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 ($466 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?
So far I do not have any new goals that emerged after receiving the transfers. However, I am glad that I was able to accomplish the main objective that I had in mind which was to own goats. I am happy and grateful that I now have assets that I can rely on at any time in case of any financial crisis. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I did not have any in my compound and this makes me a proud mother
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is such a good organization because the support was in form of cash. Moreover, I was given the chance to choose what best would work for me in the household. Through them, I have quite a several assets that I wouldn't have to own if it were not for their help.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees of KES 5000 for my five children who are in primary and nursery schools respectively. For now, I have peace of mind because they have been on and off due to the unavailability of school fees. To add to that, I bought iron sheets, building poles, and the labor charges at a total of KES 20000. I had intended to construct a new house because the initial one was about to collapse. In addition, I purchased five goats worthy of KES 15000. They now serve as assets that I can rely on at any time. I opted for the goats because normally they reproduce very first and mature fast. Also, I purchased two new two beds at KES 6000 and mattresses at KES 8000. With the remaining cash, I bought four plastic chairs at KES 2000 and sufficient foodstuffs for my kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While resting at home at around 9am I received a message in my phone. Being unable to read, I consulted my helper to check what kind of a message had been sent to me. Upon checking I was informed that it was the first transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed knowing that the light has finally come due to the hardship I was passing through.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The house is a vivid mark for GiveDirectly. My initial house burnt at a time when I had completely no means of building another house because getting food for the family was not easy. The season was also very tough, hunger was everywhere in our area. Sincerely speaking, if it were not for GiveDirectly I don’t know how the living condition would be like as at now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first thing I thought of accomplishing was to construct a house. I was seeking for shelter because my house burnt down. So I bought 24 pieces of iron sheets for KES 20400.00, some poles and rafters for KES 6000.00 since I already had some poles and rafters before. I also paid KES 10000.00 school fees for my son who is in college and bought 2 goats for KES 6000.00. The remaining amount catered for the contractor and some food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent house for my family. My house has a leaking roof and has no space to accommodate my household of nine members. I am planning to spend KES 40,000 to build a two roomed house which is enough for my family. I will also spend part of the second transfer to buy five indigenous goats which do well in our area.The remaining amount will help me clear fee balances for my kids and other basic needs such as food and clothing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.This is because I get enough time to rest and share meals with my family, Something that I enjoy very much. Unlike in the morning and evening hours when I am busy doing household chores as well as working at charcoal production.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is lack of money due to the prolonged drought in our area. I and my husband depend on charcoal production as a source of income which is energy draining and earns me KES 1800 in a period of three weeks.Sometimes, you stay for over a month without making any sale.Due to this, It has been difficult to save enough money to build a good house. This has forced me to ask relatives to accommodate two of my sons, something that makes me feel ashamed.
