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 ($493 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?
From the great struggles I had before receiving the transfers to the current status, it is clear that the transfer made a big difference in my life. I appreciate the differences in various sectors I invested in right from the construction of a new house, obtaining a cow, settling all debts I had, and also paying school fees which would not have been possible had I not received the transfer. My children are now eating well with enough milk to use in our household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am really grateful for the impact brought about by the money I received from GiveDirectly. in my opinion, the decision to give everyone the same amount within the village was a well-thought decision which encouraged everybody to make changes in their homes. Many people were languishing in poverty and receiving such a huge amount with the freedom to decide what to spend on was the best part of the project. We were not pushed to spend on a specific idea which was a great honor that enabled us to salvage what we were almost losing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After dedicating part of my income to buying milk for such a length of time, it was a good time to invest in a good breed of cow. With the 36000KES, I secured a lactating Jersey breed from the nearby market. Since then, it has been pleasurable as we have been enjoying a sufficient supply of milk for our domestic use. With the remaining amount, I bought enough foodstuff for my family and new blotting for my children. I am are grateful for the support received and it has been all happiness seeing the steps I have taken in ensuring that I fix all I had always wished for in my household.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard neighbours saying that the transfer had arrived since I had gone to the shamba at 6am and had left my phone in the house. When I went to check my phone at around 8pm, I saw the MPESA message and my heart was filled with joy that I screamed out with joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The goats that I bought can be milked and now we can enjoy a very nice cup of tea. It was hard for me to plough my shamba at this time but with the GiveDirectly transfer, I have been able to do so and planted maize which are about to sprout.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We bought 2 goats and 4 sheep and this is the first time we are having them in our home. We also ploughed an acre of land to plant maize and bought maize seeds. We also bought a bag of maize for us to eat as a family and bought clothes for every member of the household.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my family shall have a reliable source of milk primarily for consumption. As a relatively large family that relies mainly on milk as a staple food item yet, we have no cows or a reliable source of income, getting the invaluable resource has been a tough task. Though we usually spend most of our income on purchasing milk from our neighbors, we rarely get enough amounts. Hence, owning one or two cows will be a great achievement for our family because we shall have relatively enough milk while saving our funds to be used in other developmental projects. Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a peasant farmer living in an area with unpredictable climatic conditions yet we have no other source of income, getting sufficient and quality food for my family is a tough task. As such, the happiest part of my day is in the evening when retiring to our beds when each of my family members, especially children, are well-fed. I feel like a caring and responsible parent who does everything possible to ensure we survive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the year 2018, my husband was diagnosed with pneumonia that had been badly affecting him for a long time. We greatly thank God for healing him because he is now a strong and healthy man who handles virtually all the responsibility of a father and husband. However, the ailment served as the biggest hardship we have ever faced as a family because the treatment was too expensive for us. Precisely, we used all our savings, sold all the livestock we had, and borrowed some amounts to foot the hospital bills. To date, we are still struggling to repay the debt.
