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 ($360 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $100 of my second transfer on improving our living conditions. For years, I had endured sleepless nights and discomfort sleeping on traditional beds, so I decided it was time for a change. I purchased a comfortable bed and a quality mattress, and the difference it made in my sleep quality was astounding. No more tossing and turning; no more waking up with aches and pains. It was a small investment in my own well-being that brought me immense relief. But my responsibilities didn't end there. I also allocated a significant portion of the funds towards construction materials. This project was special; it was for my son, who had been seeking shelter at a friend's house. The new house provided him with much-needed privacy and peace of mind. Seeing him enjoy his own space and sleep peacefully under his own roof was a heartwarming moment. Additionally, I used part of the transfer to pay the school fees for my three children, two in primary school and one in secondary school, amounting to $150. As my husband and I were jobless, we relied on our elder children for survival and to meet all our needs. It was a relief to see them back in school after a long and uncertain period at home. The unconditional cash transfer made a world of difference, not just in our comfort but in the future prospects of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The freedom they granted me on how to spend the unconditional money they provided has allowed me to secure a comfortable home and essential bedding. I no longer have to worry about sleeping on a cold, hard floor, as I now have a cozy bed with warm blankets and soft pillows. GiveDirectly's approach of trusting recipients to make decisions that best suit their needs is truly commendable. It has not only improved my living conditions but also restored my dignity and sense of independence. I am forever grateful for the positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my life.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My aspirations are centered around expanding my livestock holdings, particularly goats and cows. I envision growing my herd to not only increase my family's self-sufficiency but also to generate additional income through the sale of milk, meat, and other products. By increasing my livestock, I hope to not only enhance my self-sufficiency but also generate additional income through sales, enabling me to improve our quality of life and invest in my children's education and future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($389 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I cannot express enough gratitude for the unconditional transfer I received from your organization. It has brought immense positive change to my life. With the first transfer, I immediately decided to convert my mud-walled house into a permanent block house. Not only will this serve as a lasting reminder of your generosity, but it will also provide better security for me and my family, offering protection from potential thieves. I invested $200 in building blocks, $150 for 15 bags of cement, and $50 for 12 tons of building sand. Currently, the construction is now underway. GiveDirectly has left an indelible mark of gratitude in my life.
Additionally, I was able to use a portion of the transfer to pay my son's $50 college fees, which were crucial for him to be eligible to sit for his upcoming examinations. This financial support came at the perfect time, and I am relieved that my son can continue his education without any hindrances. With the remaining funds, I made sure to purchase enough food for my family. This has alleviated the burden of hunger and ensured that we have a stable source of nourishment. GiveDirectly has truly made a significant impact on our lives, and I will forever be grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before we received the money from GiveDirectly, my spouse and I were struggling as casual laborers, barely making enough to survive. Our dreams of building a permanent house seemed distant and unattainable. Our main source of income came from charcoal burning, which could barely provide for our basic needs. But now, as I witness the construction of our new home, I am overwhelmed with happiness and a sense of achievement. GiveDirectly has made this dream a reality for us. Not only that, but our daily meals have improved drastically. Previously, our family would often go to bed hungry, sometimes even for days. But now, we are blessed with three meals a day, and the joy it brings is immeasurable. GiveDirectly has transformed our lives in ways we could have never imagined, and for that, we will be forever grateful.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Around 3 p.m., as I toiled away in the field cultivating my food crops, my daughter-in-law alerted me to a message that had arrived on my phone. Grateful for her ability to read and interpret, I eagerly listened as she revealed its contents. My heart skipped a beat as I learned that the message was a notification about my first transfer from GiveDirectly; a staggering $550 had been deposited into my account. The magnitude of this unexpected windfall overwhelmed me, and I couldn't contain my joy. I let out a triumphant ululation, my voice echoing through the fields, and began to dance in spontaneous thanksgiving for the invaluable aid that had come my way. The work I had been doing was momentarily forgotten as we abandoned the fields, heading home with light hearts, brimming with hope for a brighter future.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity! In my household, getting 2 meals a day is not easy and we normally survive on one. This has been the case because we have not had sufficient harvests in our farms for the last 3 consecutive seasons. To survive, we engage in charcoal work as our main source of income. From this job, we make utmost $30 when we combine efforts with my husband. This money is not enough to fully cater to our needs and it has been the reason for my suffering. Our health status has not been spared and I always feel so weak when I miss a meal. Hence, I consider food insecurity as my biggest challenge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the last 3 consecutive seasons, our area has not received adequate rains and this has pushed us to suffer from the prolonged drought. This year, I find hope in life since we started receiving rain in late March. This has made me focus on farming to ensure my family no longer experiences the hard times of food insecurity. At the moment, I have already planted maize on my 4-acre piece of land. I am so optimistic for a good harvest this season. Hence, as a farmer, this has been the sole reason to keep a smile.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Reinforcing my house becomes my priority at the moment. This is because my husband managed to construct a 2 roomed semi-permanent house but its walls are made of mud. I am planning to reinforce it using stones and cement to make it strong. This will cost me utmost $500 of my first transfer. Upon achieving this, I will have a decent house that will be long-lasting. Part of the second transfer ($300) will help me to buy 10 goats which will act as my long-term investment plan. The remaining amount will cater to other basic needs like new beddings. Changing my livelihood to better standards is generally what receiving this money means to me.