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?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer because I now have access to clean water. The transfer enabled me to acquire a water tank that I am currently using to collect rainwater for domestic use. Due to this, I no longer walk for long distances looking for clean water for use during these seasons. Also, I am a happy and contented parent because my children now have a place to sleep. This has boosted their self-esteem, and they also have enough time for their studies in the evening unlike before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by giving us unconditional transfer that we were able to use to transform our lives and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent some amount to build a house for my children. I settled on this since they used to sleep at our neighbor's house and he had just married before we received the transfer. Due to this, they had to start moving from one house to another looking for where to sleep. Also, I spent some amount to clear school fees arrears for my children in secondary school and to pay school fees for one in college so that he would be allowed to sit for his end of semester examinations. I spent the remaining amount to buy a water tank so that I can be using it to collect rainwater for domestic use.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I believe education is the key to make my children's life better thus I have to persist overwhelming needs to make sure that I pay their fee. I majorly depend on casual jobs and subsistence farming to raise an income to support ever-rising pressing family needs. I had seen myself lucky to have my children in school and colleges but raising their fees had been a big struggle for me with the limited resources I have. When I received GiveDirectly transfers, I was able to pay my children school fees. Currently, I am happy and hopeful since GiveDirectly has given me to achieve my goal. I feel my children's future is brighter than today since they have a humble time to pursue their dreams.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I realized that GiveDirectly had finally sent us the promised money early that morning. I became so happy and I took some time to give thanks to God and GiveDirectly. With the big struggle of raising my children's school fees, I felt I had been relieved of the burden. I knew I would be able to pay their fee thus give them a humble time to study.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
My children's education has always been my priority among the family needs thus I do anything possible to ensure that I pay their school fees on time. When I received my first transfer, I used the all amount in paying school fees for my children. First, I used KES 20000 to pay tuition and accommodation fees for my son in the university. Also, I took KES 20000 to pay for a driving course for one of my sons to enhance him with more skills for wider job opportunities. I used the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children in a secondary school. I am now glad since they were able to sit for their end year examinations well.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy a dairy cow.We have one already and I have always thought that if we had two,we would be able to have a better income from the sale of milk.This will in turn help especially with paying school fees for our children.My spouse is a teacher and I do not have a job.Since our family is polygamous,the needs of both households are sometimes more than his salary can meet and so we depend mostly on farming especially dairy farming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Throughout the day,I am always busy with all that needs to be done in the homestead and the farm as well.During this time,my children are at school and so is my husband hence am left all alone.In the evening,the homestead is lively once again when everyone returns.We are then able to sit together,share our experiences for the day while taking our evening meal.Being with my entire family is the most precious thing to me and this makes evening the happiest part of my day
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We have one child in university,two in colleges and two in secondary.There are also two more who are due to join secondary school next year.Their fees are always very high-much more than what my spouse's salary from his teaching job can meet.It is therefore always a challenge for us to raise this and have sometimes had to seek for donations.This is the biggest hardship I have faced
