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 ($526 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had started tailoring business in my village to help me meet my family's needs. It was quite challenging expanding it since I had to spend every coin I got from this business to sort out my family's needs. The business is a source of income to me and despite the challenges, my desire has been to expand it to earn higher profits. Thus when I received my first transfer, I took KES18000 to buy enough stock that would enable me to operate my business without any difficulties. This to me is an investment from which I am expecting a good income that will enable me to meet my financial needs. I am now happy that my business is doing better than before which makes it be the biggest difference in my daily life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I love how GD gave us the power to decide on our own and how the household was select in a fairway. GiveDirectly is firm and fair on it ways of doing things give equal chances to all eligible household.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I have been operating a tailoring business to sustain my family. It had not been doing so well since my family's needs have been too high for the profits to handle and remain with some to boost it When I received my first transfer, I saw it as a good opportunity to buy enough stock to boost the business. I injected KES18000 and It's now in a good state and I am expecting to get a better income. Apart from boosting my business, I also spent KES 30000 to complete my house construction I had started but came to stop when I exhausted the resources. I am happy that I now have a better decent house to call home. In addition, I spent the remaining amount to cater for daily household needs like foodstuffs and other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have never been worried about taking loans to sustain my business. Before I got the money, I used to take loans twice a month. Once the transfer was sent I have been able to take care of my needs easily without the worries on beating my deadlines to clear loans.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt very happy. It was around 5.00 am in the morning. I was already awake just making sure that my children were ready for school when I heard a message on my phone. When I checked the content and realized that the transfer was sent, I immediately told my children. They were equally happy. I knew that most of my goals were going to be accomplished.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have been sewing sweaters for over three years but what was really draining me was the fact that I was operating on loans in order for it to run. on boosting my business. When I got my first transfer, I was very happy and the first thing that I thought of was to boost my business. I am glad that I did not have to take a loan this time. Apart from that, I managed to fence my compound. This was majorly to restrain my hens from destroying my neighbor's plants on the farm. The remaining amount was spent on labor. The worker helped me split timber which I will use to build a decent house. A timber house. I am tired of this mud one since smearing it has been hectic.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a mud house and it has been a challenge maintaining it.This is due to scarcity of time to mend the walls.Mud walls require frequent repairs while most of the time I am busy working.I therefore have a plan of building a two bedroom house made of timber using the first transfer.For the second transfer I want to expand poultry farming.I will fence my compound using a wire mesh.The challenge I have had with poultry is with predators like eagles and limiting them to my compound will help a lot.I will invest the remaining money in my tailoring business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I feed the cows during the morning hours then I embark on sewing sweaters during the afternoon.The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon.This is when I am seated sewing.Although this work requires concentration,I prefer it since it does not drain me like physical work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a single mother,making ends meets is a big challenge since I am the sole provider.I am tailor specialising in sewing school uniform sweaters.My business blossoms only during peak seasons when the schools are opening.This means that most of the time I do not get enough money from it to satisfy all the basic needs.I work from my home since I find it cheaper.Renting a place to open a tailoring shop is expensive.I prefer doing it from my home as people book order .I also sell my products during market days.The little money I get has prevented me from expanding my business.My dream is buying another type of sewing machine that can make school shirts and shorts.I would also like to get enough money to rent a shop at the nearby shopping centre so that I can attract more customers.
