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 ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After receiving my transfer, I am grateful that I was able to construct a decent house for my kids since they were living in a small grass-roofed house which was not comfortable for them. In addition, I started livestock rearing which will support their education with part of the transfer. Fulfilling all these at once was a great help for me. At the moment, I do not have any new goals apart from the goal of ensuring my children get a quality education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well for targeting the less fortunate households in the community. Most of our kids in the community have resumed their studies after the coming of the organization in our village. Previously, most of them had drop out due to lack of school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to complete the construction of proper shelter for my children since they were staying in bad condition house. I also use KES 12,000 to purchase proper beddings for my 7 kids. Previously, they were using a small traditional threads bed that was not enough for them. Part of them were forced to sleep on the floor, this made them constantly complaining of body pain as a result of spending sleepless nights. I also bought proper clothing for every kids and school uniforms, they were wearing worn out ones. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family since we did not have food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I got the money because I knew that I was going to be able to settle my childrens' school fees arrears and build a better house for my children. I wanted to do these because they are my heart's desires and will give me the peace of mind that I have desired for so long.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that my chidren are no longer sent away from school because of arrears, their education is not being interrupted anymore which makes me so happy and hopeful. Also, my children have better school uniforms and do not have to worry about meals, they are getting all three meals a day thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer on putting a better roof that cost KES11200, for my seven children who used to be sleeping in a poorly thatched house that could barely shield them when it rains. They would spend the whole night awake because it is raining inside the house, therefore, getting them a better roof is all I desired. I also bought three goats at a total cost of KES10000 because they are able to survive in this dry climate of our area and they will multiply, help me educate my children that I will be able to depend on them in the future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means good education to my family. My first born is in class eight and he has been on and off of school due to school fees. I am a casual labourer and it is hard to get a job now due to the covid-19 effects. Upon receiving this money, I will use 50000 KES to clear the fee balance of 10000 KES in primary and use 40000 KES to enable my son join form one next year march 2021. I will also use 60000 KES to build a two bedroom house for my children . They are now living in a grass thutched house which is leaking during rains season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. This is because it is in the evening when the family comes together to take meal. Due to the famine that is in the area, we only take one meal per day .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a casual labourer and we entirely depend on him for our survival as a family. When covid-19 came to our country in 2020, he lost his job. It is hard for him to get a good job with a better pay. That has really affected my family to such that my children have spent the whole of may 2021 at home because of school fees. The family has had no food for sometime now. We survive on one meal per day. That is the biggest hardship I faced in my life.
