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 ($433 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I intend to start up a business of selling both new and second hand clothes or alternatively put up a small hotel since I love cooking. This will see me help my husband in providing for the family's basic needs with much ease. I am looking forward to have the chicken grow big enough to be sold, which will facilitate opening the said business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a great job that was appreciated by both the beneficiaries and other villages. The satisfaction and the great excitement over the results of village investment is a clear indication of good work done. No one has ever complained, but we are always thankful for the generous support that we got.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Earlier on when I received the first transfer, I started on building a house since the one we were staying in was dilapidated. Unfortunately, I did not manage to have it completed and so I finished it up with the second transfer were I spend $200. The beddings we were using were also worn out and thus I had to get some new ones which costed me $100. When things were tough, I had taken a small loan from a microfinance to help with the daily expenses. I used $45 to repay it back since I had pending arrears for four months. In addition, I used $60 of the remaining transfer to buy food for my family for the next two months. I added some more chicken worth $40 and purchased a bag of chicken feed for $30. I used the rest of the money to buy new clothes for my kid and myself. I am grateful for the generous support we received, as well as the transformation I have seen in my family since then.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6a.m.when I heard a vibration in my phone which woke me up.Upon checking, it was an MPESA message from Givedirectly confirming a receipt of KES 55,000 we had been promised by the officers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the construction of a new house which is spaciousfor my family .We are enjoying the warmth with my entire family and we appreciate all the support we received from Givedirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawal of my first transfer, I bought Iron sheets and nails at KES 21,000, sawed timber at KES 10,000, and paid labor at KES 11,000 that facilitated the not of a new house. I had been living in a grass-thatched house that would leak during rainy seasons which was a threat to the health of my young child.I also bought chicken at KES 3600 which will rear and later sell eggs to cater to the the family's basic needs. With the remaining amount, I bought a bicycle which we will use to go and fetch water since we normally walk long distances. I am grateful for the transformation that the first transfer had brought in my family so far.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a very small hut. My house is very small made of mud walls with earthen floor. I have been working hard doing charcoal business for the last 2 years in order to build a better house but invain. A hunger disaster eroded all my savings living me empty handed. Receiving this first transfer, I will build a 2 bedroom house with iron sheets roof and make this to be my kitchen. I will buy goats with the second transfers to keep as my family wealthy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We celebrated Christmas .we ate chicken with rice. This is a special food which is eaten in festival occasions. It brought joy and happiness because we had eaten this meal in a year's time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Scarcity of water in the area- there is no safe drinking water in the area, I Have to travel more than 2kilometres to the water pan.There is no power - no solar or electricity in my house. During the night, its totally dark. Getting food, we need to do charcoal burning activities which has brought deforestation.The life here is not conducive because during the night, its very cold.
