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 ($299 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 coming years, my primary goal is to continue providing education for my four children: one in tertiary, one in secondary, and two in primary school. I am committed to ensuring that their school fees are paid on time, allowing them ample opportunity to focus on their studies without any disruptions. To achieve this, I plan to channel all my efforts into my farm. Currently, I have planted maize, which will not only provide sustenance for my family next year but also help us save on maize expenses. After the maize harvest, I plan to cultivate vegetables and tomatoes. I am confident that there will be a robust market for these crops in February next year. I intend to sell them to generate income specifically allocated for the children's school fees. This strategy will enable me to continue supporting their education effectively.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am immensely grateful to GD for granting us an unconditional cash transfer. This approach granted us the freedom to allocate the funds in alignment with our pressing needs and aspirations. When I consider the choices I made with the transfer, I experience a profound sense of contentment and accomplishment. Utilizing the money, I not only facilitated my child's enrollment in tertiary education but also made strategic investments with the second transfer. I acquired around twenty chickens and three goats, investments that I am confident will ensure my financial stability in the future through their reproduction. This opportunity has empowered me to plan for a more secure tomorrow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the entire $450 from the transfer to contribute to my child's tertiary education. This was her first year in university, and as is the norm, first-year students are required to pay the full amount of the fees. The total fee required was $600, so I added the remaining amount from my savings. I am incredibly delighted that my child has successfully entered university. Achieving this milestone felt like a distant dream, especially because our family relies solely on farming our one-acre land as our primary source of income. With three more children to provide for, making ends meet has always been challenging, as the income from our maize farm produce does not cover all our expenses. The financial support from the transfer played a crucial role in turning this dream into a reality, and for that, I am immensely grateful.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 USD)
access_time over 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 and beyond, my primary objective is to effectively manage and harvest the beans currently cultivated on my farm. Looking ahead, I aspire to utilize the entire acreage for planting maize, a step that holds the promise of addressing our food needs and generating an excess that can be directed towards covering school fees for my four children who are still pursuing their education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's impact has been truly remarkable, substantially altering the village's appearance and alleviating the prevailing hunger. The positive transformation, particularly for those who managed their resources thoughtfully, is a source of gratitude. The happiness derived from the new clothing and improved study conditions for my children, made possible by using the cash transfer to pay their school fees, is palpable. Given these profound improvements, I believe that no changes need to be made in GiveDirectly's approach, as it's evidently making a meaningful and positive difference.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I utilized the second transfer by acquiring new clothes for my five children, who had been putting on old and worn-out clothes, spending a total of $150. Furthermore, I spent $135 on buying three goats as part of a long-term strategy: my intention is to breed them and eventually sell their offspring to cover forthcoming expenses such as school fees and other household necessities. I incurred a $5 cost for motorbike transportation while bringing the goats home from the market. With a family consisting of 10 members and having previously allocated a portion of the initial transfer for sustenance, I supplemented it with an additional $10 worth of food that we are currently using while also replenishing our supplies. In readiness for my son's upcoming college enrollment in September, I reserved $150 to ensure a seamless transition without needing to sell any assets. I am also content that, subsequent to receiving the initial transfer, I made an investment in planting beans, anticipating a bountiful harvest in September that will contribute to financing my son's college tuition.
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 a busy caregiver and housekeeper, my daily routine is filled with numerous tasks and responsibilities. I distinctly remember the day I received my transfer, as I was completely engrossed in my work when suddenly my phone rang. Taking a moment to check the message, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. Overwhelmed with joy, I realized that this financial support would serve as a solid foundation for achieving the goals I had set. I eagerly shared the news with my husband, and his happiness matched mine. We had already made plans on how to utilize the funds, so it was a tremendous relief to know that we could now proceed as intended.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life, and I am genuinely grateful. The happiness it has bestowed upon me is immeasurable. With the funds, I was able to address most of my immediate needs, which has greatly reduced my stress levels. Furthermore, I took the opportunity to plant beans, and I hold a positive outlook that we will soon have a bountiful harvest. Additionally, I was able to stock up on enough food to ensure that neither I nor my family will go hungry. This realization fills my heart with joy and gratitude.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband dedicates his time to farming, while I work as a caregiver and housekeeper in a neighboring village. Together, we have a family of eight children and one grandchild. When I received my transfer, I made a conscious decision to allocate funds for my children's education expenses. I spent $80 on school fees, supporting my child in college and another in secondary school. Additionally, I invested $50 in planting beans, aiming for a fruitful harvest. Lastly, I utilized $70 to purchase essential food supplies. In the past, fulfilling these responsibilities seemed nearly impossible due to the financial strain caused by school fees, as our income barely covered all our needs. The support I received has truly uplifted our living standards, and I am incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means a lot to us, we have had several plans but lack of money has curtailed us from achieving them. People here practice free grazing and therefore the goats movement are not restricted sometimes they invade the farms and feed on crops. I have a farm where I plant maize and beans but it is not well fenced and sometimes the goats stay into the farm and feed on the crops leaving me staring at losses. It is against this backdrop that I intend to purchase $25 to do the whole fencing of my farm. We will use the rest of the money to purchase foodstuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Our daughter, Lucy, visited us last week and brought us gifts. We were so elated and had a good time together. She brought us sugar and wheat flour and bread. Children are a blessings and we always look forward to their visits.They bring warmth and comfort to our lives.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are a family of 7 and we are faced with numerous challenges that are insurmountable but top on the list is food insecurity. Lack of enough food has been biting and it has seriously affected us. We used to sell charcoal as a source of livelihood but at some point, the government banned the burning of charcoal and it made our lives so difficult. The situation was further worsened by the ever-increasing cost of living, the cost of 1 kg of maize flour is $0.8, which is very expensive for us, and at times we cannot afford it and we are forced to sleep on porridge. Everytime I think of it my stress level rises.