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
53010 KES ($347 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?
Hoping that my grandson's certificate won't be withheld after the Secondary school final exams results are announced, given he currently has no outstanding fees, my aim is to keep doing odd jobs on people's farms in order to raise money for his college education. Hopefully, in the near future, my goats will multiply and I will be able to trade them for cows and engage in more livestock farming, which will help us feed our family in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
All the processes were explained in a way that was easily understandable. I would not wish for any changes in what the organization is currently doing but to continue with their good work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Of the transfer received, I used $260 to buy supplies to build a house for my grandson whom I have been raising since his young age, and we have been sharing a one-room home. Now that he’s grown into a young man, it is inappropriate to sleep with him in the same house and this has been incredibly depressing seeing him in an uncomfortable situation and yet we could do nothing about it. He still doesn’t know that I have built him his own house and I can’t wait to see the joy on his face once I break the good news to him. This house will be my Christmas present to him and a reward for completing his secondary school education. In addition, I paid my grandson's outstanding school tuition with $100. He is currently taking his final secondary school examinations. I also bought a she goat for $40 to supplement my existing herd so they would multiply and one day be traded for cows. The rest of the money was spent on food and utilities.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($378 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember it was about 2 p.m., and I was just taking a break after having lunch, getting ready to head out to harvest my maize. My phone beeped, and I wasn't sure what it meant since I couldn't read the message. I reached out to my helper who usually helps me with these things, and with excitement, he confirmed that the money we were promised had indeed arrived. I couldn't contain my happiness; it felt like a burst of joy inside me. I indulged in happiness, something we do in our community, and I could feel the happiness radiating from me. This was the first time I had ever received such a significant amount of money, and it meant so much to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the transfer, I used to struggle to make ends meet since I am a widow. This made me venture into some tiring businesses to support the situation. I started making and selling charcoal as well as selling firewood. As of now, I am grateful for the support that I received from GiveDirectly. Since the time I received the transfer, I have never gone hungry courtesy of the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was so grateful when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With $80, I decided to invest in the future for my family. I purchased two goats, hoping that they would provide us with offspring that we could sell or trade.
Sleeping on the floor had always been uncomfortable, so I used $200 to buy two beds and two mattresses. One bed was for me, and the other was for my grandson, who helps me with everything. We used to lay down on empty sacks, but now, resting comfortably has become a luxury we truly cherish. The transformation in our sleep quality brought so much happiness to our lives.
I also decided to invest $50 into agriculture. Seeing my crops flourish fills me with joy and satisfaction. Additionally, I used another $50 to pay for school fees for my youngest son, who is in primary school. It's a relief to know that he can continue his education without interruptions. The remaining money I decided to save for any unexpected family emergencies. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives have taken a turn for the better, and our hopes for a brighter future have been reignited.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of nine members with three two being children and six grandchildren. I do casual jobs together with my two daughters earning approximately $30 per month which caters for food only. The family uses 4kg of maize flour per day. I have a grandson who was supposed to join form one this year but failed due to lack of school fees. I will use $600 to take my grandson to form one next year. I will also use $300 to buy ten goats as an investment . This will help me raise school fees for my grandsons in future. The remaining amount will help me buy beddings and two beds for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The village I am living has lacked rain for the last three years. This has caused famine and drought. On April 2023 we received rain and I did maize farming. The maize is doing well and I expect harvest at the end of July. I did farming on my three piece of land and I expect to harvest seven bags of maize each 90kg. This will last for seven months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of job is the challenge I am currently facing. I do casual jobs earning approximately $20 per month which caters for food only. This has affected me such that I have a grandson who under me failed to join form one this year due to lack of school fees.