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 ($512 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was harvesting sand for the last three years and I didn't like this job because the probability of drowning when the river bank breaks on rainy season was high . During this period, I decided to save money with an intention of owning a motorcycle ( boda boda) since it is a marketable business in my society.Give Directly's transfers came at an opportune time. I topped up my savings with the entire transfers and purchased a brand new motorbike. Today, my proceedings from this business has immensely raise my living standard and boost my asset ownership because I make 500 KES in a daily basis which caters for all this with ease. This is a huge difference Give Directly has made in my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does so well because they give support to meet beneficiaries aspirations through giving an opportunity for our communities to pull out of poverty by offering money. In addition, it provides adequate safety information for its recipients and as a result, the majority were not victims of fraud cases.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I added my second transfer onto my saving and bought a motorcycle (Boda Boda) which I personally ride to generate income that helps me sort my family's needs for instance pay school fees for my children and feeding them as well . The remaining amount I used to cultivate; prepare my farm for planting sugarcane and corns.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that currently, I own a motorbike that helps me generate steady income for my household. This was a major challenge in my household. As a casual worker, I was never guaranteed an income so at times I could walk home bare hand meaning no meal for that particular day. Ever since I started the motorbike taxi business food is a luxury in my household.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was happy and joyful. I knew that this time around I am bidding bye-bye to poverty.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
On receiving my first transfer, I was able to purchase a second-hand motorcycle. This will help me generate more income when used as a taxi than the money I have been getting before as a casual worker. The remaining amount I bought iron sheets. I am planning to build my home and be independent. This will take place once all the building, materials have been assembled most likely when I receive my second transfer from GD.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition is to built a better house that is spacious enough to accommodate my family. I am living in a leaky house that is small in size. During rainy season, it gets wet that exposes us to cold related diseases like pneumonia. My children are not able to study well in such a house which has interfered with their academic performance. Spacious house will give my children good time to do their homework and protect us from harsh weather.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. I spend most of the time scooping sand from the river. This work is very tedious and risky as there are dangerous snakes in the river. When I return home in the evening and join my family, I feel happy as we share a meal and a day's experience together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship am facing in life is lack of proper source of income. I depend on sand harvesting which is seasonal. During rainy season, the level of water in the river rises and nobody can scoop sand as there is risk of drowning. Since I have no other way of getting money, it becomes very difficult to buy food, clothes and meet medical bills for my family.
