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 ($512 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
My husband had started making payments on a piece of land near our shopping centre but unfortunately, he passed on before completing the whole payment. With part of my first transfer together with some of the profits I had made from my clothes business which I boosted using some of that money too, I was able to complete the payment on the piece of land which is now in my name. When I received the second transfer, I constructed a modern pit latrine in that plot because I plan to put up a house there soon, so that I can stay close to the market where I do my business. Constructing a latrine is usually a tough job in this area due to the nature of the soil which makes it tough to construct a long-lasting one which is why I spent a lot of money to ensure the latrine was well constructed. This will also make it easy for me when I finally have a house within the compound because I will not have to stress about using my neighbour's toilets.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GD does best is sending money directly to an individual's phone and dealing directly with the beneficiaries without involving the government officials. Dealing directly with the recipients and not involving the corrupt village officials ensures that beneficiaries fully benefit from the project without losing what they are intended to receive. I also love the fact that the organization gives individuals the right to spend the money on whatever they choose as people have diverse needs which make the project very unique. After interacting with Give Directly as an organization from the beginning up to now, I have not recorded any negative thing about the organization as everything is well coordinated with all the employees very polite and respectful even though we as recipients should be the ones to show that.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before I received the transfers, I had a small business selling second-hand clothes which did not earn me much making it hard to provide for my family especially after the death of my husband who was the primary earner of my family. After receiving the first transfer, I boosted the clothes business by adding more stock which made it very stable and profitable. I am now able to comfortably provide for my family, all thanks to the business which has also allowed me to join three saving groups where I save some of my profits for personal projects. I am also happy that I completed paying for a piece of land my husband had not completely paid for using some of the transfers and I am now a proud owner of a piece of land that is situated at a very lucrative area in case I decide to put up rental houses. All of these have been made possible by Give Directly and I am very sure that I could not have managed to achieve all of them on my own. Thanks a lot Give Directly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($537 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used a bigger portion of the money I received from GiveDirectly to expand the clothing business I have been operating. Currently, I'm able to supply various markets which has greatly boosted my sales and maximized my profits. Through the improved income, I have been able to clear a land debt and managed to erect a fence all round the purchased piece of land where I am planning to construct a house. Currently, I'm staying in my late sister's house which is in a very bad condition and might fall on us unknowingly. It is my hope that I will soon vacate the house to escape any related hazard.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in the market carrying on with my business as usual when I received a message confirming that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy which I could only express by a smile because I didn't want to grab public attention which could have exposed me to many dangers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that I'm able to earn good money from the clothes business which I expanded with my first transfer. This has enabled me clear a debt on a piece of land which my late spouse had incurred. I have fenced it too with the income I have earned from the business. I am very hopeful that with the steps I have made, I will soon secure a safer house than the one I am currently hosted in.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life was being left a widow with four children. I had to work extra hard to cater for my family's needs like food, clothing and education. It is not an easy journey as a woman.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when doing counseling to women. I like helping others with life skills.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I am going to build my own house. I plan use my transfer in buying iron sheets, timber and pay labor for building my house.