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 ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to enroll in a Teachers Training College. Currently, I do a small business selling eggs and have been saving towards college enrollment. I look forward to having more chicken hence get more eggs to sell and get money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly did well by first sending their officers to educate us more about the company. Their after, enrolling all poor households in my village and delivering their promises. On the other hand, I do not have any complaints.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With KES 22000, I bought a 3000 liter water tank and did an installation with labor inclusive at KES 6000. For the longest time, we had been walking a long distance to fetch water which was time-consuming and strenuous. I am happy now that I can harvest water during the rainy season and it can take me for a long time. I also paid KES 12000 school fees for my primary school-going children. They now study without being sent home to collect fees. With KES 3000, I bought school uniforms and shoes since the ones they had were worn out so I had to replace them so that the children would look neat. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my four family members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was home alone that morning feeding my cows when I heard a message notification on my phone. On checking and confirming that it was indeed the transfer I had been anticipating from GiveDirectly, I was so excited that I had to call my husband immediately. He was far away though in a school he has been teaching. I just needed to share the great excitement I had. After a lengthy and happy talk on the phone, he gave me a go-ahead to start spending the money as we had planned when he was home. I made the necessary arrangements to withdraw the following day as I was sure that there could have been a bit higher traffic in the shops as many would want to withdraw that same day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the great pleasure of enjoying the availability of clean water right at my doorstep after obtaining a large water tank. After the onset of rain that is currently ongoing, the tank is currently half-full, and that has been serving me in all household chores right from the kitchen work, laundry, and also serving all the livestock needs. I am thankful that I am not spending all the time walking to and from the river anymore as the collected rainwater is just enough to serve all my household needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my family of four, I really thank God that life has not been so hard for us since the family is still young with our two kids in the lower primary. On receiving the first transfer, our priority was to obtain a water reservoir as we needed to be collecting rainwater from the roof. It has been so hard fetching water from the far-distant river especially during dry seasons. I then spent KES 31000 out of the transfer after obtaining and constructing a foundation for the 3000-liters plastic tank. I am glad that we are currently enjoying the clean rainwater and no more frequent visits to the river. With the remaining amount, I managed to pay KES 12000 school fees for my two kids and also obtained clothing and household foodstuff for the whole household.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means getting a decent house. Currently I am living in a small house which is small to accommodate me and my family. I want to build a bigger decent house which can accommodate my family and when my relatives come they will have a place to spend a night. Every time my relatives come, I am forced to look for a shelter from neighbors to accommodate them because we cannot spend in the same room. I will use ksh 50,000 to build the house and the rest of the money I will use on buying beds, beddings and furniture for the new house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day, I get time to cook dinner and enjoy with my family and go to bed happy knowing that my day has been successful and ready to face another day meaning another task.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Without a reliable source of income it has been difficult to meet the basic needs of my family. This is because my husband and I have a responsibility to provide for my family and at the same time ensure that my children get access to food, shelter and basic education. However this has not been possible because we depend on casual jobs and we get little returns.Therefore, unemployment is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.