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 ($524 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If I could not have received the money and built a house i could still be staying in a very small house where I had to squeez myself in it. I thank God I am now staying in a nice comfortable house where I do not need squeeze in a small house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion give directly did a very good think by dealing with people directly and not involving authorities, for that reason we managed to get all the mount as it was said. Using empesa as away of sending money to people was also the best choice because it is very convenient and safe.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent most of the transfer to add more building materials and built a spacious comfortable house. I did not have a place to stay in a was sleeping at my neighbor's house since the house I was staying in felt down. This was really stressing me because sometimes just need my own house but I could not afford being that I did not have any source of income. I am the happiest person because I am now staying in my own house where I am comfortable and I coming in anytime I want and go out. The remaining balance I spent to buy plastic chairs being that I did not have anything to sit on, I was sitting on water container and this was very embarrassing mostly when I have my friends around.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that initially, we used to live in a horrible house which used to leak whenever it rained due to the grass-thatched roof and had a mad wall with a wooden door. Thanks to GD we currently live in a better and more spacious house with a steel door and plastered walls. Food in my house is also gurantees for the next couple of months.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Together with my family, we rejoiced when we received the transfer this was our chance to live in a better and spacious house like every other family in the community.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have been living in a grass thatched house for quite some time now and I had given up on getting a better house. It used to leak and the walls were weak one could think it was falling the next minute. When I received the first transfer I built my family a bigger and more spacious house with iron sheet roofing to prevent it from leaking during rainy days. I bought a steel door and windows for the same house. The remaining amount I bought maize flour for food security to take me through the forecasted drought season.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I have been empowered in that I will be able to use the transfer to buy food because I was worried of what I will eat since I had very poor harvest, I will also buy a cow that I can lay my hands on in case of any future emergencies. I will use the second transfer to build a new house and equip it with furniture. I feel happy because Givedirectly has restored my dignity.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is usually in the morning when I wake up because I count it as an opportunity to work and interract with neighbors.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced was losing one of my limbs in a tractor accident, yet I was a casual labourer thereby receiving no compensation, from that time my life have been rendered poor.
