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 ($462 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before receiving the second transfer, I had already planned how I was going to utilize it. While accomplishing my set plans for the second transfer, I developed another goal that I desire to accomplish once I get some money. I aim to buy more goats and add some chicken. I prefer goats over cows because goats are drought resistant compared to cows and also they have ready markets.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Initially, I had no goats at all. Although I desired to have some goats but lack of money made me admire my neighbors'. As of now, I am a happy herder since I got my goats through the transfers I received from GiveDirectly. If it were not for this organization I would not be having the goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received and withdrew the second transfer money, due to appreciation, I constructed a house not because I did not have one but in remembrance of GiveDirectly. I also bought four goats for KES 12000.00. Thereafter, I paid school fees for my five primary school children. Since the season we were was hostile due to the drought I saved the remaining amount for the family upkeep. I would have given you the full details of how much I spent where but as of now I am away from home and all the details are in my notebook.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so happy when I got the money because I had gotten something to help me find answers and solutions to the challenges I was facing. I felt so grateful when I got the money, it made all the difference in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is the fact that I no longer do charcoal-burning instead I tend to my goats take them to where there is grass and give them water. I am no longer worried about food now because I kept some cash to cater for that. I am so happy and grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thing that took a huge chunk of my transfer were goats, which cost a total of KES15000. I decided on getting the goats because I was tired of getting up early every morning and going to the forest to look for trees to cut down in order to burn charcoal which has been my only source of income even though very unreliable because charcoal takes time to be ready and yet my children need food. It was very hard and stressful for me, therefore, getting these goats is a substitute for my charcoal-burning business. I no longer have to worry about getting up early and yet not knowing where food will come from. I also spent KES2500 and KES2280 in buying school uniforms and fees for my five children respectively, because it is my joy knowing that my children are in school and I can depend on them in the future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continued education for my children. I am a widow depending on the charcoal burning business which earns me very little KES 600 per week. I am planning to spend KES 20,000 to clear few balances for my child.I will also use part of the transfers to start a grocery for income.I will use the second transfer to take my son to a vocational training and cater for other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.This is because when I wake up I prepare my children to school and go to the forest to prepare logs for burning charcoal.I spend the whole day there and return in the evening tired. I meet with my family and share meals them.This makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is a lack of money. This is because the little return from selling charcoal is not sustainable for all the basic needs of my family. Due to this, I have been struggling to pay school fees for my children. Sometime, my children stay home and miss lessons due to fees. Something that makes me feel sad.
