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 ($527 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I started a big cosmetics shop in a nearby shopping center. For .along time, I wanted to run this business because I really believed in it. I however did not have capital to start it. I was only counting on my saving schemes in the village but his had not taken me and close to my dream. It was only with the GiveDirectly transfer that I was able to open the shop and stocked it. From the business, I get a profit of about KES 600 per day. This last transfer made the biggest difference in my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well because it helped me to move quickly to achieve my biggest dreams because they gave me cash. It would have taken me many years of saving money from my small grocery business to get to where I am now. I am so grateful for the way in which GiveDireclty delivered this aid in cash rather than in any other form.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the money I received on buying a piece of land. I was living on my parent's land all this time with my own family. This was very inconveniencing this I was not entitles to any parcel of land. Even though I have not relocated to liv on the land I bought., I am happy to won it. I had always wanted to relocate to my won piece of land. I then used some on expanding my grocery business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Ever since I received my first transfer, my life has never been the same again. This is because I was able to diversify my sources of income by opening a salon business where I not only do the hairdressing work but also sell some cosmetics. I operate the two businesses because they are all in the same locality. Having the two businesses has increased my daily income hence I have been able to meet my family needs on time. I thank GiveDirectly for enabling me to achieve this as it would not have been possible on my own.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning as I was preparing to go and buy stock for my grocery business at the market when I received a message alert on my phone. My heart was filled with happiness upon reading its contents. I knew that my aim of diversifying my sources of income would finally be fulfilled.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfers, I bought a heifer worth KES 20000. I settled on this so that when it reproduces, I will be able to get milk for our consumption and sales. This will enable me to save the money I would otherwise use in buying milk and to earn an income through milk sales. I also spent some amount on my home improvement and family welfare by buying three three-seater seats and seat cushions, one sack of maize and decent clothes for my children. As a way of making myself self-reliant, I used the remaining amount to open a salon business. I paid three months' rent, bought all the requirements and cosmetic items to sell. I settled on this because hairdressing has always been my passion. I will be using the income from this business to meet my family needs.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a business woman who deals with selling groceries.Its been two years now and I have always wanted to expand my business but it has not been possible due to lack of money.On a good day I get Ksh 500(5 USD).This makes it impossible to save enough to expand my business.With Give Directly giving me this money,I will inject Ksh 25,000(250 USD) to my business.My main aim is to start selling cereals like maize and beans.This will give me more profit.I will save more and my target is buying a piece of land from the savings.I will also use part of the transfer from Give Directly to buy a heifer(200 USD).With time I will be milking the cow and selling milk.The money will help me in taking care of the basic needs of my two children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I open my grocery business at 9 am and work till 8 pm.I enjoy my working hours since my work involves interacting with people.When I am just alone I feel stressed since I have a lot to think about.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was born in a family of 9 and it was very hard growing up.This is because my parents were just small scale farmers and what they got was not enough to sustain all our needs, moreso education.After completing my primary education I received a letter of admission to a nearby secondary school but my parents could not raise my school fees.That is where my education dreams were shattered. My parents started having domestic issues and my mother left.Its 4 years now since she left all of us.This is what prompted me to live independently and look for a means of survival.That is when I decided to start doing small businesses.I am now a single mother of two and it hasn't been easy.Providing for them is hard because I get very little from my grocery business(5 USD a day).I am sure things could be a bit better if I had continued with my studies.
