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
access_time 5 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 than it would have been if I never received the transfer since I now much relieved after clearing fee arrears for my two children who are at secondary school. As a single parent (widow), caring, feeding and educating my children has been a challenge. Thus, receiving the financial boost from GiveDirectly meant a lot to me - I am now less stressed or worried about paying school fees for my children. I used the transfers to pay fees for the whole year for the two children. Thanks a lot GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in the way it enrolls recipients - the process is transparent and fair. This ensures that all the deserving individuals receive the transfers. Subsequently, virtually everyone is satisfied with the enrollment processes. On the other hand, I find nothing that GiveDirectly does not handle well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 30000 KES of my second transfer on paying school fees for my two children who are at secondary school pursuing their studies. Besides, I bought four sacs of maize worth 10000 KES for consumption by my family. Moreover, I acquired three goats at 9000 KES that we are raising. Further, I purchased three school sweaters for my three children at 1500 KES. Finally, I used the remaining amount on acquiring food items including sugar, tea leaves, and cooking fat.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My life has changed for the better. I normally look at the GD cows in my compound and I am grateful for this. These are my own. It is the biggest difference for me. It gives me joy to see them each day. I am a single mother and every need is on me. Sometimes I just stand outside the house to see and admire my new cows with gratitude knowing that were it not for GD I would not be having them. May God bless GiveDirectly!
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was with great joy that I received the cash transfer. I woke my children up and we all read the message again. I could not sleep anymore. I immediately fixed breakfast for us so as to get to go to the agent early to withdraw the cash. Thereafter I went to the market where cows are sold to buy them.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The first transfer from GiveDirectly enabled me to buy 2 cows, maize and clothes for my family. The cows will give us milk for consumption and sale in the near future. Initially, we had one cow that gave us little milk and I felt we needed some more. The cows are also an investment because in future they will reproduce and I will sell the calves to sort things such as school fee for my children. We needed some clothes and food too. That is why I bought them. We have been lacking food for some years now because of a disease breakout in our area. We've had to buy food that we would have easily planted but thanks to the disease we can't; it destroys crops and wipes them out. We are happy nevertheless that our need for food has been sufficiently met by GD funds. Our plates are nicely full. Thank you GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have two children in secondary, one in form one and the other in form two. I intend to use Kshs 25,000 of the transfer to clear next year's school fees for both of them. Taking them through school has been a burden since my husband passed on, therefore receiving this money means a big relief to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after closing my business and coming home to my family. Seeing my children at the end of the day too is a source of my joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is having to lose my husband in March last year. He was an engineer and away in Uganda. He died after falling off a plant operator. We lost a father, a friend and a sole breadwinner of the family, thus the challenge is having to raise my family a lone. I have had to work extra hard to take them through school and other basic needs.
