon he shall have his own shelter again.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Giveirectly did well by giving us money that had no conditions in it, so that we can use it to develop ourselves. Looking around, their is a physical evidence of drastic growth such that new houses have been built and children are going to school . I do no see what GiveDirectly did not do well at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used 90% of my first transfer to buying building materials and some of the second transfer since I intended to build a two bed house together with a one bed room for my brother -in laws. Therefore, the construction of the two houses are in progress and currently the houses are almost coming to completion. I bought two sack of maize and a goat with the remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that I have bought most of the building materials that will facilitate the construction of a spacious house that I have always dream of . Living in a one bedroom house with four of my grown up sons has been my biggest worry in relation to privacy and custom regulations . I am hopeful that the completion of this house will mean a better and bigger rooms for my grown up sons to sleep and a space to study at night. Today , I have increased my heard of livestock such as goats hence I foresee and increase in offsprings in future that in turn will be helpful with meeting some of my family's need .
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 AM when I received a message notification on my phone. Upon checking its contents, I became very happy and immediately knelt down to pray thanking God for the blessing I got because I knew with the transfers I would acquire the shelter I have been longing for .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I bought some building materials majorly iron sheets, timbers, nails with the second transfer that will facilitate the construction of my spacious house which will accommodate my family comfortable . First , I prefer to construct my in -law 's house because most recently it had collapsed due to the long rains with his mental challenged status , he is incapable of financing the construction of a new house . At the moment , he is staying at his brother's house who is away because I felt is was safe there as opposed to staying with him in this one roomed house together with my growing up children . The remaining amount , I bought two goats with the intention of expanding my herd .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is single roomed and it cannot accommodate my family of five. I share the same bedroom with my children something which is culturally unacceptable. They sleep in the sitting room when their father visits us. I feel I do not have enough privacy in this situation. It has always been my desire to construct a bigger house and I will fulfill this dream through these transfers. I also have a brother in law who has been mentally unwell for almost 10 years. All his siblings have neglected him and he is now my responsibility. I will therefore use part of this transfer to help him seek medical care. I really hope that he will regain his sanity and be able to take care of himself.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happier in the evening when I am chatting with my children. Their presence gives me joy because they tend to laugh a lot . seeing their happy faces relieve me of stress.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband who is a casual labourer in Mombasa, is the sole provider for our family. Such jobs are unreliable and he can stay for almost 2 weeks without earning. This has put our family in a very difficult situation. The 2000 shillings that he sends monthly is not enough to cater for our needs. Sometimes it is even difficult to raise as little as 200 shillings when a child falls sick. I relate my suffering to financial instability which is my biggest hardship.
