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
53010 KES ($393 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For years to come, I intend to keep giving my kids a solid education in the hopes that it will enhance our future. Besides, my daughter will hopefully soon complete her education, find employment, and come help me launch a kiosk business that will be a reliable source of income. This is because the nanny job I currently have at a local daycare is really demanding and time-consuming, and as I get older, I think the kiosk will help me get enough rest.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The staff at GD is what I admired most. They were incredibly helpful and kind. They facilitated the enrollment procedure by giving us adequate project explanations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the transfer, my son started seventh grade for his junior high school education. The cost of attending school was high; this included paying for tuition, new uniforms, and stationery. I spent about $100 of the transfer doing that. In addition, I used $100 of the money to pay for my daughter's school fees because she also ran the risk of dropping out of her third-year university course.
With the remaining funds, I purchased sand and cement to raise and cement the floor of my home. I've wanted to do this for a very long time, but I've never been able to because of money issues. My house used to be uncemented and have water leaks because of its low floor level. Since the water that could flood the house could be intolerable in the winter, especially during heavy downpours, we used to look for accommodations elsewhere.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My husband and I were getting ready to visit my sick sister-in-law on the day I received my transfer. I heard my phone ring just as we were about to leave. When I checked, I discovered that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. This was the most joyous day of our lives. My husband and I couldn't contain our happiness. I recall him doubting what I had told him and instead reading the message himself. We were grateful because we knew we could do a lot with the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The ability to fence the poultry house was the most significant difference in my daily life. This would imply that they would be safe from both thieves and eagles. It will also be simple to keep track of the number of birds per day. I am confident that in a few months, I will have increased the number of birds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband had saved $200 from his construction work to pay for the dowry, but it was insufficient. He needed more time to raise the deficit. We knew it was time to finish the cultural obligation of paying a dowry. when GiveDirectly did promise us an unconditional transfer. As a result, we added $300 to our transfer. I then spent $50 on wire mesh to fence the poultry house for security and ease of management. Finally, I purchased eighteen iron sheets to expand my home because we are expecting our first child. All of this would not have been possible if I had not received the financial assistance, for which I will be eternally grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Raising school fees has been a source of stress in my life. I have a daughter whose pursuing a course in Education at Kabianga University and my priority is to see her finish and get a degree. I owe the school arrears amounting to $190 and my children's daycare business can only earn me $50 per month. If I do not pay the money in time my daughter will not be allowed to sit for her exams. I intend to use my transfer to clear pending school fee arrears so that my daughter will sit for her exams without any hindrance.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Three months ago someone advised me to start daycare services for children as a way of earning a living. I had not thought of it before but it is something I started immediately. It is earning $4 to $5 per day and I am happy that I now have income at the end of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances is the main challenge bedeviling my family. I offer daycare services for employed parents who bring their children to me during the day. I charge $ 1 per child per day and on a good day, I get not more than 5 children in a day. I have a daughter who is at Kabianga University and I have to send her $2.5 every day for upkeep. The remaining money is spent on buying food for the other 4 members of the family. Many times I find myself in a situation where I do not have enough money to buy all the foodstuffs. I also have an epileptic daughter who requires $7 every week for medication to keep her condition at bay. I feel like I am overwhelmed and I cannot take it any longer.