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 ($462 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As of now, I do not have any goal that I am planning to work on after utilizing the second transfer. The reason as to why I do not have any goal is that, I usually plan when I have money. If I get some money, I will sort the many thoughts I have to come up with a priority that will uplift my living standard more than it is now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has uplifted my living standard. Initially, I lived pathetically since I had no means of sustaining family due to lack of income sources. As of now, I have a business which has been sustaining my family. This business is as a result of the first transfer that I received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer, I opted to add more stock to my charcoal business that I started using the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I pumped a stock worthy KES 40000.00 to ensure that I supply enough charcoals to my clients without straining because charcoals are hard to get nowadays. I also bought two goats for KES 6000.00 and also used the remaining amount in buying some food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I vividly remember it was a chilly morning when had completed my household chores. I was relaxing while preparing for my next day's activities when I received the mpesa message on my phone. I was shocked and relieved at the same time after checking my account balance which indicated that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I called my husband who was at work to inform him about the good news. He was so excited and decide to come home for us to plan together on how to use our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a reliable source of income for my family is the biggest difference in our daily life. Currently, my husband has something to depend on to generate income to support the basic needs of the family, especially food. Previously, we could skip meals because of a lack of enough money to feed the family. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for installing hope in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 12,000 to purchase modern beddings for my family. This is because I was using a traditional bed and sacks beddings that were uncomfortable and required constant maintenance since replacing the treads was relatively expensive. In addition, I use KES 20,000 to start a charcoal business for my husband, he was doing casual activities which were temporary. He is currently earning an income of KES 400 from the business per day. The income from the job helps us meet our basic needs more easily. The remaining amount assists us in purchasing enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The money will make my dream of being self reliant come true. I am a mother of one without any form of employment. I only depend on my husband to provide for me. At my age ( 20 years), and still fully depending on someone to cater for my needs lowers my dignity. I intend to buy 10 goats at a total cost of 30,000 KES. The goats will be a source of income for me. Once they multiply, I will be selling them at a profit. The income will go straight into to sorting some needs of my family without bothering my husband. I will also be considered as a valuable person since I will no longer be depending on anyone.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a mother of a year old daughter. I am very grateful for good health in our lives. In the past 6 moths, none of us has ever fallen seriously sick for admission at any hospital.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the challenge I am currently facing. I do not have any form of employment that can earn me an income. This forces me to depend on my husband to provide for me and my one year old daughter. My husband sells charcoal in Mombasa. He earns approximately 7,000 KES per month. Him being the only breadwinner, this amount is never enough to sort all the needs of the family. Sometimes, we are required to skip meals so that the food he bought us can last for a longer period.
