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 ($527 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been had I not received the transfer because my daughter was able to join secondary school without any problems. Had it not have been for the transfers, she would have been forced to repeat her previous class and she might have ended up being demoralized. Also, my sitting room now looks more presentable since I now have enough seats and I thank GiveDirectly for enabling me to achieve all this.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by deciding to uplift our living standards by giving us a large sum of money.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received second transfer, I spent some of it to buy a seat and some seat cushions. Also, I paid school fees for the whole year for my daughter who was joining high school. In addition to this, I decided to furnish my house for it to look more decent. I bought some ceiling and fixed it and nets to conceal the walls made of mud. I spent the remaining amount to buy enough food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am an ambitious father who always wishes to see my family enjoy a prosperous future. I had been left praying only for better things after I was left disabled due to an accident I was involved in some years back hence wasn't able again to take part in daily income-generating activities. I had felt desperate to only depend on my wife who was being overwhelmed by the family needs. The biggest difference in my daily life is the happiness I have since I was also able to assist my family once again through GiveDirectly. I have paid for my children school fees and I bought enough food for my family that will take us to the next harvesting season. I am currently happy that I have once again palyed my role as father to provide for my family. I have once again felt a health man and this is my happiness.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awoken by an incoming message notification on my phone on checking it I found out I had received money from GiveDirectly, I felt so happy that I will also assist my family again. I immediately saw my child who is a candidate this year getting a humble time to read since I could raise her fees at once to enable have a good time to prepare for her examination.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I became disabled after I was involved in an accident some years back an incident that changed my life since I no longer take part in activities that can support my family. I always feel desperate and look down upon myself when I see my wife struggle to feed and take my children to school. I have a goal to always be part of my children preparation for a better future but due to my inability, I had always felt ashamed of. When I received the first transfer I used KES22000 to pay school fees for my children and I am so happy that I have also assisted my children through GiveDirectly. I am now certain that they will have humble time to study especially my child who is currently sitting for Kenya Certificate of Primary School examination. I also used KES16000 on my household food since we had harvested low yield from our farm hence we ran short of. We currently have enough food in our store to sustain my family to next season hence my wife has ample time to struggle to meet other goals. I used the remaining amount to buy household daily basic needs and items to add to a few we had and we are happy as a family that we also have a better home.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Paying school fees is usually an uphill task in a home where the major source of income is casual labour, an example of which is collecting firewood in a nearby government forest and delivering them in kind for my children's education. Receiving this money will pardon me from this illegal business and enable me pay my children's school fees upfront through to next year. I believe if majority of my neighbors would think and act the same, it would be a collective resolve to mitigate deforestation and positively impact the ecosystem.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For about five years now, my physical disability has restricted me to the confines of my compound. I would sit under a shade for the better part of the day, buried in solitude. Then come the evening, a moment in which I savor every minute. During this time, my children would be home from school and my loneliness is soon drowned in laughter and hearty conversations that lift my spirits. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was a multi skilled carpenter and mason renowned in and outside my village. It was the one livelihood that provided for all necessities in my family of seven. Five years ago, I was involved in an accident that resulted in a severe ankle dislocation. Without sufficient money, I was not in a position to seek specialized treatment for my injuries. I have since been reduced to a lame duck depending on my wife for all my needs. With my inefficiency, I am worried about the constantly skyrocketing needs of my growing family because my wife, the only hope may become incapacitated. Besides, my pride as a husband and father is so beaten from the mere fact that I am not dependable. This is the biggest hardship I've faced in my life.
