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 ($510 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I no longer have financial stress like I used to suffer in the past. The number of daily needs was overwhelming as compared to what I used to earn. I was so stressed because I really wanted to build a house for the family but I never had the means to do so due to lack of finances, but thanks to Give directly, all my desires were fulfilled at the least expected time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I believe that the organization came up with an excellent idea of bringing such a project in this poor village. Most people have changed their lives to a great extent by building houses, taking their kids to school while others preferred to buy livestock using the money.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the cash on building a new house for the family which gave us an opportunity to move out of the small house that was so old and in such a dilapidated state. The size of the family we had was not enough to live in such a small house. I have five kids with whom we shared the single-roomed house, for so many years. I wanted to have a chance but then I did not know how to go about it because I had no money to achieve such a thing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I was previously living in a house that was in bad condition. Through the transfer, I was able to purchase enough building materials to construct a new house. my house will be complete soon courtesy of GiveDirectly. To me, owning this house is the biggest difference.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning. On checking to confirm, it was from GiveDirectly notifying me that finally my first transfer had been sent. I was filled with happiness for I never expected such a fortune in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building materials. I bought enough Iron sheets and building poles to construct a new house. Getting a new house was the biggest change that this transfer brought into my life for I was previously living in a house that was in a really bad condition. The house was old and it could be blown away easily by a strong wind or by a heavy downpour. This was dangerous to our life, therefore, constructing a new house was my first priority. Apart from that I also bought a cow. Owning a cow has been my long term goal. I have always desired to own some assets which I can rely on during a financial crisis. I believe it will reproduce and fill my cowshed. I will be selling its offsprings when an emergency arises. I will also be getting milk from it hence reducing my expenditure on purchasing milk.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being a subsistence farmer,I always find myself being the last to tilt my land because I have to first of all look for money then pay for the cultivation from oxen and ox plough owners.By the time I get money either from casual jobs or borrowing,the rains have gone down resulting to low yield hence persistent food insecurity in my household.Receiving money from Givedirectly therefore means,I will be able to buy my own oxen and ox plough which will enhance timely cultivation,upscale my farming and ensure food security as well as generating income because I will cultivate for others at a fee.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is usually in the evening when we reunite with my children after school.When they surround me and tell stories of how their day in school was,I feel happy and forget the high temperatures I had to endure as a cook in one of the local schools.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of access to clean water during drought three years ago.I had to stop going for casual jobs to wait for the water vendors who again sold at very exorbitant rates not forgeting that people could also stampede on me as we scrumbled for the water.
