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 ($454 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to build a decent home on the newly purchased land using the transfer from give directly, where my four children and I will reside. Currently, I do not know how much is needed to facilitate this project but I have started making some savings. So far, I have gathered KES 20,000. Soon I will look for a builder to discuss the same and he will give me the figure I would need for the project to commence. Being a widow, I am certain that this house will give me some serenity.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Honestly, I have not seen anywhere give directly has done bad. All the services I have received from them are outstanding. The organization has also helped in supporting me financially and now I can proudly say I am a 2-acre landowner. My four children are now guaranteed an inheritance and the debts I had have been settled. Back then, I was just a widow living in my parents-in-law's compound not knowing my fate and that of my children. Now, I see myself progressing and providing a better life for my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
10 years ago, when I was at home going about my normal routine, I got a call informing me that my husband never woke up from his sleep. He was the one my four kids and I depended on. But after this tragic event, I had to step up and start working. So, I bought a power saw that I rent out. The few earnings I get are what I have been using to fend for my children's needs. All through, I also had the desire to purchase land that my children would inherit. As I currently live at my parents-in-law's land which is small and I fear that it may cause conflicts when it comes to inheritance. Therefore, when I got my second transfer from give directly, I topped up the savings I had made from my previous transfer to purchase a 2-acre piece of land at KES 60,000.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening and I was at church attending an evening fellowship service when I received the text message confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy when I received the money because I knew I was going to meet my needs and address the challenges I was facing, especially settling my children's school fees arrears.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I no longer have the struggles and go through hardships as I used to before I started receiving money from GiveDirectly. I am grateful that I now have a regular source of income, and meeting my family's immediate needs is no longer a pressing challenge, all thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 35000 on buying a second hand chainsaw because that was an opportunity to as there are not many around. Therefore, this is our family business and regular source of income which will always help us meet our family's immediate needs. I am so grateful because when I get to be called by a client in need of my services, I get to earn a substantial amount of money that can keep my family going for quite some time. I am so happy and proud.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being a widow at the age of 35 years has made my life miserable. My husband died of heart attach four years ago living me with four small children.The first born is thirteen years. Having no reliable source of income, I rely on burning charcoal getting approximately 300KEE for all our family needs.I have the desire to start a kiosk business. This dream will be fulfilled once I get my first transfers.With 2000KEE, I will be able to make a profit of about 500KES a day. The business will help me provide for my family as well as paying school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Living without hope of a better tomorrow is the life I have been living. Looking at my children against what the future holds has been an ordeal that has rendered my nights sleepless.The day and time I heard of GiveDirectly coming to my village is what marked the beginning of my joyous and happiest moments of my life.This is about three weeks ago.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a reliable source of income and my four children look up to me for every support. I used to work in a hotel getting 200KES as my daily wages but since the cash could not meet half of my basic needs, I did quit the job . Currently ,I have been burning charcoal.The job is too hard to be done by women. I have for several days suffered from chest problems but without choice, am forced to go back to the same job after recovery. I have been longing to start a business but this has been like chasing after wind.
