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
55000 KES ($457 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?
I don't have any new goals and currently, my focus is on completing the goals that I had earlier like providing quality education for the kids. Furthermore, the business is yet to be stable so boosting it once I get money is the priority now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Giving non-refundable cash transfers to the poor households in our community is what the organization did well. Additionally, the field officers provided relevant training on how to keep our cash safe which has gone along in ensuring the security of the transfer from mobile money fraudsters. Nowadays, I am glad to have the necessary skills on using mobile money safely.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Renovating our shelter to a permanent one is the greatest ambition. Before, I had to constantly do maintenance since its mad walls were washed down during the rainy season. I spent KES 15,000 to purchase 10 tonnes of building stones for replacing the mad walls with cement and stones so that our house may be more permanent. The holes on the walls were affecting our health conditions since we were constantly diagnosed with cold-related illnesses, especially my small child. Additionally, I set aside KES 20,000 for labor charges. At the moment, were are happy that we reside in a decent house. Moreover, I used KES 10,000 to support the educational needs of my 2 children who had huge fee balances. Lastly, I spent KES 5,000 to boost the fried fish business by purchasing more fish stock.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Having a new business running and just attending a funeral for my grandmother, getting an MPESA buzz on my phone came as a great relief. I could not hold my joy and I actually had to withdraw the amount received the same day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds played a huge role whereby I was able to start a new business from an idea I had ensuring I boost the daily and monthly income to support my family and I.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
A goal I have been having, has been to enhance the general outlook of my house and GiveDirectly played played major role in advancing me KES 55000 which I set aside KES 20000 to buy building stones. Being a self taught farmer, I was able to purchase a cow at KES 20000 which I rear and take care of. I was also able to set up a new business prospect of selling omena at KES 3000 ensuring a flowing income to support my family. An additional KES 6000 was set aside to pay up the school fees balance for my two kids ensuring they do not miss any lessons and they are able to keep themselves on tabs. The remaining amount of KES 6000 was set aside to purchase food supplements for daily use.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Keeping livestock has always been my dream since I got married because they give good returns. I halted the pursuit of rearing livestock because I did not have enough money to put it to action. My husband promised to help me with the plan but until he finishes building for me a house that is halfway to completion I will have to wait. These transfers will enable me to boost my husband with the house project. I will support him with 30,000 KES for the crib, put 40,000 KES aside for my project and save the rest for my children's school fees and food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In Dec, my husband who lives and works in Mombasa sent me some money to buy Christmas clothes for our children. Seeing them joyful because of the clothes brought happiness to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest challenge that I currently face. I went to look for logs in the forest so I can burn charcoal for sale and get some money for my children's school fees arrears of 3000 KES and food because that's what is stressing me at the moment.
