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 ($468 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The only plan I had been having was settling my children's school fees arrears because I am the only person whom they are depending on as their dad is deceased, therefore, their education is solely my responsibility. I didn't want to spend the transfer and finish it without having settled my children's school fees arrears because they are my only hope for the future as I am to them.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe that GiveDirectly is doing everything right according to me, I got the assistance that I needed. I was able to settle my children's school fees arrears which makes me so grateful. I don't think that there's anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well or right, we are grateful for assistance we received as it actually elevated our standards of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 39000 on settling my children's school fees arrears according to the advice and suggestions given to me by the GiveDirectly Field Officer who came to enroll me into the program. They had told us that amongst the things we could consider spending the money on could be settling our children's school fees arrears and I actually agreed with that because I believe that my children are my hope for the future. I not only believe but also know for sure that with their good education, they will be able to find employment and inturn I'll be able to count on them in the future to help me address the financial challenges I will be facing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so excited to confirm the receipt of the first transfer, this brought forth the hope of clearing all the debts that had been piling for quite some time. On the enrollment period, it really sounded like a dream to be but it finally came true when I finally received it. It was all celebration as we had really anticipated the arrival of the transfer, and every other household member was also grateful for the kind aid we had received.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer is the instant clearance of school fees for all my children. Waking up every morning to see my children confidently get ready to leave for school had been motivating as I get enough time to concentrate on other projects currently unlike in the previous months when they could frequently be sent home to collect their school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my four children actively schooling at the moment, supporting them with all the required resources with the huge sum of school fees to pay had never been easier. I have twins attending the same secondary school, and the other two still in the local primary school all with unsettled financial obligations in their schools that I am yet to meet. With the first transfer, I dedicated KES20000 to clearing the previous term's areas, and KES30000 to cover the whole of the current term as each of the twins had to pay KES15000 to stay in school for the whole term. With another KES4000 of the remaining amount, I also ensured that I fulfilled the promise I had made in the local primary school where my younger kids are. Having cleared the all debts, I decided to obtain the school's stationery and foodstuff for the household with the last bit of transfer in my account. I am currently relieved, working comfortably on my farm projects as I hope to direct a huge part of the second transfer to the construction of a new house for my son who had been seeking a place to sleep in the neighborhood every night and also part of that transfer will specifically be obtaining at least a goat for each member of the household.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Financial freedom to my household is generally what receiving this money means to me. Currently, I work as a housemaid to earn $40 per month. This income is very low and it's hard for me to support my 2 children who are in high school. My plan once I receive this money is to revive my poultry farming that had been my project but it collapsed due to financial challenges. I plan to invest in this project with an initial capital of $100 and I am expecting a high profit within a short period. On the other hand, I will spend $500 to support my children's education and the remaining amount will help me to sort other household needs like food as well as constructing a small house for my son.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because this is the moment when I have ample time to relax from the day's strenuous activities at my workplace. The resting re-energizes me so much something that gives me the feeling of happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I lost my husband due to a road accident 15 years ago. Being a widow at such an early age was the most challenging experience in my life because I have gone through difficulties that I can't imagine. With my 4 children all in school, I am forced to work as a housemaid to earn a monthly payment of $40. This income is very low and it can not fully cater to our needs. Consequently, my children are sent out of school more frequently something that has affected their performance negatively. Hence, financial instability becomes the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
