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 ($517 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was having a plot of land and my plan was to build a rental house. This was an investment that I have been planning to do for long, but due to financial constraints, I could not execute it. When I received my second transfer, I added to my savings and purchased enough building materials that include ironsheets, building poles and paid for the labour. I was able to construct and complete five rooms which I am hoping to get some tenants soon. Through this investment, I am sure of getting a monthly rental income which besides helping for my family needs, I can as well look for other viable opportunities to invest more.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in its strategies of reaching the people who are in real poverty and changing their lives through supporting them financially. Unlike other organizations, GiveDirectly targets the household and gives freedom and choice on spending the money. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had acquired a plot of land and my plan was to build a rental house. This is a project that I have been yearning to undertake only that the major constraint was financial resources to aid me to achieve this. I had also saved some money for this purpose but was not enough. When I received my second transfer, I fulfilled what has been in my heart, by purchasing enough building materials that include ironsheets, building poles, nails and timber and also paid for the full cost. To begin with, I successfully completed five rooms which I am expecting that they will be occupied soon. I am glad that once I get tenants, then I will be getting monthly cash inflows. This investment will be a source of income since I will be getting rental income every month. I spent KES 3000 to pay for household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($540 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The fact that I was unable to clear for my sons' school fees on time made me have sleepless nights as I had been applying for bursaries and my efforts didn't bear any fruits. I am a casual labourer and my income is not enough to gather for my children's education and since Givedirectly came to us, I was able to clear the university fees and my son now has been allowed back to school. To me, this is the biggest difference the money has brought into my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification at a time which I was going through much trouble and no peace in my heart because of the huge burden of my children's education. I was happier than before and amused at how things turned good fast, and to me, it was a prayer that God had answered and I prayed that God would enable GiveDirectly to prosper to greater heights in improving peoples lives.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on paying school fees for my children, one in University and two in high school. My son who enrolled in University to pursue a course in mechanical engineering missed his final semester exams due to fee arrears and I was greatly troubled on where to get money to clear his arrears in order for him to retake his papers as I mainly depended on a bursary from our ward which is not very much reliable. Thanks to GiveDirectly since the arrears are cleared and my son is doing well in his academics and two daughters school fees arrears partly reduced. I used the remaining amount to do some shopping during the festive season of Christmas to celebrate with my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My son had to call off his studies at Technical University of Mombasa(TUM) due to lack of school fees in third year.Receiving this money means I will pay his fees of kshs 35000 for the whole year so that he can finish his studies,get a good job and live a decent life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when taking super with my family.This is normally the time to reflect on how the activities of privately offering veterinary services and farming puts food on the table for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of stable source of income which has seen my three children in the university and Secondary schools spend more time at home than in school due to lack of fees.It pains me so much to see them at home because education is the only good thing one can give to their children,yet I can not afford it for them.