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 ($512 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has taken a different trajectory because I had no financial ability to launch this project which I have always wanted to pursue for a long time but then due to the cash transfers, I was able to realize my dream. My kids are also able to go to school without facing constant interruptions due to lack of payment of their school fees arrears. Initially, I used to work as a casual laborer and at times I used to sell charcoal in order to raise money for their school fees which was quite a cumbersome routine.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am pleased with the projects that Give Directly launched in our village because they enabled the community members to change their lives based on what everyone wanted to achieve in their lives.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the cash transfers on buying large cooking pots which I hire out to my clients whenever there is a social function within this locality. I normally charge a moderate fee of Kes 500 per sufuria for a period of one day. I have always wanted to do this kind of business but then what has always been stopping me is lack of the initial capital required to set-up such a business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have utensils which I can hire to events organisers for an income in return. This is my source of income which I started with GiveDirectly transfers when I bought the utensils after receiving my first transfer. The income I get has enabled me to meet the family's basic necessities in time unlike before when I had nothing at all to generate income from.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken by a message notification on my phone early in the morning. On checking to confirm, it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy because the transfer would enable me to fulfil the only desire I had even before GiveDirectly came to our village; to get a source of income by offering catering services to meet my family basic needs and other financial needs.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the transfer on buying several utensils which include sufurias and plates for hiring during important functions and events like weddings. This is an opportunity I identified in our area and which would be a source of income for me. There are many events organized which would require catering services. However, I could not have acquired them were it not for the transfers I received from GiveDirectly. I now get a good income once I hire them out to any event. The income has enabled me to meet my family's basic needs like food and clothing to my children as well as meeting other financial needs which previously I could not fulfil.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My proudest moment would be when I see all my children educated and living their best lives possible without struggling financially. This I intend to achieve through expanding my catering business; building a stall, increasing my stock of food items and buying an internet enabled smartphone so I can take advantage of social media as a marketing tool for my business. I will also be able to employ atleast two people to assist me when I get booked for events such as weddings and burials. With the rest of the money I will purchase livestock specifically goats since they are more drought resistant compared to cows. This will help me ensure my children stay in school because I will now be able to pay for their education consistently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My days are always filled with activities, if am not booked to cook at an event am either in my farm or doing casual jobs to earn some money. However, in the evenings after making supper for my children, am able to rest and enjoy a good night's sleep. This makes it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For the married couples it is easier to share responsibilities concerning the family making the burden lighter but for us single parents, the whole load of duties falls squarely on our shoulders. With literally no support system I have to work extra hard to feed and educate my five children which has not been easy at all. My catering business does not bring in enough income because it's seasonal and there are times I resort to doing odd jobs such as fetching water or cleaning houses in Bamba town just to make ends meet, but still the earnings are too little for food and other basic needs. Most times my children are sent home from school to collect fee balances that am yet to clear. I am glad that Give Directly will now help me bring an end to my financial woes.
