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 ($464 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had planned on paying school fees for my son who is in the University and purchasing goats. I do not have a new goal. I am so happy because I was able to fulfill this without much struggle.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Giving money to the poor to build better houses, Paying school fees for their children in various schools and owning dairy cows is what GiveDirectly does well. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 on paying school fees for my son who was studying at the University. He was able to study well and graduated early this year. He is so happy and currently owns a degree. I am so happy because this could have been hard for me to pay on time. I used to struggle so much in getting the school fees. I spent KES 15,000 on purchasing three goats. This is an investment because goats reproduce faster and help during an emergency. The rest doe the money I spent on food and household items for my family. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($490 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just stepped out of the house and I was on my way heading to the place where I usually do my business when I heard my phone ringing in my pocket. I stopped to check what it was all about and I could not believe what I saw. I became so happy on seeing the SMS which was saying that I had received the promised amount from GiveDirectly. I continued with my journey as I kept on meditating how the transfer was going to be of great help to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has brought a very big difference in my life and that of my family. I am happy that I am now free from any debts having repaid the money that I owed my friend. I can now think of doing other things with the money that I make from my business of buying and selling milk.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the money that I got on repaying a loan that I had borrowed from a friend. I have a son who is studying in the university and he is under the self-sponsorship program. He called one time and he told me that he was going to miss sitting for his exams if he fails to pay his tuition fee. I didn't know what to do at the time and I hence decided to borrow some money from a friend so that I could send it to him. Luckily he had it and he gave it to me. I promised to return it once I get the transfer from GiveDirectly. So when I got the transfer, I decided to honor the promise. I do make some money from my business of buying and selling milk and most of the money usually goes to the payment of school fees for my children but it is not enough. The self-sponsorship program of the university is very expensive. I am however glad because the transfer helped a lot. Thank you so much GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a father my dream is to ensure all my children go through university and achieve their dreams. My children are done with school except for our last born and 1 grandchild whom we are supporting. I had to sell all my cows to educate my last born who just finished his university, but there still fee arrears of KES 70,000. This transfer will mean that he gets his certificate and finally look for an honourable job and support us in return.After paying for his fee I will use the remaining amount to purchase 2 cows and buy food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I sell milk that I collect from different vendors within the village to a nearby dairy pot every morning. Once I'm paid for my services I head back home to buy food and use the cash for other household needs. The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I get paid.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hard ship I face is sufficient capital to provide quality education to all my children. I'm a farmer who survives on selling milk produce and eggs. I had a few cows but I had to sell them to ensure my last born goes through school.
