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
55000 KES ($384 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have ambitious goals to further improve my livelihood and provide better opportunities for my family. As a peasant farmer, I'm eager to expand my sources of income by venturing into entrepreneurship. One of my main aspirations is to start a sardine-selling business, which is known to thrive, especially during dry seasons like the one we're currently experiencing in our area. This venture not only promises to be profitable but also provides valuable diversification to my income streams. With dedication and hard work, I aim to establish a successful business that will contribute significantly to our financial stability and enable us to achieve a higher quality of life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate GiveDirectly because they provide monetary assistance without any conditions attached. This approach empowers individuals like me to decide how best to use the funds based on our unique needs and priorities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before, getting fresh water was a daily struggle. We had to trek long distances, and sometimes we endured water shortages for weeks on end. It was exhausting and worrying, especially during dry spells. With the support I received, I was able to purchase a water tank for $185. This investment has made a world of difference. I no longer worry about water scarcity. I also used $99 to improve the water system by setting up piping and plumbing directly to the tank. Now, fetching water is easy and convenient. I'm incredibly grateful for this change. Having access to clean water has not only improved my quality of life but also brought peace of mind knowing that I'm prepared for any shortages.
Additionally, I decided to invest some of the money in the future. I used $80 to purchase two goats. This investment not only provides a potential source of income but also adds a layer of security for my family's future. Furthermore, I was able to extend a helping hand to my son when he faced difficulties with his son's education. I contributed $50 towards his son's school fees, ensuring that he could return to school without any barriers. It's fulfilling to be able to support my family and invest in our future, thanks to the assistance I received from GiveDirectly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($359 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on my way from Mombasa, heading home. I had gone to the Hospital in Mombasa because I am suffering from hypertension and diabetes. This condition has really taken a toll on my life, and now it requires me to visit the clinic every month. As I was in the vehicle, I received a message, and when I checked, I saw that it was a mobile money notification from GiveDirectly. I was so thrilled and thanked God for this blessing and I immediately called my daughter and informed her about the good news. At that moment, the thoughts of my health condition were replaced with joy and happiness. I do not have a job and depend on my children who are working to help me with my medical expenses and upkeep. Connecting water to my compound was my first thought because for more than half a year we have not had water flowing from our taps. We had to trek a considerable distance to get water which made our life difficult. Walking long distances at my age was really wearing my body out, especially considering my condition, so the idea of having water pouring through our taps was such a great comfort.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I changed my water line from the one which was not working to a functioning one and now have water running through our taps. My grandchildren are now happy that they do not have to walk for very long distances in search for water. We are also excited that we have a toilet where when can help ourselves with dignity and not in the bush like before. I really thank Givedirectly for giving us this opportunity because it would have taken a longer time for me to fix the water line and toilet considering that i do not have a job but just depending on my children to support me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 of the transfer to change the water line that we had from the faulty one to a functioning one. We had not had water flowing through our taps for more than six months and this was really frustrating. I went on and spent $100 to fix our toilet because it had collapsed due to the heavy rains and we had no dignified place to help ourselves. My daughter, five grandchildren and I were all using the bush to help ourselves and I found this to be very unsanitary. Finally I spent the rest of the transfer to buy two goats. These goats are believed to be of good breed and that in a few years they will have multiplied and i can even trade some for upkeep and my medication.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of five members with four being grandchildren. My husband died three years ago and I have been living with the children and the grandchildren. I have also suffered diabetes for eight years now. This has rendered me helpless and I cannot engage on any kind of work. I depend on the children for survival. I will use $500 to buy a water tank to store water. I have access to tap water but I have no storage capacity. When water stops for a week then I suffer alot. This tank will resolve the problem of water shortage in my compound. I will also use $500 to buy ten goats as an investment. My husband left with nothing as an investment. This will help me cater for my medication and other needs in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter how was married at got a baby girl in July 2023. My family has increased in number and this brought happiness to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have suffered diabetes for almost eight years now. This has made me to forgore working and depends on my children for survival. I can also not walk long distances due to this problem.