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 ($450 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
We used to live in one house made of grass thatched roof. The was was not in a good condition as it's roof was rotting and would leak during raining season. When we got our transfers, we prioritize on changing the face of our compound by building new house. As at now we have a two roomed house with a roof made of ironsheets. We couldn't afford to acquire materials duce to lack of finance as we do depend on farming which is a seasonal activity.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The aid was a good idea as for people like us who aren't employed we couldn't raise such an amount easily. It was enough to enable us change our livelihood.
To me, I didn't noticed anything that GiveDirectly never did well. All thier operation were transparent and procedural.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My second transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent part of it on purchasing materials for completing our house which was under construction. The remaining amount, we spent on paying for medical bill for our son who was hospitalized. We thank God that we had received these transfers when we needed money the most, we would have been full of stress on how to settle hospital bills.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10am when I heard a message notification from my phone. I was doing my daily activities. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I wake up to celebrate the good news. I immediately inform my family members and everyone was so happy. I went to withdrew the money the same day and planned on how to spend it with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a better and spacious house for my family. We used to live in a small house which could which could host all my family comfortably. I had always wished to own a bigger house but I had no money. I do casual jobs and small scale farming. This two activities earns me small income to meet other household items. I was not in a position to save some money. I had always wished to build a better house. When I received the transfer I felt so happy and excited. Currently I have a decent and Spacious where I can host all the visitors comfortably. I no longer shy off like before. I have peace of mind to conduct other activities at home. I able to collect clean water from the rain. I have devoted much of my time to ensure that all is well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the part of the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase building materials ready to build a better house. We used to live in a small grass thatched house which could not host all my family members comfortably. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The menial jobs,weeding and fencing people's farms at a small fee(3$ in a week) is what we have been relying on to sustain ourselves.Insufficient money has seen us live in a single grass thatched house our entire lives which is uncomfortable because of smoke as a result of cooking.Receiving this money will mean that my household will be free from smoke as we intend to construct a decent house ,which will be used entirely for other purposes different from cooking,using part of the transfers.Also,we have never owned a cow and we usually buy milk for our domestic use.Therefore,receiving this money will also mean that we will be proud owners of a cow and an end to the perennial milk buying activity that has become part of us for over 10 years.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning hours is the happiest part of my day.We are a humble family and every morning presents us with a new opportunities to fend for our young family.It is in the morning hours that we look for something to do in order to put food on our table.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living in a leaky house has been a source of sleepless nights to us for a very long time and therefore our biggest hardship.Our single grass thatched house leaks every rainy time making it uncomfortable for ourselves and our two kids.
