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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my goal is to expand our current flock of goats. To achieve this, I plan to add one more goat to our herd, which would require an investment of $70. As an elderly individual, I am limited in my ability to engage in casual labor to earn extra income. Therefore, I will depend on my daughter, who actively participates in casual jobs, to contribute to our family's financial support. Her hard work and dedication have been an essential source of assistance, and I'm grateful for her willingness to help us thrive. Adding another goat to our flock is not just about increasing our assets; it's about ensuring a more stable future for our family. With my daughter's support and careful planning, I believe we can continue to grow and prosper, even in the face of challenges.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable assistance that GiveDirectly has provided. On a personal level, my family of three has experienced a transformative uplift. Thanks to the support we received, we have been able to acquire essential assets and have a consistent source of food on our table. This has greatly improved our quality of life and offered us newfound stability. But our story is not unique. The impact of GiveDirectly has resonated through numerous households, touching the lives of many. Countless families have been similarly uplifted by these transfers, and the positive ripple effect of this support has had a profound and lasting influence on entire communities. GiveDirectly's commitment to making a positive change is evident in the tangible improvements we have experienced. We are thankful for the organization's dedication to creating a brighter future for families like mine and for extending a helping hand when it is needed the most.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfers, I was faced with a series of crucial decisions, each carrying the weight of my family's well-being. In the face of these choices, I aimed to allocate the funds wisely to address our immediate and future needs. First, I spent $100 towards acquiring iron sheets and chain link wire to construct a goat shed. Goat rearing has been a vital source of income for us, and providing a secure shelter for our goats was essential to safeguarding our livelihood. Simultaneously, I had a pressing concern: my sick child, who was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. I spent $50 to cover the cost of her medication, ensuring that she received the necessary care and attention. With the remaining funds, I chose to prioritize one of the most basic necessities: food for my family. As a family of three, we heavily rely on goat rearing, a venture I began recently because my old age cannot allow me to fend for the family through hard jobs, and I cannot fully depend on my daughter, who is a casual laborer for a living. Today, I am grateful that I have both food on the table and assets in the form of the goat shed to secure our family's future. In the face of adversity, this support has been a ray of hope, demonstrating the profound impact that assistance can have in transforming the lives of those in need.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($308 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As I look forward to the upcoming year, my main priority is to fence my land, allowing my goats to graze freely without encroaching on other people's farms. To realize this goal, I intend to utilize my third transfer. The generous financial assistance we've received has cultivated a profound sense of gratitude within us, and I will always be thankful for it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has made a significant impact on our lives by providing us with much-needed financial assistance. All of us received the promised unrestricted cash support, which arrived during a crucial period of drought. This aid helped address our immediate needs without any requirement for repayment. Thus far, I haven't noticed any operational inefficiencies within the organization, and we are genuinely thankful for the positive change it has brought to our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the monetary assistance was undeniably a blessing, as I was well aware of the significant positive impact it would have on my life. In my old age, I am reliant on my children for support, as I no longer possess the energy to work on other people's farms. I currently live with my daughter and grandchild. When the transfer arrived, my immediate priority was to construct a latrine, as it was a necessity we had been lacking. Previously, we had no option but to relieve ourselves in the bushes. With this in mind, I spent $200 towards building a pit latrine and used the remaining amount to purchase essential foodstuffs. The joy and relief I feel knowing that I now have a proper place for personal hygiene cannot be overstated. This task was challenging before, particularly because our farm earnings barely covered our basic needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($142 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I was engrossed in household chores, my daughter surprised me with unexpected news: GiveDirectly had sent me money. I had entrusted her with the task of handling the Mpesa transaction, and a mix of disbelief and joy swept over me. It was undoubtedly the most heartening news I had received in quite a while. Filled with immense happiness, we immediately delved into discussions about how to utilize the funds. I am profoundly grateful for the support that has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Buying a goat has brought about a remarkable change in my life. This newfound development has instilled in me a sense of optimism, as it means that with the next transfer, I can further expand my goat herd. Furthermore, having an ample food supply at home has lifted a tremendous burden off my shoulders. I cannot express enough gratitude for the financial assistance we received during our time of need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In my advanced years, I rely on my daughter for support as my energy for work has waned. Unfortunately, what she provides is barely sufficient to meet all my needs. However, when GiveDirectly arrived in our village and shared the news of unconditional cash transfers, we were filled with hope for a significant improvement in our lives. With the additional funds, I made the decision to purchase a goat valued at $40. I allocated $16 towards buying essential food items. Owning a goat has always been a cherished dream of mine, but it remained out of reach until now. I am deeply grateful for this newfound opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Life has been so hard for us. It has been an uphill task putting food on the table. Living can be brutal and unforgiving at times. There are many times we have gone to bed hungry because of lack of food, other times we have had to survive on a poor diet like porridge for the whole day. I am even wondering where I will get $1 to buy maize flour for dinner. That notwithstanding nothing beats the joy we have about the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, we are so relieved and glad that the pain of food insecurity will be gone, at least for some time. We intend to use $180 to buy at least 3 bags of 90 kg maize grains that we last us for at least 6 months. We will use the rest of the money to purchase goats.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Recently we received a heavy downpour after a failed 3 seasons of rainfall. It has given us a new lease of life, new vegetation has sprouted up and our livestock can now feed well. We have also planted sorghum and millet and we are certain that the future will be better for us in terms of being food secure. Also, we had been forced to travel long distances to look for water since we could not afford to buy from the water vendors but since it rained we are able to get it from the nearby source and this has ease the difficult situation.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is a major challenge that we are facing at the moment. This was occasioned by a prolonged drought that ravaged our crops and vegetation. The aftermath of it was so devastating and as a result we have suffered untold suffering. Some of our goats could not withstand the adverse effects of drought and have since died due to lack of enough pasture and water. We have been so helpless and we have borne the greatest brunt. We have been forced to purchase foodstuff at very high prices that we sometimes cannot afford. The cost of 90 Kg used to retail at $30 but has since doubled to $60 which is very expensive. We live from hand to mouth and we have constantly lived in abject poverty. So bad is the situation that we have lived a miserable life full of destitution.