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 ($467 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?
I do not have any new goals because the ones that we had discussed earlier with my spouse were accomplished. The key one was to build a house which was a success. Previously we used to shelter in a poor environment and it has always been my prayer to own a decent one but I did not afford to buy the required materials. I am grateful for the far GiveDirectly has brought me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, this is the best organization so far because of the best services they offered us as the recipients. First, the cash transfers were sent directly to our mobile phones. According to me, this stood out because having the cash in my account made me plan on the items I needed the most. I, therefore, do not see any sector the organization needs to change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying several building materials such as iron sheets at KES 10200, nails, and the mason for a total of 12000. I had intended to build a new house because the initial one was very small and in a poor state. With a family of four, it could not accommodate us all. Therefore, my children were forced to sleep elsewhere which has been stressing them. It is a relief to us as a daily because we can now shelter under one roof. Also, I bought three goats at a total of KES 9000. These are now the valuable assets that I will always be proud to have on my homestead. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for the family and decent clothes for the kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I received the money because I knew it was going to help me get the household items that I had wished to get for a very long time. I was wishing to get a better bed and mattress, therefore when I got this money, I knew my wishes will come true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is the bigger and better house I have as well as the bed and mattress. I am sleeping comfortably and my children do not have to be hosted by our neighbors anymore. I am so grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought iron sheets at a cost of KES20000 because I wanted to build a bigger and better house for my children and me since the house we have been living in was so small and not enough for the whole family to the point that my children have to be offered a place to sleep by our neighbors. Therefore, when I got this money I made sure to build a house so that I can live with my children. I spent KES13000 buying a bed and a mattress because the ones we used to have were small and very uncomfortable. This used to make me so unhappy, also our children did not have a bed or a mattress, therefore, getting a new bed and mattress with the bigger and better house was a relief.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My plan has always been to build a bigger house the moment I get money. My house has two small rooms which I feel is not enough now that my family is expanding and my children are growing bigger. Receiving this money will therefore help me to build a three roomed house at a cost of 50,000 Kenya Shillings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up in the morning seeing myself and my family healthy and fine is what makes me happy. This motivates me as I do my day's activities. Morning is therefore the happiest part of my day when I am actively doing my house chores. I am a house wife and therefore I spend the better part of my day in my compound.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of enough income to take care of my needs is the biggest hardship in my life. I depend on my spouse who is a casual in the construction industry back in town. I have no source of income here at home. My spouse earns as low as 4 USD in a day which is barely enough to satisfy all our needs. I have two children and taking care of their needs such as food, clothing and proper shelter has been very difficult.
