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 ($517 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?
Were it not for GD, I wouldn't have managed to purchase construction materials a house for my children. The little money which I usually get from farming and casual jobs are not enough to save for constructing a house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the fact that the grant issued by Give Directly is unconditional makes it so unique. One can use the money how best they feel without restrictions and again as I have said it is a grant hence you owe no one. Saying GD has done well will be an understatement. If I were a donor then I would replicate what GD has done to our community with confidence.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my recent transfers, I bought a cow at Kes 17,000 because I had always dreamt of having one but I never knew it was coming this soon. Besides that, I also used part of the balance to purchase building materials. This has been a desire for quite some time now but I did not have the capabilities of pulling it out but now its a dream come true.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I thank GiveDirectly for choosing me as one of their beneficiaries because, through their help, I have been able to pay for my son's school fees. He had been given a notice that he would be sent home due to the huge fee arrears that had accumulated. I would not have paid the full fee had it not been for the financial support I received from GiveDirectly. Currently, he is now comfortably going on with his studies. This has given me peace of mind and even some time to prepare for the next payment. I am really grateful for this support.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had woken up to prepare for the days' activities when I heard a message notification on my phone. I was hesitant to check for a while because I knew it could probably be one of the random messages that are normally sent by our customer providers. When I later checked its contents, I was shocked to realize that my first transfer had been sent from GiveDirectly. I was so excited. I remember my high spirits were carried forward throughout the day.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 26000 on the first transfer to purchase two cows. I am hopeful that they will grow and reproduce with time. This will make me wealthier because I will be selling milk and besides, my family will also be benefiting from the milk that the cows will be producing. I have my children who are in school and I am hoping to sell the offspring in future which will make it easier for me to pay their school fees. I also bought some building materials to build a house for my son who has been sheltering in my neighbours for long. Apart from this, I also took KES 4000 to buy a new mattress. In addition to that, I also spent KES 10000 to pay for my children's school fees. I purchased foodstuffs for my family as well as paying for some other households expenses with the remaining amount of money.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Subsistence farming is my only economic activity. This means I do not have any income apart from food which is also seasonal. To cater for other needs, I depend on my husband who works as a tout. I am not comfortable in this state and I have always desired to contribute in our family income. I will therefore start a charcoal business. These goods will be ferried to Mombasa where there are many customers and they are being sold at high price. This will reduce the dependence on my spouse thus making our life smooth. Besides, I will repair my house which has a damaged wall and I am afraid it might collapse if I don't act fast.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Who wouldn't want a rest after digging a portion of land as huge as half a football pitch? This is my daily thought in the farm in the morning hours. I always look forward to afternoon where I get to rest after such a tiresome activity. Taking that nap makes it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial insufficiency is my biggest hardship. This has resulted to difficulties in educating my children. My son who is in secondary school can be sent home for up to 5 times in a single term. Despite all my efforts he closed the year with a debt of 90000 shillings. As if this is not enough, providing food and other needs is such a hustle.
