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
53010 KES ($336 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to expand my tailoring business, I plan to invest in key tailoring equipment. Currently, none of the nearby tailors possess the specific machines I need, so every time I require them, it involves a considerable journey. My strategy involves saving a portion of my tailoring income through a merry-go-round, with the aim of purchasing a serger by the end of the year. Once I acquire the serger, I plan to leverage its increased efficiency and income to then invest in a thread super high-speed overlock sewing machine. These machines will not only streamline my production process but also enable me to meet my family's needs more comfortably. I am optimistic that this step-by-step approach will bring about significant improvements in my business and overall financial stability for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly exceeded my expectations in delivering on their promises. The process was prime; they assured us of financial support and ensured the timely delivery of the cash. What sets them apart is their commitment to transparency—they not only handed us the money but also conducted thorough audits to track how we utilized it. This accountability instills trust, and their unwavering dedication to helping those in need has made a significant impact on my life. Frankly, from my perspective, GiveDirectly's services are top-notch, and They shouldn't change a thing about the way they operate.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the unconditional monthly cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a true blessing for me and my family. With the second cash transfer we received, I immediately decided to invest $120 in my children's well-being. For the first time, I was able to purchase a bed and mattress for my two kids, replacing the makeshift sacks they had been using as bedding. Being a housewife and with my husband's income being unpredictable as a casual worker earning just $30 per week during stable job periods, providing a decent life was always a challenge. The majority of his earnings went towards putting food on the table. Witnessing the joy in my children's eyes as they slept comfortably on their new bed was priceless. I also used some of the money to restock my small business of selling clothes and materials that I have started using the first transfers, hoping the increased income would help cover our daily expenses on days when my husband struggled to secure a job. I saved the remaining amount to buy goats, which I believe will serve as a financial security net for our family. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for the support that has made such positive changes in our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($364 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home, enjoying a moment of relaxation, and the SMS notifying me about the transfers arrived at 3 p.m. I was filled with gratitude because I had been eagerly anticipating this message to arrive, knowing that it would enable me to run important errands. In my mind, I could already see my plans coming to fruition, and I felt a sense of relief that my pending tasks would finally be completed. I could not contain my excitement, so I shared the news with my husband. He, too, was elated by the message, and we celebrated the arrival of the financial support. However, I chose not to withdraw the transfers immediately. I waited for a week, possibly to carefully plan and consider the best way to allocate the funds. This deliberate approach allowed me to ensure that the money would be used in the most effective and efficient manner to meet our needs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The impact of the transfers has been truly transformative for my life and family. With the support I received, I can now earn a living through tailoring, a skill I had acquired but could not practice due to the lack of a sewing machine. This addition not only fulfills my passion but also provides an avenue for generating income to support my family. The convenience of connecting water to my compound has been a game-changer. It means I no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water, and this change has saved both time and physical exertion. Additionally, the money we used to spend on purchasing water can now be directed towards other essential needs, further enhancing our financial stability. Moreover, the construction of a new house has resolved the issue of adequate shelter for my family. My children now have a safe and comfortable place to sleep, improving their living conditions and overall well-being. These transfers have indeed brought about significant positive changes in our lives, and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our family of five relies on my husband's house construction work as our primary source of income. The income from this labor is usually dedicated to providing food for our family and covering school fees for our children. I am incredibly happy about the positive changes brought about by these transfers, as they have enabled me to accomplish tasks that I was not sure when I would be able to complete. When I received the transfers, I spent $110 to purchase a sewing machine, which was a crucial step for me. I had previously attended a tailoring course but was unable to put my skills into practice due to the lack of this essential equipment. With the sewing machine, I am now on the path to earning an income that can help support my family. Additionally, I spent $200 toward connecting water to my compound, a fundamental improvement that would make our daily lives more convenient and hygienic. The remaining funds were used to complete the construction of my one-room, iron-roofed house, a project that had been on hold. This upgrade to our living conditions was a significant step forward.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a mother of three and have skills on tailoring. I have desired to own a sewing machine and start my own business but in vain. Currently I do subsistence farming but due to drought it has failed and forced me to rely on my husband for everything. He works as a masonry earning approximately $120 per month which caters for food and school fees. The family also lives in a one room house which lacks privacy . I will use $300 to buy a sewing machine and other material to start my tailoring business. I intend to make $5 every day from my tailoring business. I will also use $500 to build a two room house for the family and also equip the house with two beds. The children are currently sleeping on the floor. The remaining money will help me buy five goats as an investment. This will help me raise school fees for my children once they join secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I like farming and last year I bought two goats as an investment. In May this year all the two goats delivery young goats and the number increased to four. That made me happy because I am on the way to get eliviated from poverty.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I do subsistence farming for survival and it has been three years now without raining in the village. This has made me really on the husband for everything. I also trained as a tailor but due to lack of money I have not got the required tools to practice my skills.