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 ($302 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 have set a new goal to lease a piece of land for cultivation. The land I own has been unproductive because it's not close enough to the river for irrigation, which is crucial in our region due to the frequent lack of rainfall. My plan is to secure at least half an acre near the river and dedicate all my energy to cultivating maize for my family's consumption. We have been buying maize lately, and its prices have soared, making it difficult to afford. Having our source will ensure that my family does not go hungry, providing us with a sense of food security.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the GD program was executed well, ensuring every household could participate and receive a similar amount that transformed their lives. The flexibility to choose how to spend the money made the program appealing, allowing us to address our individual needs without restrictions. I take immense pride in using the transfer to provide education for my children, paying their school fees, and clearing the arrears for my son. He had been disheartened at home since 2018 because his secondary school certificate was withheld due to fee balances, hindering his tertiary education. I am genuinely overwhelmed with joy. Thank you, GD, for making a significant difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer resolved a long-standing concern for me. My son completed secondary education in 2018 but couldn't obtain his certificate due to outstanding school fees amounting to $190. With the transfer, I cleared this amount, allowing him to finally have his certificate. Witnessing him finally receive his certificate was a moment filled with joy and fulfillment. Now, our focus is on finding suitable further education opportunities for him. Additionally, I invested in the future by adding two goats worth $100 to my livestock. These animals not only provide financial security but also thrive in challenging conditions like drought. I also used $15 to purchase two plastic chairs, replacing the old ones that were prone to breaking. The remaining funds were allocated to securing food supplies for my family of five, ensuring they had ample stock.
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?
For the upcoming year and beyond, my objective is to construct a decent house. I intend to accomplish this by utilizing my third transfer. I am grateful for the assistance that has brought transformation in our lives, and I eagerly anticipate progressing further along this positive journey.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
From the outset of the program, we were treated with utmost respect and received exceptional service. The sensitization meetings provided us with a thorough comprehension of the program's goals and intentions. The entire process was conducted transparently, without any instances of deceitful behavior. In summary, I am highly content with the quality of service from the organization, and no unexpected problems arose.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon discovering that GiveDirectly would be providing me with funds, I recognized the potential for this to be the most advantageous investment for my family and myself. My livelihood relies on a combination of farming and raising goats to meet our needs. Although I am blessed with four children, my wife resides in a different location where I also own land. Consequently, I made the decision to prioritize the acquisition of four goats, aiming to multiply them for increased profits. This strategic move led me to spend $210 towards their purchase. Subsequently, I directed $100 towards school fees, and the remaining funds were dedicated to procuring food supplies, a luxury that was previously inaccessible due to financial constraints. The feelings of joy and gratitude are overwhelming as we have witnessed the assistance significantly elevate our living standards within a remarkably short timeframe.
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?
The memory of receiving the funds from GiveDirectly is etched in my mind. It happened on a bustling market day when I was out running errands. Suddenly, a neighbor urgently called me, urging me to check my phone if I had received funds GiveDirectly. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone and quickly opened my messages. There it was, a message confirming that GiveDirectly had indeed sent me money. The sheer elation that washed over me at that moment is indescribable. I knew right then and there that this financial support would pave the way for my dreams to become a reality. It brought an overwhelming sense of happiness into my life. Without wasting any time, I immediately started devising a plan to make the most of this transfer, now that I had the necessary funds to pursue my aspirations.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have experienced a profound transformation in my life. The biggest difference is that I have finally managed to clear a long-standing debt that had been weighing me down. The relief and gratitude I feel towards GiveDirectly for this cannot be overstated. Moreover, I have been able to stock up on a sufficient supply of food, which has rescued me from the hardships of hunger that I used to endure due to financial constraints. The happiness and contentment that these accomplishments have brought into my life have had a remarkable impact on my overall well-being, significantly reducing my stress levels.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my initial transfer, I made a deliberate choice to allocate the funds towards settling a long-overdue debt. The soaring inflation in our country had made it increasingly difficult for me to repay this debt. As someone who relies on poultry keeping and goat rearing for my livelihood, every penny counted. Currently, I live alone, having parted ways with my wife many years ago, and my children have all grown up. With the $50 I received from the transfer, I promptly paid off the debt that had been looming over me. Subsequently, I utilized $15 to purchase medicine for my goat, ensuring its health and well-being. Moreover, I allocated $70 to acquire a sack of maize, a crucial staple, and an additional $16 for other essential food supplies. These accomplishments have filled my heart with profound gratitude, contentment, and an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Goats can be very destructive since they feed on every vegetation and so without a proper fence, it is hard to contain them. I do maize farming and grow indigenous vegetables and so sometimes the goats stray out to my farm and feed on the food crops and therefore causing me to incur losses as well as exposing me to the agony of food insecurity. To deter them, I have always wanted to do proper fencing but I have not been able to afford a barbed wire. The transfers could not have come at a better time than this, I intend to use $ 20 to do the fencing around my farm, this will relieve me the stress of always worrying that my crops can easily be fed on.This transfers is a big enabler and I am so glad that my wishes that had remained as just a piped dream will eventually materialize.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Sometimes, last Wednesday my 2 goats gave birth. I was overjoyed since it gave birth at the right time when there is plenty of pastures after it rained recently. It means they will mature very fast and I can be able to sell them shortly and get disposable income to buy foodstuff and other household needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the major challenge that I am grappling with at the moment. We had been experiencing a prolonged period of drought due to 3 failed rainy seasons. The effects have been disastrous and have resulted in lack of enough food. The livestock has suffered a great deal because of insufficient water and pasture. I am a person of little means who depends on casual work to be able to afford a meal. Sometimes the jobs are intermittent and hard to come by and so sometimes I go to bed hungry, when I am lucky to get one it is hardly enough to buy the foodstuffs since the cost of living has risen.