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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($300 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My paramount ambition is to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship by starting a clothing business. My unwavering motivation behind this endeavor is to not only earn a sustainable livelihood for my children but also to set aside funds for their future education. Every stitch and sale will be a step toward securing their educational aspirations, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. With dedication and a clear vision, I am resolute in my determination to create a better life for my family, where their dreams can take flight, one thread at a time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the organization, GiveDirectly, has been a tremendous source of help. Before receiving their unconditional money, I used to sleep in a harsh and uncertain environment, facing countless challenges and hardships. However, GiveDirectly's assistance has brought a welcome change into my life. I now have the means to secure a safe and stable living situation. Their support has not only improved my immediate living conditions but also given me hope for a better future. The impact of GiveDirectly's work is truly remarkable, and I am profoundly grateful for the positive transformation they've brought into my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a significant part of my recent unconditional cash transfer on purchasing building materials such as iron sheets, a wooden door, windows, and cement, which cost around $300. The motivation behind this expenditure was a deep-rooted desire to provide a stable and secure home for my two children. Initially, we were living in a dilapidated, temporary shelter that was anything but safe. Being a single mother, the struggle to construct a house was overwhelming, as I relied on any job that came my way to support my family. There were times when even securing our daily meals was a challenge, let alone thinking about building a house. As a parent, it was disheartening to see my children endure these conditions, and I felt utterly helpless. I vividly remember how the wind would threaten to sweep away our flimsy shelter, leaving us in constant fear and uncertainty. However, with the help of the cash transfer, I could start building a more stable and secure home for my family. This has brought me an immense sense of relief and achievement. The remaining amount from the transfer has been used to ensure my children are well fed. It's heartwarming to see my little ones thriving and their health improving because they're no longer going to bed hungry. As a mother, this has been an incredible blessing, knowing that I can provide for my children's basic needs and that they now have a safe and comfortable place to call home.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to increase my venture in agriculture. I aspire to secure additional plots of land for cultivating maize and beans, aiming to meet the needs of my household while also generating surplus crops for sale. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on casual labor, which is hard to come by, I am eager to invest in my own farming endeavors. By doing so, I intend to not only fulfill our food requirements but also generate income from selling the surplus harvest. This additional income will be instrumental in covering various household expenses, including essential bills like school fees for my son.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has undeniably brought about significant positive changes in my life, granting me the ability to formulate and execute various plans through the provided funds. The empowerment to make personal choices regarding spending has been a valuable aspect of their support. The execution of the support has been commendable, resulting in substantial transformations that have brought happiness to many. Moving forward, it would be beneficial if GiveDirectly maintains this level of effectiveness and extend their impactful support to other similarly deserving villages in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a single mother, I have been diligently supporting my son as he begins his education. Despite just being the two of us, life hasn't been easy due to our poor living conditions and insufficient food caused by my reliance on casual labor and small-scale farming. Since I received the support from GiveDirectly, positive changes started emerging in my daily life that I am proud of. I am currently in the process of constructing a new house, having used $390 from the second transfer to acquire materials such as 20 iron sheets, wooden and metal frames, and nails, which I hope will be sufficient for the construction. I am currently residing in a modest, mud-walled cubicle house that requires frequent repairs, especially during the rainy season. These repairs are time-consuming due to the rain washing away the mud and leaving gaps in the walls. The new house will provide a separate bedroom from the living area for me to set up a bed. Additionally, I spent $20 on transporting the construction materials home from the shopping center and the remaining $40 to purchase food supplies that are still sustaining us.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($128 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The recollection of receiving my funds remains vivid in my thoughts. I was engrossed in farm work when my phone suddenly rang. Upon checking, I discovered that Segovia Technology had sent me money. The elation that washed over me cannot be adequately put into words. I kept the news to myself and, upon returning home, I took a moment to contemplate how to best utilize the funds. I was acutely aware that my life was about to undergo a significant transformation and felt a profound sense of gratitude, believing that this was a testament to God's remembrance of me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The greatest transformation in my everyday life stems from the financial assistance I received. It has granted me the ability to effortlessly purchase essential food supplies and even embark on a land ownership venture. Previously, these endeavors were unattainable due to limited finances. Now, I am filled with optimism as I work towards becoming a landowner within a few months, a prospect that brings me immense happiness and satisfaction. I will forever cherish the gift that has revolutionized my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a single mother raising one child, my livelihood relies on farming and occasional odd jobs. Receiving money from GiveDirectly has been an incredible blessing in my life, allowing me to meet our daily needs with greater ease. Previously, the weight of financial constraints often left us going to bed hungry. However, after receiving the transfer, I spent $37 on purchasing essential food supplies. Additionally, I was able to settle a debt of $100 for a parcel of land, which was previously unattainable due to my financial struggles as the sole provider for my family. Finally, I used the remaining funds to purchase clothes for my child. The presence of ample food in our household brings me a profound sense of fulfillment as a parent, knowing that my family will not experience lack. This was not the case before, as we lacked a stable source of income. I am sincerely grateful for the support that has significantly uplifted our lives.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Nothing beats the state of having peace of mind. The situation where I owe the owner of the land some debt has been a thorn in the flesh in my life. Day in and day out I am faced with massive worries and stare the crushing sense of hopelessness, the feeling has disoriented me and made me look undeserving. It is only my child who gives me hope to continue pushing even hard. I am glad that GiveDirectly have come to our village to salvage my situation and meet me halfway. I have begged him to allow me to receive the transfer and clear him the outstanding balance of $100,a request which he has accepted. I am eternally grateful for the transfers, it will change my life for better. I will use the rest of the money as capital to start a shop business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I normally engage in casual labor in agricultural farms to earn a livelihood and get money to pay school fees for my child, Bellarin, who is PP1. It is a huge struggle having to also meet other demands such as buying food. Sometime last month, I told the owner of the irrigation farm where I was working about my predicament. She was so empathetic, she gave me a small portion of her land to plant food crops to support myself. I was over the moon for the helping hand extended to me. I have planted maize and beans and expect to harvest in the next few months and subsequently become food secure.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a single mother of one and as such I faced a lot of challenges. Life is hard for me since I am left on my own to fend for my family. The father of my kid abandoned me when I became pregnant, apparently, he had a wife and he had never told me. It shook me to the core and gave me a wake-up call to work harder. I have many siblings and I felt like I was giving my parents a huge burden so I went to Nairobi to be a maid, I was being paid $50 a month. I made savings up to $300 which I used to purchase half an acre and put up a makeshift house. It has been a huge struggle, I still have a debt of $100 which has been hard to raise, the whole cost of the land was $400. The neighbour who sold me the land has been in my neck asking for the balance. I have neither had peace of mind nor sleep. He has on many occasions threatened to kick me out of the land until I cleared the remaining balance. I can now breathe a sigh of relief with the GiveDirectly transfers in the offing.