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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home after finishing my usual casual labor when I suddenly received a message. Upon checking, I saw that it was from GiveDirectly, informing me that I had received $180. This was a timely support for my family, and I felt a wave of relief and happiness. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about how I would use the money to shop the next day. This unexpected assistance filled me with hope and excitement for what I could do for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly is in my mental health. I no longer have the stress of searching for school fees for my kids, and having enough food has significantly reduced the pressure and desperation I felt from doing odd jobs that often paid very little. Now, I can spend more quality time with my family, and our overall well-being has greatly improved. This support has brought peace to my life, allowing me to focus on what truly matters: my family and our happiness.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I had a significant burden of school fees. I have two children in secondary school, and I spent $100 to pay their fees. This support came at a crucial time, as they had missed several days of school. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to send them back to school, and they have had uninterrupted studies so far, which I am truly grateful for.
Previously, I struggled with casual labor that didn’t provide enough to cover their fees, leaving them at a disadvantage because they spent most days at home. After paying the school fees, I spent $45 to buy a mattress and chairs. The mattress has greatly improved our health and overall well-being, as I used to sleep on the floor, and now I finally have a comfortable place to rest.
With the remaining money, I bought food since the recent floods had swept away my farm, leaving me with no harvest and no food at home. This assistance from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in our lives, and I am deeply thankful for it.
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access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I plan to allocate KES 30,000 towards paying school fees for my children, ensuring they can focus on their studies without any interruptions.
To improve our family's income, I intend to invest KES 20,000 in purchasing 4 goats. This investment will provide a sustainable source of income over time.
For my 1.5 acres of farmland, I will allocate KES 20,000 towards purchasing necessary farm inputs such as tilling, seeds, land preparation, and watering. This investment aims to increase productivity and generate additional income for my family through agriculture.
The remaining KES 40,000 will be used to expand our current living space, accommodating family members who are currently facing challenges due to limited space. Additionally, part of this amount will be used to purchase food for the family, ensuring our basic needs are met.
This plan aims to address our immediate challenges while creating opportunities for sustainable income and improved living conditions for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was delighted to receive school fee bursary support from the government for my children. This assistance has ensured that they can continue their education without any interruptions.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My greatest challenge is the lack of adequate living space for my entire family. Currently, we reside in a single room which is insufficient for our family of 9. Unfortunately, I lack the financial means to build a larger or additional house.
Additionally, securing funds to pay school fees for my two secondary school children is another pressing issue. The recent floods devastated our maize plantation, leaving us with only a small portion. The daily income of KES 300 from occasional casual labor jobs is barely enough to cover our basic needs such as food and clothing for the family.
