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 ($499 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?
The biggest difference in my life is that I boosted my farming with the transfers which I received from Give Directly. I now have two more cows added to my stock and this advancement has made me proud as a farmer and no longer depend on others as I can sell milk and have income which enables me to buy other family necessities.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly did well by giving us money which we would then plan for it. There was no restriction on what to spend on and more importantly, the money is not refundable.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
A large portion, I spent on buying a dairy cow for milk production. I bought one to make them two so that I would alternate serving so that we would have milk all throughout the year.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that we are currently living a happier life than before. This is because my family now has enough food and we can take three meals a day unlike before when we used to take one or two meals a day. My children are the happiest at the moment since they know that very soon, they will be sleeping at home. I am almost completing building a two-room for my family since the only part remaining is to fix the doors and windows. After this, my children will be sleeping in our current house while my spouse and I move into the newly constructed one.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was still early in the morning after waking up when I received a message notification. I became so happy and thankful to God and GiveDirectly as I read the message over and over again. I knew that my prayers had finally been answered and that I would soon have what I did been yearning for.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I spent some amount to buy some building materials to use in building a spacious house for my family. I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets, nails, timber and also paid a mason the full cost. I settled on this since we are living in a small house that cannot accommodate us comfortably. Due to this, my children have to always seek shelter from our neighbors. I have not been comfortable with this arrangement due to security reasons. Also, I bought a heifer worth KES 15000. When it reproduces, my family will get milk for consumption and for sale to earn an income. I used the remaining amount on food, utensils and other household necessities.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to buy an extra dairy cow worth $250. I only had one cow and it could not provide enough money to sustain the education of one of my children in the university. Therefore buying this cow is a store of wealth.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day involves juggling between weeding my maize farm and looking after my cattle in the afternoon. The happiest part of my day is when doing the latter because it is my main livelihood.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a semi arid region, my community is often faced with prolonged drought every year. Consequently, milk production from my livestock declines which as a result hampers food security and education of my children.
