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 ($528 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
GiveDirectly has enabled me to initiate self-employment through horticultural farming. I never feel desperate and hopeless as before. I have a program for each day's activities that starts from morning to evening. The farm gives me hope for each day as I know that sooner, I will start harvesting and earning from the sales of vegetables. I could be so much frustrated without GiveDirectly transfers. I would be the the gossip of the community.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has lit the candle of hope in the lives of many people in this community. The organization does not discriminate people and works with high level of transparency, integrity and confidentiality. The mode of transfer is very safe and accurate. I have not heard of complaints from recipients about theft or any other misfortunes.
GiveDirectly has enabled people to afford more meals in a day. In this community, people thought that breakfast could only be taken in towns, but nowadays, everyone takes it. We walk strong and healthier than before.
People have built good houses, cleared fee arrears, bought livestock, mattresses and solar lightning system. The village looks like a small town at night since most people have bought a solar lighting system. People are happy. I have no observation on what GiveDirectly never did well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I have withdrawn the second transfer and spent part of it on renovating my son's house. This has improved its security and is safe to sleep in. I am no longer worried of theft cases as before. It is in proper shape, where my visitors can sleep. The stress of begging for sleeping spaces in other people's houses whenever I had visitors is solved.
I bought a water pump and a reservoir tank that I am using for irrigation. I have a prime land that borders a river. During dry seasons, there is scarcity of vegetables in this community and schools around. I hope to supply them with vegetables and this will become an additional source of income and employment for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am around 65 years old now, at my age, I can not do much especially work that needs a lot of energy. I have no one to help me much since my wife is also becoming of age and she cannot do much too. With the electric pump and the tank, resoivor makes our work easier. We can access this preciuos comodity any day,any time.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I noticed I had received the message so late, first I saw a message that I cannot remember exactly how it read and another from the service provider. At least I could read that of the service provider(Mpesa), the one I am used to. This one confirmed to me that I had received money,55000 KES from GiveDirectly. I was not sure either and I had to confirm with my account balance. That is when I became sure that GiveDireclty had sent me money. My mixed feelings immediately turned to happiness. I was, and still very happy about receiving this transfer.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
In my area, where water is a rare commodity, I have had it yes, after drilling a borehole some years back. Unfortunately, I have never managed to make it purposeful. This is because I am aged, currently I am around 65 years old, drawing water down a borehole, using a rope, is not easy. It needs a lot of energy and time, things that I do not have. I had to find a purpose for this water this time around now that I had the money to purchase an electric water pump. I bought one using the money GiveDirectly sent me. I also bought a 2000 liter reservoir container for storing this water after pumping it for future use. I have saved my wife, who is also aging not to be bending a lot in the name of drawing a lot. This water, pumped, I am also planning to use this water for irrigation and also makes me take care of the dry season when we hustle so much to get clean water.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a big initiative for poverty eradication. It will contribute towards developing me economically since I shall use it to advance my farming activities.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up strong and healthy to undertake my daily activities. I feel so happy because I am always convinced that I shall be able to provide basic needs to my family members.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I currently face is difficulty in attaining food for my family members. I also experience hardship in meeting my medication costs since I do not have a reliable sources of income.