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
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Since I am earning a better income compered to when I was employed, my goal this year and beyond is to invest in dairy farming and build a better house for my family. Accomplishing this means increase in income and better living standard for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has lifted lives of so many people in the village and community at large. The change is very visible because, people who had grass thatched house have houses roofed with iron sheets, people have invested in small business and dairy farming and this means that in a few years time, the people who were empowered will be able to empower others. Keep up with the fantastic work that you are doing to communities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the longest time, I was employed in a timber cutting firm where I didn't earn enough money to give my family a better life that they deserve. My long time dream was to buy my own timber cutting machine so that I could become self employed and earn a better income but I was not in a position to buy the machine. When I was enrolled in the program, I was so happy because I knew that I was just some few miles from achieving my dream. I saved my first transfer because it was not enough to purchase the machine and with my second transfer, I added $350 and I bought the machine.I spend the balance to buy more stock to a business that my wife operates. I am grateful that I am now self employed,earnings a better income, and I am able to give my family the best that I can. All this would not have been possible were it not for the transfers. I am forever grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I can vividly recall that It was a busy day like any other at the shop. I was attending to a customer and he was using the mobile app in paying for the good that he had bought. When I Picked up my phone to confirm if the transaction was successful, I realised that I had a text message showing that I had received money from Segovia technology. I could not believe my eyes, I went ahead and checked the account balance which confirmed that indeed I had received the KES 55,000. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I then called my wife and broke the good news to her and she was equally happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Expanding my business is the most significant thing in my daily business. This is because I was able to stock up on more goods with the support that I got. I am optimistic that this would attract more income daily. I was unable to boost my business at once because of other family responsibilities that needed my attention. I am grateful for the financial support that gave us financial freedom.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am married and blessed with two children. I am a businessman and I own a retail shop at a shopping centre. The moment I received my transfer, I thought of buying more goods for my business to attract more income. This was a perfect way of putting this money into good use. Therefore, my wife and I agreed on using KES 40,000 in buying more things for our business. I was unable to stock more stock due to financial constraints and other responsibilities. I then used the remaining amount on foodstuffs and other household items. I am forever grateful for the financial boost that lifted my business highly.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been employed as a power saw operator for the last 1-year and I must say I love the job already. My job is to cut timber frames of different sizes and I have customers who call me daily. The daily profit that I give to my employer is KES 4000 after removing the cost of buying fuel. I feel that this is a lucrative business and I desire to buy my power saw. A brand new power saw costs KES 85,000 and raising that amount has been an impossibility for me because I have a family to feed. I earn KES 600 from my job per day and this money caters for food and other basic needs like clothing. I am happy that GiveDirectly has enrolled me today and I know my dream will soon be a reality. Receiving this money will enable me to buy my own power saw which will make me a self employed person
What is the happiest part of your day?
There is a project in this village that is funded by the World Bank where everybody is going to be connected to electricity. Last month an electric pole was fixed right outside my house an indication that I am one of the beneficiaries. I am happy that finally my house will be lit and my children will never be in darkness again.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a decent house for my family is the biggest challenge that I face at the moment. I live in a single grass-thatched house that serves as a bedroom at the same time kitchen. My wife uses firewood to cook and you can imagine the smoke that emanates from the fireplace. I cannot enjoy sleep after a tiresome day due to irritation caused by the smoke. I feel ashamed whenever I get visitors because the only place they can get a place to sit is under a tree.
