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 ($522 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I was unwell at the time when the recent transfer was sent. I had been admitted at the hospital for some time and I didn't have any source of income at that moment. Therefore, I used part of the money from GiveDirectly to pay for the hospital bills. When I fully recovered I decided to complete constructing the house we started building a few months ago using the remaining transfers. I used part of the money to purchase both steel doors and a steel gate. I have saved a bigger portion of the recent transfer for future use.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD does well by letting people decide how and what to spend the money. This allows them to be flexible and make decisions with a sound mind. That explains the successful projects done in this village. Their way of helping people lets everyone plan and achieve their goals with an independent mind. On the other hand, I feel GiveDirectly needs to enroll those who don't have houses too. They shouldn't restrict themselves by enrolling those with houses only. This is because the ones without houses need help more than anyone else. They are homeless because they can't afford to build one not because they want to be homeless
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different from the way it would have been had I not received the transfer in that if it wasn't for GD I wouldn't be having a house now. I would still be staying at my mother-in-law's house. I am a casual laborer and it's usually difficult to save money since the little that I get from it is usually spent on the daily needs of that day. I managed to build a house after GiveDirectly came into our lives. I really thank God for allowing them to select me as part of the beneficiaries because I never saw myself owning a house any time soon. It is like a miracle. The house will forever remind me of this organization
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the larger portion of my first transfer to complete constructing the house that my spouse and I had constructed up to the foundation level for five years now. This is because we didn't have enough money to complete its construction. I paid part of my medical bills and food for my family's consumption. The remaining amount I have saved it in my Mpesa account 8000 KES.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw a message notification at around midnight that I had received money from GD, I was left sleepless over the remaining part of the night. I could not believe that it was true because in my whole life I have never had the opportunity to benefit from donation funding. All this seem like a dream to me but all in all, I am thankful to GiveDirectly for the financial support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have been living with a peaceful mind since I spent part of my first transfer on building a new house that I currently live in. previously, I was staying at my parent's in-laws house and to me, I felt I and my family members were a bother to them because we had occupied a larger part of their house. Having a decent and a bigger house is the biggest difference in my daily life because it has always been my biggest dream.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest struggle is inadequate finances. For the past two years, I have not been able to complete building my house, I still need iron sheets and timber yet money is scarce. I was also instructed by my doctor to go for scanning because I have a delicate pregnancy accompanied by severe abdominal pains but have not been able to because I lack the required finances.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have a delicate pregnancy accompanied by frequent abdominal pains especially at night. However, during the day it is not so much thus making it the better part of my day.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be financially capable of educating my children. I plan to start a grocery shop just by the road side near my house where I will be able to attract many customers. This will translate to more income that will go into my children's education as well as other necessities. The remaining cash transfer will go into livestock specifically goats, as security when need arises because I can sell them much quickly and completion of my new two bedroom house as the current one is too small for my family of five.