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 ($493 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?
My life is different in such a way that the transfers enabled me to purchase a piece of land. This will be for my children since I have been living in a family compound and I had no freedom over it. Also during the planting season, I had to hire those of my neighbors because the one we family one was small and unproductive. In addition to that, I also managed to build a new house on the new farm and we are leaving comfortably with my family. The previous house was for my brother-in-law and it was very small. I feel I have been born again becasue owning these precious assets feels like a dream for me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in almost all the sectors and I couldn't complain at all since I was satisfied with the whole exercise. First, the money came right on time as promised during the enrolment. Also, the cash transfers were unconditional and as the beneficiary, I was the one to decide on what to purchase. This made us have all the freedom. I do not see any sector GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer in buying an ox at KES 6500. Also, I bought building materials such as iron sheet, nails, timber and building poles. This was for the construction of two new houses for my children who are now ground ups. Previously we used to shelter under a small hose that could not accommodate us and they were forced to sleep at their grandmother's house. Also, the mason took KES 11000 as his labour charge. With the remaing amount of money,
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message on my phone and since I could not comprehend the contents of the message, I called my helper who confirmed to me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy since I could now afford to buy a piece of land that I had desired to own.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having my own piece of land to dwell with my family makes it to be the biggest difference in my life. I was previously living in my parents compound after my husband died. I was not at peace living with my parents having my family and my children are out of age. My desire was to have my own land where my children would be free to build their own houses. GiveDirectly has helped me to achieve this desire after giving me the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my first transfer on buying a piece of land at KES 30000. I was living in my parents compound despite having my own family after my husband passed away many years back. I am planning to build a house on this land to live with my children. I spent the remaining amount on buying some building materials which include iron sheets and building poles for the construction of a new house.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My greatest desire has been to own an iron-roofed house for myself because the one I currently have is small and at the same time, I use it as a kitchen. Since it is a grass-thatched one, it's very smoky and I hardly have nice sleep because I use firewood as the source of light. Receiving this money means a dream fulfilled because I will be able to construct a 2 roomed house for $300, and also to install a small solar panel of $70 something that will assure me of a better life since I will have peaceful nights. On the other hand, I will have to start livestock keeping because it is the only investment that I can do, to help my children in the future; thus, I will start with 7 goats for $35 each. This will change my livelihood for the better, a life that I have yearned for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I consider the evening being the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I am assured of getting my dinner that I eat to my satisfaction. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours that in most cases I miss food. At these moments I usually feel so ashamed when I see my relatives eat while I admire.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a widow, I assumed all the responsibilities of providing the basic needs of the family and this means doing all means to ensure that I have food to eat. My herbalist work pays me very little and this has forced my children to drop out of school and opt to be employed as herdsmen. Therefore, I have always felt that the lack of a stable source of income is my biggest hardship.
