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
53010 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I want to buy a restaurant and sell both soft and hard drinks. In addition, I'd like to open a barbershop to grow my existing business. My two children are currently waiting to be admitted to college in the coming year, so if my business is profitable, I will be able to send them to college. Seeing my kids succeed and have an easier time in school brings me great joy.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Over the course of my life, I have faced numerous obstacles when it came to raising my kids. However, I have also experienced an unexpected blessing: peace of mind. GiveDirectly has allowed me to build a house, buy livestock, and hopefully provide my kids with a comfortable environment in which to continue their education. My long-term issues had finally been resolved. to feel valued by GiveDirectly. My hope is that the organization will continue to improve our lives by contributing more unrestricted funding.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am appreciative that the second transfer allowed me to replenish the business I had started when I received the first transfer. I invested $150 in it and another $30 to grow it by establishing a small hotel next to my shop. I also used $200 to save money in a women's group that will yield higher interest at the end of the year. Another significant thing I accomplished with the money left over was to build a house. It's not finished yet, but I'm currently staying in my shop because my house collapsed from the heavy rains. I have no words to express how grateful I am for all of your help. Since we broke up with their father nine months ago, I have been raising my children on my own and am no longer burdened with the tedious task of burning charcoal to pay for school fees and food. I am appreciative of the difference you have made in my life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($375 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was out in the field, under the scorching sun, harvesting maize at 3 p.m. when my phone buzzed with a message. I wiped the sweat from my brow and checked, and there it was - the first transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly. My heart leaped with joy, and a rush of gratitude swept over me. It was as if a ray of hope had broken through the clouds of my everyday struggles. The weight of financial worry lifted, and I felt a surge of energy like never before. With newfound energy and a smile that just wouldn't fade, I continued to work on the farm, knowing that this money would not only ease our hardships but also inspire me to work even harder for a better future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used to burn charcoal to make ends meet and pay for my child's school fees. It was tough, the work was both physically demanding and unreliable. But then, things took a turn for the better when I became a recipient of GiveDirectly. With the cash transfer, I was able to invest in a small business. Now, I no longer have to endure the backbreaking work of making charcoal. My business generates income, allowing me to provide for my family and ensure my child gets a good education without constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Thanks to GiveDirectly, life has become so much more manageable and less strenuous for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. It felt like a lifeline for my family's future. The first thing I did was invest in livestock. I bought a cow for $140 and two goats for $50. This was a big step for me because I knew that these animals could provide a steady source of income through milk and offspring.
Thereafter, I used part of the money to pay $80 in school fees for my secondary school child who had been sent home due to unpaid fees. Education is so important, and I couldn't bear to see my child miss out on it. With $200, I started a small kiosk business where I sell fast-moving items like foodstuff and personal effects. It's been a great success, and it's not just about making money; it's also about contributing to my community by providing essential goods.
The rest of the money, I saved for my family's needs. This cash transfer has given us hope and a sense of security for the future. I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for helping us take these important steps toward a better life.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a single mother of two and I survive by doing casual jobs which are very tedious. I earn approximately $50 per month which caters mostly for school fees for my son who is at secondary school. He has a fees balance of $80 . I will use $700 to start a shop business here at home. I already constructed a house and it is ready for the business. The market is good and I expect to make a profit of approximately $20 per day. I will also save $400 so that I have a reserve at the bank.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I bought one goat as an investment last year. On June this year it gave birth to a young one. I am a happy farmer since my goats have multiplied and it's the investment I have so far.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable job is the challenge I am currently facing in life.I do casual jobs earning approximately $50 per month which caters for food and school fees for my son who is schooling at Mtwapa secondary. He has school fees balance of $80 this has made him sometimes miss classes.