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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm filled with optimism after acquiring the Gala goat species, confident that their reputation for faster reproduction will work in my favor. The plan is to meticulously take care of them, providing the ideal conditions for their growth and expansion. It's not just about the present herd; it's about nurturing a potential business that could flourish into something substantial. The dream extends beyond goats, as success in the Gala goat venture could pave the way for venturing into sheep farming. The idea of creating a diversified livestock business is a financial strategy with a vision for the future. It's about building a sustainable and thriving enterprise that goes beyond meeting immediate needs. This journey, catalyzed by the transfers from GiveDirectly, feels like the beginning of a transformative chapter. The Gala goats are more than just livestock; they represent the potential for a flourishing business that aligns with my aspirations. The dream of expanding into sheep farming is a testament to the belief that with careful nurturing and strategic planning, the possibilities are boundless.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been more than financial assistance; it's felt like a deep understanding of my struggles. With the transfers, I made a pivotal move—I managed to pay for my children's school fees. The relief and joy that come with seeing them continue their education at the university are beyond words. It's not just a present accomplishment; it's a profound investment in their future, a source of calmness and genuine hope. Beyond education, the support allowed me to diversify into different species of goats. This isn't just about livestock; it's a celebrated step towards prosperity. Each goat represents a potential for growth, sustainability, and perhaps, a future thriving business. It feels like a tangible result of the support I received, turning financial assistance into opportunities that go beyond immediate needs. The journey with GiveDirectly has become a story of empowerment, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. It's not just about the assistance they provided; it's about the doors it opened and the steps taken towards a more secure and prosperous life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Securing six female Gala goats for $450 is a significant achievement and a testament to the transformative impact of the transfers I received. It's important to note that these Gala goats are different from our usual breed, chosen for specific advantages. Their potential for enhanced milk production, heavier weight, and faster reproduction as compared to our usual breed make them a strategic and valuable investment. Prior to these transfers, the funds from my casual job weren't sufficient to realize this desire. But now, with the transfers from GiveDirectly, that dream has become a reality. Gratitude fills my heart because these Gala goats represent not just livestock but a pathway to improved sustainability and income generation. It's more than a transaction; it's a story of overcoming financial limitations and turning aspirations into tangible progress. The Gala goats, now part of our home, symbolize a change in the herd and a shift in possibilities and opportunities that were once out of reach.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($312 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?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my objective is to enhance and expand my goat rearing project. My plan is to upgrade the breed to galla goats, which are known for their profitability. To turn this dream into reality, I intend to make use of my third transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The aid provided by GiveDirectly has deeply and positively influenced our standard of living, resulting in a remarkable and meaningful shift. The field officers were both accessible and amicable. The program's unrestricted approach enabled us to allocate the funds based on our individual requirements, without any limitations, and we are profoundly appreciative of the positive impact it has brought to our lives. From my perspective, I have not identified any flaws in the program's execution.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving financial assistance from GiveDirectly, my husband and I promptly decided to allocate the funds towards addressing our most pressing needs. Foremost among these priorities was settling our son's college tuition fees, for which we dedicated $200. Additionally, I invested $200 in purchasing improved-breed goats, and I further directed the remaining $50 towards acquiring a water tank that I use for irrigating my garden. As both teachers with four children, my husband and I are deeply appreciative of the support that has brought about significant transformation within a short period. This change was previously challenging to achieve due to family responsibilities.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($142 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was filled with joy when I received the transfers while on duty. I am a teacher by profession, and having three children for whom I must pay school fees is no laughing matter, even though the amount I am paid does not allow me to do so, so I usually have to do something extra to get money so that I may run financial responsibilities at home.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have a passion for apple mangoes and already have more than ten trees in my compound; the water tank has been quite helpful in this, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making it possible for me to have it. I am confident that I will be able to run my financial responsibilities smoothly and without strain in a few months because apple mangoes grow well in arid areas like ours and have a readily available market because they do not have much fiber compared to other types of mangoes. I am overjoyed to see my heart's desires becoming a reality, and I am confident that I will thrive in our harsh environment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was fortunate to only have $100 in arrears in school fees from all of my children, which I paid so as not to disrupt their daily routine at school. As a teacher, I would want the best for them, so this had to be my top focus. I took $100 and paid my monthly installments for the water tank that I had borrowed. It feels great to have the water tank since it allows me to collect rainwater and utilize it to irrigate my land. And if it doesn't rain, I won't have to walk long distances to collect water.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since we plan to start a fruit project on our family farm, the transfers will be of great assistance. We have been able to purchase three water tanks of about 13000 liters and with the transfers, we plan to add one more. This will ensure that we have enough water for irrigation. Additionally, we plan to purchase gutters which will assist in fetching the rainwater from our roof. To be able to attain this we plan to use about $300 of the transfers. For the remaining transfers, we plan to pay for our children's school fees. We have two children Boniface and Brian who are in different colleges. The transfers will ease our work a lot and we thank God for GiveDirectly and the hope they have brought us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though there are a lot of challenges, in the past six months one thing that has led to my happiness is my son Festus who graduated from Pwani University. It delighted me so much because I could see the fruits of my labor and the success he has attained despite the money challenges I have faced in the past.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The major challenge we are faced with at the moment is the increase in the cost of living and the prolonged drought. In the past year we were able to purchase a generator with the intention of doing irrigation on our farm but because of the drought water levels went down and we could not do it. In addition to this, the high cost of petrol made it impossible for us to afford to fuel the generator and we ended up leaving our farming project. In addition to this, there are livestock diseases that have affected livestock with no cure. This has led to some of our goats dying which has affected our livelihood greatly.