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 ($421 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, I aspire to launch irrigation farming in Galana, a fertile area near the river. My initial goal is to cultivate maize crops for sale, leveraging the proximity to water to ensure a steady yield and income. I plan to start small, investing carefully to build up my farming operations. As I gain experience and resources, my next step will be to purchase a plot of land in Galana. Owning my piece of land will not only secure my farming future but also eliminate the uncertainty of leasing. This strategic progression will empower me to expand my agricultural activities, increase productivity, and ultimately achieve financial stability for myself and my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has excelled in its direct approach to humanitarianism by avoiding intermediaries and delivering aid directly to recipients. This method ensures that the maximum amount of funds reaches those targeted without unnecessary delays. By operating efficiently and transparently, GiveDirectly has built trust with recipients alike, showcasing the impact of each contribution in real time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a retired civil servant, now focused on poultry and goat keeping to support my family of seven children. Recently, I received a second transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly, and I carefully allocated this money to address our immediate needs and improve our living conditions. First and foremost, I used $150 to pay college fees for my son. Education is crucial, and supporting my children's studies is a top priority for me.
Following that, I faced a pressing issue when my toilet was damaged during the heavy rains last season. With $250 from the transfer, I promptly constructed a new toilet. Having a functional toilet is not just about convenience but also about health and dignity for my family. With $100, I ensured we had enough food to sustain us, allowing me to concentrate on developing our poultry and goat farming. The remaining $47 was wisely spent on household items that were needed, ensuring our home was comfortable and functional.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($416 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am a retired civil servant and I usually spend my time taking care of my livestock in the grazing fields. While I was in the field late in the evening, I received a message on my phone and I was curious to know who could have sent me a message at that time. When I read the message, I couldn't contain the joy that I felt when I learnt that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I couldn't wait to share the news with my wife as I gathered my livestock and headed home. My son was almost prevented from graduating after completing his studies because I couldn't clear the fee arrears that he had. However, with this transfer, I was assured of his graduation.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My son had completed his procurement course and was about to graduate, but he had a large outstanding fee that I couldn't pay using my own resources. He was almost blocked from graduating, despite it being a big achievement for him after studying for three years. I was hoping to get some help so that I could help him to finally complete his course. Missing graduation would mean he would have to wait another year to graduate. I am happy to say that I was able to pay off the fees, and my son is now free to graduate. Additionally, I now have a business selling sardines in my village, which has become my only income source. I didn't have any source of income before, just relying on subsistence farming and looking after livestock as a retired civil servant. I currently earn $10 in profits every week from this business. This has empowered me to take care of my family's basic needs such as food and other needs, which I am no longer struggling with.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a retired civil servant currently living in the village where I engage mainly in subsistence farming and also take care of animals. I have always dreamed of starting a business of selling vegetables and sardines so that I could earn an income. Relying on subsistence farming alone was not enough, and my goal was to have a business that would ensure I could comfortably take care of my household's basic needs, such as food. When I received the first transfer, I spent around $100 on buying a sack of sardines which I now sell in the village. This business has brought in weekly profits of about $10, making it easier for me to provide for my family. Previously, I did not have a source of income, and I am happy that I have a reliable income stream. I also used some of the funds to pay off a debt of $300 in college fees for my son who is currently studying procurement. He was almost prevented from graduating due to the outstanding fee arrears, which I was not able to pay on time. I am glad that I cleared the fees, and he is now awaiting graduation soon. I also spent $120 on new household utensils since the ones we were using were frequently breaking due to years of use. This has improved the quality of life in my household because I am now using new utensils for our daily activities. Lastly, I used the remaining funds to buy foodstuffs such as maize flour in bulk, ensuring that my family does not lack food. We now have enough provisions that can last us for more than a month.
Enrolled
access_time 9 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a retired civil servant and I currently depends on farming for survival. I have the passion to do agribusiness but due to the drought in our area it is impossible. However,I have decided to go to irrigation along the Galana river but the only challenge is funds. I will use $300 to lease one acre and buy farm inputs to do irrigation at Galana river. The produce will be for consumption and for business. I intend to make approximately $50 per month as profit. I will also use $240 to buy three goats as an investment. This is also away of get sustainable income for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every parent wishes to find their family living in harmony and have cohesion. I have been advocating for unit in my family and for over ten years now my family is united and this brings happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Reliable source of income is the challenge I am facing in life. I do subsistence farming for food but due to the climate change we have been under drought for the past three years. So we now depends on the support from children.