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 ($502 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before GiveDirectly came into my life I did not have an asset in the form of livestock in my compound. This has now changed in my life because I now have goats, which I can easily lean own just in case I have any financial crisis. Secondly I already school fees in time for my children and they are now studying without any disturbances unlike before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did so well in my village because I did not hear anyone complaining concerning the transfers. This gave a clear indication that everything went on as expected. Also, the fact that we were given the opportunities to choose on what to purchase was a nice privilege that we did not take it for granted. I do not see any sector GD failed us.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying some building materials such as some building poles, iron sheets, timber, and nails. This was purposely for the construction of a new house for my children whom we have been sharing the same house for all those years. I then bought some beddings which include a bed and a mattress at 8000. This was to replace the old traditional beds that we have been using. I then bought some new school uniforms and cleared school fees as well. The remaining amount of money, I bought some foodstuffs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am now a proud owner of goats as now have four goats in my homestead. Through this money, I managed to fulfil my dream of owning some goats by purchasing some. Having the goats to me is the biggest difference in my daily life. I know that these goats will reproduce and have many of them. I will, in turn, sell the offspring to raise more money which I can be able to invest in other projects.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the message notification very early in the morning. As I read through the contents of the message, I realised that I had received my first transfer from GiveDiretcly. I felt happy and rejuvenated to explore the things that seemed impossible to me.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 12800 to buy four goats to keep at my homestead and they are now the assets that I did not have before. I feel owning these goats will change my life since I can depend on them in case of any financial challenge. I am expecting them to reproduce and have many of them and I will be selling some and use the money to pay for my children's education. I also spent KES 11000 to buy a mattress and bed. I am happy that I have a good place to sleep on. I also spent KES 4000 to clear school fees arrears for my children. I also bought some new uniforms and stationery for them. Also, I spent KES 2000 to hire oxen and plough my farm. I spent remaining to cater for my household needs such as foodstuffs and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For four years now, I have been engaging in charcoal burning business to meet the needs of the family. This was after the passing on of my partner who was the sole breadwinner. It was devastating when it came to my realization that I needed to step up and fend for the family. Life doesn't prepare anyone for such kind of a predicament and what kept me moving was my kids because I needed to be strong for them. My greatest desire has been to adequately provide for their educational needs. However, the financial constraint has been a hindrance to this. As a result, I have sacrificed a lot to keep them in school; sometimes I skip meals to save money for their tuition fee. Therefore, once I receive my transfers I will put a grocery store within the village. This will earn me a daily income, and the backbreaking charcoal burning will be something of the past. I part from that, I intend to invest in livestock rearing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. Waking up to a new day has always been my source of inspiration and hope. It presents a new opportunity to make the wellbeing of my household better. As such, for most of my mornings, I engage in household activities and thereafter attend to my charcoal burning business. In the afternoon, I normally don't have much work apart from the normal chores of looking for food and preparing meals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being widowed at a younger age is something I never imagined could happen to me and given that our society does not have a proper support system for people like us, it is always difficult to pick up the pieces and care for the family with much ease. Ever since I lost him, it has been a real struggle to sufficiently provide the family with basic necessities like food, education and healthcare and that is the biggest hardship am currently facing. Back then, everything was well and we could easily support each other in raising our children. To survive, I resorted to charcoal business, a venture that is so tiresome, with little returns. Again, it is not friendly to one's health and that has been my biggest worry. Receiving this money will enable me to cater for the needs of the family now that I intend to start up an income-generating activity.
