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 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking at my life now, there is really a great difference with if I had never received the transfers. The subsistence and the livestock farming I have ventured in, the new house I constructed, and the cleared school fees for my children would not have happened without the support from the transfers we received. At least my children are now getting ample time to study in school and back home they are assured of a healthy hearty meal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by allowing all the recipients to spend their transfers in any way they would choose. This freedom was really amazing since it gave us a chance to at least take a risk in whatever venture we would think of.
It was my feeling also that, unmarried youths who were still in the hands of their parents would be included as the recipients too so that they could start their own projects for their future households.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
On receiving the second transfer, I spent the first 45000 KES on buying a good breed of a dairy cow. This was to serve the consistent problem of buying milk which we had lived with for a very long time. With the remaining amount, we decided to spend on paying school fees for our children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I no longer feel the cold while sleeping. The house is now warmer. I also have some furniture for my visitors to sit on when they come visiting. I no longer shy away from welcoming them in my house. I am also a proud owner of a sheep and this has really really made me happier as I am now equal to my neighbours
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received transfers from Give Directly, I was filled with joy because I didn't have any cash at my disposal and I had a lot in mind to fulfil. I am a widow and so everything is on me. I am now more happier since I am soon improving my home
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received to purchase ceiling board and some timber for my house. Since I constructed it, I had not put up the ceiling because of strained resources. I also bought some materials to seal the walls because there was a lot of cold which was penetrating between the pieces of timber. I also bought some furniture because I didn't have any. The remaining amount I spent it to purchase a sheep and on foodstuff which will last me for a while.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live with my four grandchildren. Their mother left them under my care while she goes to seek a job.As a result,I am tasked with providing for them.I do not have any form of employment and only depend on my small piece of farm to provide food enough for all of us.This is sometimes difficult and I normally wish I could buy a dairy cow so that income from the sale of milk could supplement my farm produce.This is no longer going to be a dream for me because receiving this money means that I can finally own a dairy cow.With that,I can sell milk as well as have some to feed the children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As soon as I wake up,prepare breakfast and clean up my small house,I leave for my small farm.I am a small scale farmer and I plant maize and beans both for consumption and sale.While in the farm,I engage in my farming activities till midday when I come back to prepare lunch for my grandchildren before they arrive from School.When they arrive,we all share a meal as they talk about their school activities.Seeing them happy and knowing the fact that I have provided for them for the day makes me very happy.This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
One of my grandchildren is in secondary.Her school fees as well as all the other needs are all on me.With no source of income,it has always been very difficult for me to raise these funds and sometimes I resort to borrowing from neighbours.Having to meet all their needs at my age is the biggest hardship I have faced
