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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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be updated on Elizabeth's next check-in.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am thankful I was allowed to choose what I needed to spend the money on after receiving it. If it was not for the money, I would not have boosted my business. The information disseminated at the initial stages of enrollment was very useful to almost everyone who received the transfers as this was depicted in the great spending habits of many. I believe there will be a lot of improvements in our village as people continue to receive their transfers. I have no complaint at all but am grateful for everything that GiveDirectly did for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We have 4 school-going children and their school fee is mostly paid for by their father who does casual work on a construction site but it is not reliable. Whenever there are no activities at the site he either stays without income or looks for any casual jobs around. This makes it challenging to raise their school fees at times. Since they are soon going back to school in a week, I have saved the whole of the second transfer for their school fees so that I can help my spouse with the responsibilities. They will be starting a new academic year which has a lot of demands, especially on the school books.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day transfer were sent, I was just in the house. I was thinking about a number of food items that I had been unable to acquire for the family. Upon confirmation of the receipt of my transfer, I felt so excited since I least expected to receive some money then. This gave me confidence that I shall be able to get the items I was in need of. Thanks to GiveDirectly for offering me such monetary support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is being able to buy food and second hand clothes for my four children. Although things seemed to be moving on well in the sight of the family, I was bearing much burden. This was making me worried since I had no source of income. I was just wondering on what I could do to keep on supporting my family. I am glad that I am now able to support my family courtesy of the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The drought that hit our area last year had a long term impact on food availability. As a result, I have been struggling to provide meals for the family. With the transfer, I was able to prioritize buying food because it is essential for us. Although I do a business of selling vegetables, it is not currently doing well as result of the continuous scorching of sun. This coupled with increased food prices, has made life hard and unbearable not only for my family, but also for the rest of the community.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Livestock keeping specifically the local breed of goats and expanding my retail shop (adding stock) are top of my priorities. To accomplish this, I will secure a loan at my sacco (financial institution) then use my monthly transfers to repay it. I will need about KES 18000 to offset my plans. Receiving this money therefore means a stable source of income for me and my household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Starting my own business (retail shop) recently has brought with it some level of independence. I am now able to afford delicacies such as roti (Indian flatbread) often unlike before when I would crave it for months. Also, not having to ask my spouse for each and every little thing has earned me respect in his eyes bringing so much peace to my home.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest worry at the moment is the uncertainty that comes with engaging in a new venture. Being able to sustain my small retail shop that I started 3 weeks ago is what keeps me awake at night. This is because I used up all my savings, KES 25000, to buy my first stock. I am yet to start making enough profits to begin accumulating assets again.
