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
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I bought a piece of land with my second transfer, I would like to build a three-roomed room on the land. I get $5 a day and from that money, I save $1 each day. I would also like to buy a cow so that I can sell milk and increase my source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
They educate us on how to withdraw money from the mobile phone and if it is difficult, they assign you a helper. They make sure everything is in order before sending the transfer. They also tell us the date they will send the money which makes us aware.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I separated from my husband seven years ago, we were blessed with five children. Before separating, he was the caregiver of the family and when we separated I was left to take care of them alone. He does not send money for upkeep and I started working at the quarry I get $4 a day which helps me buy food and pay school fees for my children. With five children the money is not enough to cater to the children's needs. Most times we take one meal a day. Receiving this money has enabled me to buy land that cost $600, and paid school fees arrear for $100.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was heading to the nearby shop to purchase foodstuffs at around 8 in the evening when I received a call from my sister alerting me that she had received her cash transfer. Without wasting time, I checked my phone only to realize that I had received mine as well. I felt so happy and went back home to share the news with my family. It was indeed a memorable night in our lives since we knew we would achieve a lot through the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being a single parent of five children, life has been so tough and sometimes I was even thinking of losing hope. Raising the singlehandedly has never been easy considering that I did not have any reliable source of income or an asset. Most of the time, my children have been skipping meals, and sometimes not attending classes as a result of the arrears. Therefore after receiving my first cash transfer, I settled for the goats which I am so positive will be of help, especially for my children's education journey. Since I did not get a chance to go to school my prayer has always been to see my children getting good education which will result in a brighter future. For now, I do not have to worry about this matter anymore because at least I have the assets which I rely on anytime.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the first cash transfer on buying three goats at KES 10500. I opted to settle for them because the climatic condition is favourable for their growth and they reproduce very fast when you compare them with other domestic animals. Later on, I purchased a bed and a mattress at KES 22000. It is now a relief to me because I have been sleeping on traditional beds for years. To add to that I cleared a bill of KES 5000 for the water company and I am glad that there is a full supply of water on my homestead. Additionally, I cleared the arrears of KES 17000 for my five children who are in primary and secondary schools respectively. With the amount of money that remained, I bought food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a single parent of five and providing them with basic needs has never been a walk in the park. My casual labour at the quarry site where I am paid 500 KES a day is not enough as the job is not always available. Upon receiving this money transfer from GiveDirectly I plan to start livestock rearing business at home because I believe they can do well in our region. This investment will go a long way in providing an alternative source of income for the family. I will spend 20000 KES on buying 6 goats.
I wish also to spend 15000 KES on building a pit latrine because I have none at the moment. It has been so embarrassing and shameful among the family members because we are forced to go to the bushes or use the neighbors' toilets. The rest of the money will be spent on buying food and paying school fees for my four children who are in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It has been my dream seeing my son complete his high school studies. This came true month ago when he successful did his final year examination. I felt very happy and proud as a parent because despite the struggle in raising the school fees through casual labour he finally made it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to the lack of reliable source of income, my family cannot afford three meals a day which has significantly affected their health. Those in school also lack school fees which has negatively affected their academic performance. I really feel bad seeing them sent home for school fees.
