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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The fact that I have the resource for buying the sewing machine and starting a tailoring business is very pleasing for me. I did not know I would get such as this time because I had tried all the ways I could even by taking a loan to buy a sewing machine but I was not successful. My dream has always been to start my own tailoring business because that is the only way I could get a good income. Now that I have the money, I will buy a sewing machine so as to start my own tailoring business. For now, I am looking for a good business premise where I will carry out the business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very much satisfied that GD gave us money to handle our needs unconditionally. Had it been an item, then I would not have been satisfied as I am now because I would not have gotten the sewing machine. I am glad GD has enabled me to achieve my goals. There is nothing GD did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I plan to spend my transfer on buying a sewing machine which I have wished for in the last year. I am a tailor by profession and since I did not get where I could exercise my knowledge, I was just at home helping with house chores. When I received the transfers, I felt like reviving my dream of buying a sewing machine. I will also use the transfer to buy a heifer so that I can get milk and sell at a cost which will also earn me an income to help me meet my family needs well and in time. It is also an investment which will boost us financially because we will also have milk in the house apart from selling. The rest I will use in clearing fees arrears for my children who are in school. I know I will be focussed on starting the business but not at the expense of my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference that I have experienced in my life is that I have found ease in the provision of daily needs especially food. Before, we could mostly take a meal in a day since the commissions that I got from working as a tailor were meager. Secondly, I am optimistic that I am going to start my own tailoring business. This is a passion that was hindered for a very long time by the fact that I was not in a position to buy a sewing machine or rent a business premise. With the transfer, I am now a proud owner of a sewing machine just waiting to set up my business premises. My gratitude goes to GiveDirectly for the financial support.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money , I was a sleep and a message alert woke me up which I confirmed its content immediately . It was a confirmatory message that GiveDirectly had sent me money .I danced out of joy praising God for the blessing He has shown unto me through GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to buying building materials such iron sheets and complete the construction of my house that I had started constructing with my savings. I bought a sewing machine, a bed, a mattress and household utensils . The remaining amount, I bought water containers for storing water in case of any shortages .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to start my own dress making shop since I have the skills. After undergoing training in 2016, I have been a casual laborer in someone's shop where gained enough experience. In 2018 this business collapse which rendered me jobless up to date. I have wished to start my own tailoring shop but I have never accomplished this desire due to insufficient financial resources. Receiving this money means realization of my dream in life since I am planning to invest $ 500 of my transfer on purchasing a sewing machine, cotton materials and also to rent the working room.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mornings are always the busy part of the day since I do all my household chores until afternoon, where I can relax and share meal with my mother in-law. I usually chat with her while eating something that gives me joy because I normally laugh a lot.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Despite having skills on dress making, I have not been able to start my own shop. This has forced me to depend on my husband in almost everything for my family's needs. I have wished to support him but this has been in vain due to lack of financial resources. This has eaten away my joy in life and therefore, lack of capital to start my business has been the biggest hardship in my life.
