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 ($528 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am a business woman who sell eggs for a living and my meager income has been the standing block to accomplish the dream of owning a permanent house. This is because I have to take care of seven members in my household since my spouse is disabled , therefore,most the of the money did cater for household expenditures. Truly speaking ; the money I received from GiveDirectly has brought a bigger change in my life since I have managed to construct a spacious permanent house as compare to the squeezed small one. We are now leaving happily as a family with family gathering more often nowadays.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly giving money to my community members that changed the living standards of the poor was very fantastic and memorable. Secondly, the fact that they were vigilant with occurrence of frauds and family conflict cases which might be attributed with the transfer. The organization went an extra mile to sensitize the community as a mitigation measure.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to build a new house . I am happy I can enjoy the comfort of my home with my family members to the courtesy of GiveDirectly. I also bought a small ox with the remaining amount that shall be of importance in cultivating my farm in the near future .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
With the growing size of my family, there was a need to build a more spacious house that would accommodate us comfortably. Also, as my children grow old as time passes by, they're supposed to have their separate room from ours. This is why building a spacious house for my family had been my plan that I had not been able to achieve due to overwhelming family needs. My transfers came in handy as it enabled me to achieve this. I am now glad since very soon, we will all enjoy our privacy and children will not be forced to start seeking shelter at my neighbor's house. Being able to achieve this is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 am when I realized that GiveDirectly had sent me some money after reading a message that I had received. I became so happy as I stared at the Mpesa message on my phone. I felt that I already started building a house.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I spent some of it to build a spacious and decent house for my family. I bought all the necessary building materials and also paid a mason for this work. I settled on this since the house we were living in was grass thatched and small. With the growing size of my family, there was a need to build another house so that we would have our privacy as parents. I spent the remaining amount to buy one sack of maize and some decent second-hand clothes for my family. I am now glad since my family has these clothes that they can wear when going to church.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I heard that GiveDirectly was coming to our village,I was elated and thought that God has finally answered my prayer.I have been wondering how long my growing family will keep living in this small hut because we have no money to build a better house.This money has given me an opportunity to change this and I am so grateful.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.It is at this time that my children who have been away in school all day return home as well as my spouse from his shoe-repair business.Having my whole family together makes me happy because despite all the challenges we face day in day out,we still have each other.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Last year,my husband fell very ill.We visited several hospitals where he was diagnosed with stomach ulcers and every time he stopped medication it recurred.He was admitted in hospital severally and with the high costs of medical services in this country,this eventually left us to poverty.We resorted to selling a few assets,holding a fundraising as well as borrowing from relatives.All the other needs of the family suffered too because he is the breadwinner.As a result,I was forced to work in people's farms to fend for our young children while at the same time taking care of him.This is the biggest hardship I have faced.
