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 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I don't have any plans at the moment, this is because I was able to achieve my major goal of acquiring a parcel of land, I feel satisfied and grateful for the great milestone that I have attained in a short period.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has empowered and transformed the lives of so many people in our village, in that 70 per cent are now living in an iron sheet roofed house compared to before where most of the houses were grass-thatched. I am grateful for the great milestone in our lives as a whole, In my opinion, Maybe in the future, GiveDirectly should consider enrolling orphans who are attached to other families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got an accident that left me handicapped I thought that my world had come to an end, but I am glad that I was able to purchase a parcel of land with my second transfer KES 30,000, I was unable to acquire one before due to physical disability. I then bought seats at KES 7000 and a mattress at KES 4000 and lastly, I bought foodstuffs and clothes for my wife and child with the remaining amount. I am grateful to be alive today to witness the unconditional transfer that has brought so much happiness in my life, my life is well transformed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
After two years of hopelessness since I was involved in an accident back in 2018, receiving a message from GiveDirectly that confirmed the receipt of KES55000 was a miracle to me. I was alone then at home as my wife had been out taking care of her sister who was admitted to the hospital. With a lot of excitement, I had to call her and share the great news that made her equally happy as she wished she was at home at that moment to celebrate with me. We had been going through a lot of struggles together as she had been working hard in most cases to vent for the family when I could not since the only work I was doing to earn some income failed after the accident.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the joy of finally becoming the rightful owner of the piece of land we had been living on after finally clearing the debt I had. I am grateful that the owner had been patient and kind to me all that long - a reason that made me honor the promise I had given him first without a second thought. I am glad that GiveDirectly gave us this great support, and I am hoping to do more with the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In 2018, I was involved in an accident that stopped all the businesses I was doing and also the great project that I was funding with my wife in the neighborhood. We had started paying for a piece of land that we needed to move into as we needed a piece of our own to construct new houses and demolish the old ones we had been living in. It was so unfortunate that this dream could not come true as soon as we had planned because the hospital bill consumed all the resources we had. I was glad that all were not lost then as the seller of the land had lots of hope on us since he still ushered us in, and gave us a go-ahead in the construction of new houses with a promise to wait till we get enough money to pay him. Such kind of generosity was unbelievable to us, and even though we started the construction, I was always worried whenever I saw him visit our household thinking that he would ask for the money. On receiving the first transfer, I had to clear the debt of KES30000 that I still owed him. I also had to settle part of the dowry at my in-laws as it had been long since I deposited as I had promised to be doing. This was also a great chance for me to obtain new clothing for my spouse, child, and also mine as we had been putting on old and tattered ones.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a young physically disabled adult whose childhood was much fulfilling because I was not disabled by then. Since I am trying to accumulate wealth and establish my family, receiving this money signifies a brighter future. Following my disability, I have been leading a substandard life and felt that I might not attain my dreams of having a happy family and acquiring substantial resources. So, when I receive this money, I will start to trade in livestock in the nearby markets. As a physically disabled person, I have never managed to raise or secure the necessary capital for running the business. To be specific, I have been having trauma and leading a pessimistic life after a tragic accident that left me without hand toes. I thank GiveDirectly for coming to my rescue when I am in dire need.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a subsistence farmer, the happiest part of my day is throughout the morning hours when I am handling some farming activities. This makes me feel like other "abled" individuals. Also, it makes me feel independent and that I can earn income through my efforts.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a young and energetic man, the biggest hardship I have faced in life is a tragic accident that left me without hand toes. I was employed as a cowboy when a chaff cutter that I was using chopped off nine of my fingers. As a result, my life turned to the worst. The pain that I experienced was excruciating, while the trauma and the post-incident occurrences have been haunting me. In brief, it has become almost impossible for me to secure any casual job unlike before. Also, getting a spouse has proven challenging since the community perceives that I am a liability who will depend on other people for survival. A lady that I had proposed to and have a child with was asked by her parents not to marry me, something that has made me feel as if I am an incomplete person. However, I thank God since I can handle some physical tasks such as plowing and managing tree nurseries.
