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?
After a satisfying fulfillment of all that I had planned for the first and the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I got empowered and felt that I can still do a lot on my own. I had been brainstorming and finally made up my mind to venture into a new goal of putting up a small business that is not hard to run, needs a small capital, and can meet the immediate needs of society. I had been contemplating a start of a cereal business where I will be obtaining maize from the extreme end of our county where maize production is still prolific and selling at a profit in the immediate shopping center since we have not been able to produce maize on our farms.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Monetary support is one thing I had never imagined that would ever happen not only to me but to the many villages within the community. This was a really great move by GiveDirectly that brought an intrinsic push to transform and make meaningful decisions. The message was very clear during enrollment that this was the only chance that we were getting, and on my view, everyone took it so seriously that they could not miss doing their best. Nothing went contrary to my expectation and I am happy that I was part of this program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Even though I had a lot lined up for the first transfer that anyone who saw me working would think that I had exhausted all I needed, the second transfer was so instrumental as well. I spent KES 25000 on purchasing a dairy cow that is soon calving down and also an indigenous heifer at KES 10000. I am rearing the two for milk production not only for household use but also to help in the payment of school fees for my children. I had been struggling a lot raising their school fees since I only had a cow that would barely produce any extra liter for sale after using in the household. I also purchased two sacks of dry maize grains at KES 8000, clothing for the four children, and also other kitchenwares that we had been missing in our kitchen. Thanks to GiveDirectly for this generous support that has really brought a significant transformation in my life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($507 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was really grateful for receiving the first transfer. This came as a shock at first as I could not really believe it when I saw the notification until I confirmed with my immediate neighbor who came trying to also confirm from me. Being alone at home, I had a mixed reaction, not sure whether to celebrate or wait until it was crystal clear that it indeed was the transfer I had been expecting. It was some minutes past 9 in the morning when I received the notification. I was finishing up tidying my house before moving out to my casual chores. This slowed me down and eventually decided to stay home that day to at least celebrate the great news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Constructing a bigger house for my family after receiving the first transfer has really boosted my morale and rejuvenated my energy. This has been the biggest difference in my daily life as I am slowly building a habit of waking up every morning to get things done. A time has come in my life where I wake up every morning with an urge to make a difference using the available resources with the hope of producing more and more to sustain my family. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the great work, and even though we are just halfway, I am happy with the projects I have invested in.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living in a single-roomed kitchen for such a long time with my large family of six had really been hard. My children had been struggling to study every evening but the fumes from the fireplace and lots of disturbances from the kitchen area have never given them that ample time. On receiving the first transfer, I spent $362 on paying the labor force and obtaining the construction materials that included building posts, irons sheets, and also nails. Currently, we are finishing up with the interior and are hopeful that we are soon moving in. My children are excited about the current work since they will be having their own study room where they will be completing their school assignments every evening. With the remaining amount, I spent $30 on foodstuff for the household, $60 on clothing and saved the remaining to check on the other construction requirements.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I currently live in a one roomed grass thatched house with my spouse and four children. Receiving this money means erecting a more spacious house at a cost of $350. The house I plan to construct will be iron-roofed, hence I will also buy a 3000 litre water tank at $150, for harvesting rain water during rainy seasons. I will also use $200 to buy an heifer that will multiply in future and produce milk, thus being a source of income for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every morning, my spouse and I go out in search for casual jobs to engage in so as to get our daily wages after our children have left for school. Evening reunion with my family after everyone has arrived home safe and in good health, is always the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine a family of 5 living in a one-roomed grass thatched old house that leaks in water during rainy seasons! This is the current situation in my home. I pity my children who always have to study in a dumpy house full of smoke. My two sons are at a teenage age and culture has it that teens are not supposed to live under the same roof with their parents due to privacy reasons. They face ridicule from their friends which lowers their self esteem, yet there is nothing much I can do to recoup the situation. This is the biggest hardship I face.
