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 ($509 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I can say that my life has changed because for one, I have this big new house which I would not have built to date were it not for the transfers from Give Directly. I also bought two female cows with the main reason being that they would generate some financial benefits for me in the future when they eventually give birth and thereby produce more than enough milk. I would then have an opportunity of selling off the excess milk which will, of course, generate some income for me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am happy because the organization has been championing for the development of the poor in society. Most of the community members in this locality were able to buy those items that they needed or lacked most in their lives.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used the money on paying school fees for my kids who had some outstanding balance that had to be offset in order for them to be allowed to continue with their education.
Apart from that, I also used the money to build a new house for my family because we initially used to live in a very small house that could barely accommodate us as a family, so that is why I had to get this new structure that is big enough to have all of us fit into it comfortably.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I managed to pay school fees for my daughter who used to be sent home most of the time due to fee arrears. I normally sell sisal to earn a living and this is what I depended on to pay her school fees and take care of the family needs too. As a widow, I don't think I could have managed to do all these by myself. I thank Give Directly for empowering me and giving me the confidence to face the challenges in my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I felt very happy. I had woken up to relieve my self and when I went back to sleep, I had a message on my phone. I woke up my daughter and gave her the phone so that she could help me read the message and after she confirmed that the money was from GiveDirectly, I screaming and dancing with joy. I have never been this happy before. I knew my life would definitely change and I thank Give Directly for their help.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent a large portion of my transfer on purchasing two dairy cattle. I know that when they give birth, I can be able to sell milk so as to pay school fee for my children. We will also not be purchasing milk, therefore, helping us to save the money that could have been used to settle other basic needs. I spent the remaining amount to settle fee arrears for my daughter who could often be sent home from school due to fee arrears. I am glad that she won't be sent home anytime soon because I have paid next term's school fees.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I used to operate a rope selling business that was very successful in Mtwapa town.However due to many needs that were depending on it for upkeep,it collapsed and for a long time, I have really wished to revive its operation but I have not been able to due to insufficient funds. For every ksh . 700 that I used to spend on purchasing the products,I used to gain Ksh. 800 as my profit. The proceeds really helped me over the years to educate my children ever since my husband died and I know that with this money,I will be able to invest in it once again in large scale thus enabling me to seek medication for myself and my children for the asthma condition that has been a pain in our lives for a very long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am back home and I am able to relax and spend fun time with my children and grandchildren. As a village elder, my day normally entails solving disputes around the village and in case I get a bit of free time,I go to the farm to tend to my crops. The only time that I get to rest is in the evenings.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow without any stable source if income, my biggest hardship in life has always been financial constraint. The situation got worse around eight months back when the only business of selling ropes that I knew and used to rely on collapsed. Ever since then,getting money to treat my asthma condition and that of my two children who inherited it from me turned into an uphill task. Since I have not been able to raise enough money to buy even the inhalers, when the attacks happen,seeing my two children wheezing and struggling for breath as we try out natural remedies to control the situation pains me a lot because I feel so helpless.
