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 ($418 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer of nine goats worthy of $360. For so many years, I have been yearning to at least own one but because of financial constraints, I could not afford them. I, therefore settled for the goats because the climatic condition of my village is favourable for them to thrive so well. To add to that, they normally reproduce twice a year. I expect that once they increase in number, I will therefore sell the offspring and cater for my family's basic needs or any kind of financial emergency that might arise. Therefore having this goat feels like a relief to me because I will achieve a lot. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying foodstuffs and decent clothes to replace the old ones. I now feel great since it has never been easy at being a widow at my age. I will be thankful to God for bringing GiveDirectly into my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly has done so well in the entire community by ensuring that they visited every household. Also, I liked the fact that the officers made a follow-up to confirm whether the money was well received. This portrayed how the organisation cared about its beneficiaries. Therefore, in my opinion, I do not see anything that needs to be changed.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am planning to build a new spacious house very soon. This is because the previous one is not that stable besides being small. Therefore having this house will make me not worry again about the poor weather and insecurities. For now, I live in fear that someday the house will collapse.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 40000 on buying twelve goats because I know that they will multiply and increase in numbers, and since they are quite a number already, I will still remain with a lot more in the future when I sell some to address the financial challenges I will be facing. I also spent KES 4000 on buying a better door for my house because it didn't have one before and it was very insecure and unsafe for our household items, which used to make me so worried and stressed. Therefore, I am so grateful now that my house has a door and my items are safe. All thanks to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I was able to get the things that I had always desired and wanted so much to have, especially the livestock and the door for my house. We also have food regularly, which is something that was not as possible before. I am so happy and grateful.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the text message confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly in the morning. I felt so good when I got the money because I knew I was going to get the things that I had desired for so long, especially livestock.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At my age of 64 years, charcoal vending remains to be the only source of income that I depend on. This job is very tiresome and I frequently complain of body pain. Since I am not energetic enough, the much I can earn from this job is only 1000 KES per month, and this cannot fully cater to my very basic needs like food, nice beddings and clothing. Hence, I consider financial instability as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because at this moment, I usually find enough time to relax on my bed. This is after when I have had my dinner, which re-energizes me most. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I get engaged in some tasks like charcoal burning that drain my energy.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better health to myself because I will be able to seek proper medication from a referral hospital. It has been 9 years now since I suffer from eye problem but due to lack of funds, I have not been able to get treatment. I therefore, intend to spend 30000 KES to ensure my eyes get treated. Part of my transfers (30000 KES) will help me to buy 10 goats that will act as my store of wealth and the remaining amount will cater to my other basic needs like food, clothing and nice beddings.
