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 ($538 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?
My life is different is because I used the money to buy a new window grill and a new door for all my rooms in the house. Whenever I leave the house I make sure that I lock all the rooms before I leave unlike before when one could easily just walk in and get access to the entire house with so much ease. Apart from that, I built a new toilet structure which now gives the family the freedom to attend to nature call at any given time as opposed to how we used to do it previously when we could only do it during night hours when no one is watching.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think that one positive thing that the organization does is to help people change their lives to a great extent. different people embarked on different projects which probably they would have never achieved were it not for the cash transfers from the organization.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the cash transfers on buying building materials which I used to build a new toilet structure because initially, we used to go for calls in the bush.
I also spent some of the money in making a few repairs on my house which had started wearing out slowly. I managed to fix new window panels and a new steel door which I already fixed on my door.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time 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 managed to build a latrine. I am glad that I do not have to go for a long distance just to look for a bush which has nowadays depleted to relieve myself. I am a happy woman who carries herself with high self-esteem because nowadays I have my own which I use easily.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt very happy. I had been sleeping and heard a message on my phone at 4:00 am. It woke me up and when I had read the message I realized the transfer was sent I felt really good and just went back on my bed but I could not sleep anymore. I was just thinking and rethinking of the things that I was going to purchase with the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on fixing windows and doors. I had no windows and had no door on my room. This really was uncomfortable especially with the Kilifi weather which is normally hot. I also built a latrine. The bushes around have been depleted and we were afraid that we could not relive ourself peacefully without being seen. I am happy that In do not have to go for long didtance just to look for bues to relieve my self. I finally paid people who prepared my parcel of land which had been my routine.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this means a big financial relief for my family. Over the years, my husband has worked as a "tuk tuk" driver in Mombasa, making good money but earning peanuts. His desire all along has been to acquire his own and so this dream is finally going to come true. A "tuk tuk goes for around 390,000 shillings and so with our savings from the SACCO, we will be able to generate enough money to buy one. We will be earning not less than 3,000 shillings per day and so I am positive that the income will be sufficient to cater for my family needs but most importantly, help me seek for proper treatment for my kidney condition.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon marks the happiest part of my day because for the better part of the morning, I am normally engaged in household chores. Since I am sickly, these tasks wear me out a lot but I have no option. However, by afternoon I normally have time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is financial instability. I have a kidney condition that is worsening by day because I am unable to seek proper medical attention. I do not have a job and my husband's income as a "tuk tuk" driver is also not reliable because he is laid off often times. I have lived in unbearable pain and only wish I can get through with this.
