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 ($396 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With our house complete, I am resolved to continue laboring on people's farms, combining my efforts with the modest support from my daughter. With perseverance, I aim to complete the construction of the 2 roomed rental house in the plot that I bought so that it can become the beacon of financial stability for our family. This ignites a sense of hope within me, knowing that it will sustain us in the years to come Most importantly, it ensured that my grandchildren's education remains uninterrupted, shielding them from worries about school fees and related expenses
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's impact is truly remarkable, and I find myself deeply grateful for their unwavering support. Their approach, characterized by direct cash transfers has proven to be effective in addressing the immediate needs of individuals and families. I have full confidence in their methods and hope they continue their invaluable work unchanged
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I reside in a small house with my 3 grandchildren, all attending school. This humble dwelling has posed considerable challenges as it has collapsed twice already, leaving me no choice but to prop it up as best I can, given my financial constraints. I therefore used $300 of the 2nd transfer from GiveDirectly to construct a 2 roomed house for us. While it's not yet complete, witnessing its progress fills us with hope and joy as we eagerly anticipate the comfort of sleeping in a warm and dry place during the rainy season unlike before when we endured the discomfort of a leaking roof and cold. I then spent $120 to clear a school fees debt for my grandchildren who had been sent home from school and were not to return until the debt was cleared. Resolving this issue ensured their return to school, allowing them to resume their studies without interruption. Lastly, I spent $90 of the remaining transfer towards settling a debt for a plot of land I had acquired earlier with the intentions of setting up rental houses that would help us in future. I am so grateful for GiveDirectly because my lost hope for the future of my family has been revived.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($338 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On a round mid-morning, while engrossed in household chores at home, I was interrupted by a message tune on my phone. Unable to read, I sought the help of my trusted helper to unveil the message's content. To my delight, he revealed that the promised cash transfer from GiveDirectly had been deposited into my account. The sheer joy that surged through me was exceptional, especially as it marked my first experience of receiving a substantial sum of $550, a significant leap from my previous highest amount of $200. Overwhelmed with happiness, I couldn't contain my excitement and erupted into ululations, grateful for the unexpected blessing that brightened my day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in constant fear due to a leaking roof that seemed like it could collapse anytime was a tough reality for me. However, after receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to take a significant step towards a safer life. I used the money to renovate the roof, making it strong enough to withstand heavy rainfall. The transformation not only fixed the physical structure but also brought peace of mind. Now, I can go about my daily life without the worry of my house falling apart, knowing that I am safe and secure in my own home. The support from GiveDirectly has truly changed my life for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in the future by using $70 to buy two goats. It felt like a smart move, considering they could provide a source of income down the line. With the rainy season approaching, and my house's leaky roof causing problems, I spent $154 on 14 pieces of iron sheets. I hired a roofing expert for $40, and now my home is better equipped to withstand the rain.
Since my only son is the breadwinner of the family, working as a casual laborer, I used a portion of the money to buy a sack of maize, ensuring that there is always food at home. It brings me peace of mind knowing that our basic needs are met. Additionally, I set aside a small amount in savings for any unexpected emergencies that may arise, creating a sense of security for my family's future.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a widow living with my five grandchildren in a two room house with grass roof with a mud wall. The house is semipermanent and I fear it will collapse when it rains heavily. I do casual jobs though not hard activities due to my age making approximately $20 per month which caters for food only. I lack the capacity to build a spacious house for the family. I will use $800 to build a three room house to accommodate the family and also have a room for visitors. I will also use $300 to buy ten goats as an investment. This will help me in future Incase of an emergency.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mother has been sick for the last two year and she died in July this year . Being the first born her sickness really affected me because I was by her side always. I am still recovering from the loss but I am happy that health is good together with the rest of the family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Housing is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am a widow living with my grandchildren in a two room house with grass roof and it leaks during rain season. The house has a wall mud which is not stable and I fear it can collapse anytime it rains heavily. This has affected me psychological because I always think of how and when I will get a better house for the family.
