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 ($442 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?
Yes, I have a goal. I aim to take my third born to secondary school. Three of my children completed their primary level of education in the same year. Since I had already used part of the second transfer, I was unable to take them all to secondary. Therefore I talked to them and agreed to take two. As of now, I am doing some small businesses such as making and selling charcoal to ensure the third one also joins the secondary school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
This organization uplifted and enabled me. First, it gave me an agricultural boost by getting the plowing bulls, and also they will serve as a source of income. Secondly, it boosted my confidence by enabling me to take my two children to school after completing their primary education. I am happy and grateful for the support that I received. GiveDirectly is a unique and peculiar organization to be compared to any other.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I held the second transfer into my hands, the first thing I thought of was agriculture. Therefore, I bought two plowing bulls for KES25000.00 which will aid me in land preparations for crop planting. I will also use them to make money by plowing other people's shambas if the need arises. Thereafter, I took KES 32000.00 inclusive of some amount that I had saved from the first transfer to do some shopping and take my two children to secondary school after completing their primary level.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the afternoon hours just after lunch when I received a message in my phone. Since I do not know how to read, one of my children took the phone to see what kind of a message it was so she could inform me. The message content massaged my heart. It was the first transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy for the organization for honoring their words and coming for my rescue at the exact time of need.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The main difference that I can say GiveDirectly impacted in my life is enabling me as a farmer to own ploughing bulls who will make my farming easier and at the same time having a source of income through the bulls. Since majority of the community members are relying of farming, definitely I will be earning some cash during the farming seasons by ploughing their farms using my bulls.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the money I drafted a budget. Being a subsistence farmer, I bought 2 ploughing bulls for KES 41400.00. These bulls will not only plough my farm during planting season but also will be used as a business by ploughing other farms at a fee hence generate income for the family. I also paid KES 10000.00 school fees for my 2 secondary school children so that they be retained in school for proper learning. For the remaining amount I used it in buying some food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better education for my 3 children, one had finished his secondary education, and the other two had finished their primary education. I was unable to take both for further studies because I lacked the funds to do so. I will be happy to see my children pursuing their dream courses and finishing their secondary education. I will then use the remaining amount to build a semi-permanent house that will be able to accommodate my 7 children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past five months, my child who was at the University graduated with first-class owners. I was excited to attend the graduation ceremony and on the graduation day, my son was chosen by the managing director of the Kenya Ports Authority for a 3 months contract job. This boosted my confidence in taking my children for further education knowing the future is bright with education.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have two children who have finished their university education but they are currently jobless. They still depend on me to feed them and cater to their needs. I thought after finishing their university studies they will be employed and help me, but it's been 2 years now they are still jobless. Providing for my 7 children at home has been a challenge to me. I feel ashamed not being able to cater to their basic needs. I depend on charcoal burning which is a tiresome job with less revenue than KES 1500 per week, this cannot sustain my family.
