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 ($478 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?
After clearing school fees payment for my kids in school, obtaining a good breed and a potential milk-producing heifer, and also the construction of a new house after receiving my transfers from GiveDirectly, I feel satisfied monitoring their progress at the moment as they are all that I had been wishing for. At the moment I don't have any new goal that I can say I never had before receiving the transfer but I am grateful for all that I have done and hope that they will meet my expectations in their future productivity.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The education that the field officers gave us in the first meetings before the enrollment period was a great chance for every member of the community to understand what the process is all about and also to instill confidence and hope that it was almost time for us to start again. I appreciate all the effort by GiveDirectly that has seen an improved living standard in all the households that were visited. So far I can't complain at all since I received all I was promised, and in my opinion, GiveDirectly did the best they could and I am happy about it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I was much at ease after the first experience with the initial transfer that I received and accomplished all that I had hoped to. I had to initiate the construction of a new house and further push other ongoing projects that I had started with the first transfer. The construction of a new house was an interesting experience for me as I had been hoping to move out of the old hut that I have lived in with my family for a long time. I managed to obtain 21 iron sheets, timber, and also paid labor that took a cumulative KES30000 shillings after the complete construction of a new house. I also paid KES3000 as part of the school fees for my currently in primary school, obtained additional foodstuff worth KES6400, till my piece of land in preparation for the planting season at KES1600, and used the remaining amount on equipping my school children who needed stationaries and new school uniforms.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($504 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 10 am. I was on my farm when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I reluctantly check it, I couldn't believe my eyes it was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I stop whatever I was doing and rushed home. I informed my spouse and children and the all celebrated. I withdrew the money the same day. Currently I have a dairy cow and this was always my dream.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have bought a dairy cow. I used to do casual jobs in the village and sometimes to get this jobs is so hard. The amount of money that I get through this was so small and cannot meet all the basic needs of the family. I was not in a position to buy a dairy cow. I used to wake up very early in the morning to go for casual jobs and back home late at night feeling very tired. When I received the transfer I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. Currently I have enough milk for my family unlike before. I sell the surplus at the market to earn an income to meet other household items. I no longer do casual jobs in the village. I have devoted much of my time on my farm. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing a dairy cow. This has cut the cost of buying milk daily which is so expensive. I also renovated my house to look better than before. This had always been my dream. The rest of the money I bought sofa set seats and food for the family. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I dropped out of formal education in class 6 and I have always desired that I educate my children to the highest level possible. I have a passion for education and as such, receiving this money will enable me to pay school fees for my 3 children. I believe that our lives will change when we give the best education to our children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day us usually in the morning because I take sometime to pray and give thanks for the day. Its at this time that I feel healthy and energetic to walk and look for casual labor.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest worry at the moment is lack of finances. For me to educate and even to provide basic needs for my family, I have to go to a farm that is approximately 10 Kilometres away so that I can get Ksh 300. This amount helps me to cater for the needs of my family. My husband is polygamous and he, on the other hand, auctions cows at various markets and he usually helps contribute some amount to the family.
