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 ($384 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?
I aim to expand my sources of income and secure a stable future for my family. With the support I received from GiveDirectly, I plan to venture into livestock farming, particularly goats. Goats are affordable to maintain, and there's a reliable market for them, which makes them a lucrative investment. By starting this venture, I hope to diversify my income streams and ensure financial stability for my family's long-term well-being. This endeavor aligns with my aspirations for growth and prosperity, and I'm eager to see it flourish in the years to come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly excels in providing direct monetary assistance to individuals in need, which has a significant impact on improving lives. Their mission of giving people the means to address their own needs empowers individuals to make decisions that are best suited to their circumstances. Overall, I wholeheartedly support GiveDirectly's mission and believe that with continued innovation and adaptation, they can further enhance the positive impact they have on communities worldwide.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before, our home was cramped and barely accommodated the four of us, along with our belongings. It was just a small, one-room mud wall house that left us feeling suffocated. Using $320 of the money I received, I was able to purchase 20 pieces of iron sheets and roofing timbers to add an extra room to our house. Now, our home feels spacious, and we no longer feel cramped or uncomfortable. The extra space has brought us immense joy and relief, and we can finally enjoy living in a more comfortable environment.
In addition to improving our living conditions, the monetary assistance also enabled us to invest in tools that have enhanced my husband's work as a welder. With $80, we were able to purchase our welding machine, eliminating the need to constantly hire one. This has allowed my husband to work more effectively and efficiently, without the stress of relying on external equipment. Furthermore, I used $150 to buy a smartphone, which has proven to be incredibly useful beyond just communication. I utilize it to download the latest welding designs and share them with my husband, enabling him to undertake unique projects and expand his skills. Overall, the support we received from GiveDirectly has not only improved our living conditions but has also empowered us to invest in our livelihoods, leading to a brighter future for our family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($359 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a regular evening, just preparing dinner for my family when my phone buzzed with a message. I couldn't believe it when I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me the promised $550. My heart swelled with joy and relief. That sum was huge for us! I could finally make real the dream of building an extra room for my kids, somewhere safe and comfortable for them to sleep. The excitement was like a fire in my chest, igniting hope and possibilities. This was a chance to make a lasting change for my family's future. I felt renewed with optimism, knowing our dreams were no longer just dreams; they were on their way to becoming real.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Life was tough before, but everything changed after that incredible moment. I'll never forget how it felt when GiveDirectly sent me the cash transfer. Building that second room for my children was a dream come true, no more sharing a room with my children; finally having some space and privacy. Additionally, the relief of not having to burn charcoal day in and day out just to put food on the table! Now, because of that money, I took a break from that backbreaking work. We have food, and it's all thanks to GiveDirectly. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I can finally breathe easy, knowing my children are comfortable and there's food to eat.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it to improve our lives. First, I focused on our home. With the old roof making us worry, I bought 30 iron sheets to renovate it and extend another room. Now, we have a safe and secure place to live, and our kids have their own space, a room they can call their own. Seeing their happiness is worth more than any amount of money. We finally have our privacy and comfort restored, a feeling I can't describe.
As a casual laborer burning and selling charcoal for a living, the thought of having enough food without the daily struggle lifted a weight off my shoulders. I purchased two sacks of maize to ensure there was plenty to eat, allowing me to take a break from the exhausting work. Additionally, I bought a bed for my children, giving them a proper place to sleep instead of the hard floor. Their smiles as they lay down in their new bed made every penny spent worth it. It feels like we're stepping into a new chapter, one where our basic needs are met, and we can focus on building a better future.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My husband Jumaa does casual jobs earning approximately $40 per month which caters for food only. He sometimes goes for a month without any job and I am just a house wife who depends on rains to do subsistence farming. Most of the time my family goes without food and this is something that makes me unhappy. There is alot of elephants in the village such that crop family is impossible. I will use $700 to buy 14 goats as an investment. This will help me have a sustainable source of income and curb the food insecurity challenges in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a mother of two children and I got my second born in May this year without any complications. I felt happy after delivery because my family increased in number.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I do subsistence farming but the challenge is wildlife conflict in the village. They destroy farm produce and that has made me to rely on my husband who does casual jobs. Sometimes the family goes without food or the food available is given to children only.