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 ($431 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 hope to start a retail shop business that will be operated by my daughter since I am old and illiterate. Therefore, once I get the capital and open the business, I will be earning an income, which I will use to meet my family's basic needs. Also, paying fees for my daughter will no longer be a challenge.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In opinion my In my opinion, GiveDirectly is quite a unique organization. This is because the idea of giving out money to its beneficiaries has never happened with the previous NGOs. Through that, however, it has improved the living standards of the individuals in my village. Therefore, I can't single out anything that the organization did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer installing a tap water system in my compound. For so many years, I have been fetching water from my neighbors, which is a bit far and tedious in carrying the jericans. I feel there isjerricans deal of relief since I will no longer be getting tired. I also paid the college fees for my daughter, who is pursuing a teaching course. I have always wished to see my daughter get a good education and pursue her career since I never got the chance to go to school. I am confident she will have a bright future. I also bought two goats for $60. I am now optimistic that I will become wealthier in a short period of periods will, however, be of great help to me, especially in sending my children to school. Besides, whenever an emergency occurs, I will be able to sort it out. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my three family members. Taking two meals a day has never been manageable, but I am glad that through GiveDirectly, all has changed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I was busy planting some maize seeds on the farm, I heard a message tone from my phone. Due to curiosity since that was the exact day I was expecting to receive some money from GiveDirectly, I left for home immediately to get someone to check for me. When I reached home, my helper was around. He checked and confirmed that it was true I had received the first transfer of $550. My heart cooled down in happiness and I was filled with peace knowing that, the investment promise I kept to the officer was going to pass.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
As a widow who did not have any source of income, life was tough. At some points, I had to burn charcoal for sale for survival. Currently, the table has turned in a positive direction. I started livestock investment and through it, I will be able to get some milk both for sale and for family use. This will serve my family as a source of income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had already planned how to spend the money before receiving it. I aimed to invest in livestock specifically cows. This idea came after seeing a neighbor who prospered in livestock farming. When I withdrew the money, I bought two cows for $330. As the investment slogan states, "think big, start small, start now", I opted to start the livestock journey with the two cows. Thereafter, I kept $150 for my daughter's college fees. For the remaining amount, I opted to construct a small house for my grandson who lives with me. As of now, I am very happy to see the achievement I accomplished. Starting an investment and paying college fees for my daughter is something that has given me great peace of mind.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a daughter with 2 children who separated from her husband, 1 year ago. Since she is jobless, she has desired to have dressmaking skills but due to the lack of money, this has never materialized. With this grant, I plan to support her with $320, which will combine the cost of her course as well as getting a new sewing machine. This will mean a reliable source of income to support her children to reduce the burden on me. On the other hand, I intend to invest in livestock, a project that will cost me $600, to act as my long-term investment plan. I will spend the remaining amount to buy good-quality feed for my poultry. Thus, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the financial challenge that I am currently facing, I am equally grateful to have been able to start poultry farming. Although it has not attracted profit, it is so promising and soon, I will be selling some to earn cash. This will enable me to sustain the needs of my family and hence, the reason for my happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a widow has been a big challenge for me because it comes with a lot of responsibilities. As the head of a family of 4, I am tasked to carry the burden of their misfortunes in life. Since I lack a reliable source of income, I depend on subsistence farming which is currently undependable. This means I am forced to seek help from my son but his support is limited due to the many commitments he has with his family. Hence, I consider financial constraints as my biggest concern.
