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 ($523 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My two son were undergoing initiation and since we were living with the in the same house it was not acceptable after they had been circumcised . I built a decent timber wall house for them as a gift and it's my happiness to help through this rite of passage of their life and I felt building a house for them will show my appreciation as well . Secondly ,I am now a proud owner of a dairy cow and I can always rely on it as a future investment mostly in case of a financial crisis in my family. I am hoping that this cow will be calving soon and I will be able the save the money I would otherwise use in buying milk. All in all I am grateful to GiveDirecty for enabling me achieve this .
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well through providing to use donation that made a big difference in the living standards for most of my community members . The beneficiaries invested these money on building new house and bought livestock .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 28,000 KES of my second to buy a dairy cow . I will be able to sell the calves in future after it has reproduced for my children's education . I have gifted my two boys a timber walled house that I built with the remaining amount from GiveDirectly . For pass through the rite of passage successfully which is under going circumcision as the custom states therefore they will no longer sleep in our main house since they are grown persons .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
It had always been my prayer to build a house for my sons but I was not able to achieve this due to financial constraints. My children had always requested us to prioritize building them a house in case of a financial breakthrough. Being able to fulfill my heart's desire and that of my children is so far the biggest difference in my daily life. Even though I have not finished building it, I believe that I will be through with it by the time my children will come home for their holiday.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I still remember that it was 3.54 am when I received a message notification. On checking to know who would have sent me a message at that hour, I realized that GiveDirectly had honored their promise. I became so happy since I knew that I would be able to build a house for my children.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfers, I spent KES 20000 to pay school fees for my children. I decided to clear their school fees so that they would be able to study in school without any disturbances. I am now optimistic that I can invest the money I will be getting from the causal work I do in other income-generating activities. I used the remaining amount to buy some timber, nails, iron sheets and also paid a mason for the work of building a house for my sons. We settled on this as a family so that they will not be going to sleep their neighbor's house anymore. This usually inconveniences their studies in the evening as they would have to leave early due to security reasons.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first priority when I receive this money is completing building my house which is almost done.I will then pay school fees for my children.I have one child in secondary school and three children in primary school.My children also need a small house;single room separate from the main house since they are all grown now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The first duty after taking breakfast is feeding the cows.I then go and work in my farm till 2pm..After having lunch I do the house chores and cleanliness till late in the evening.The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am done with the day's activities.This gives me peace of mind.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a son who has a rare medical condition which I personally do not know the exact name.Whenever he falls sick the temperature rises to a very high level.This usually needs immediate attention.He also develops wounds along the throat.It has cost us a lot since we have been in and out of hospital.Sometimes we cannot afford medical fees and we are forced to use herbal medicine.The condition began at the age of 2 years.He is now 6 years old and there is little positive change.The frequency of his ilness has reduced but whenever it arises he cannot even go to school for a week or sometimes more..This has affected his studies.This has stressed me a lot as a parent but I have hope that one day he will heal completely. This is the biggest hardship I have faced in my life.
