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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The transfers GiveDirectly donates to people is really good. We are able to do great things with it such as business as I have, pay for our children's school fees as well as buy food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the first transfer, I bought flour and used the rest on school fees. KES 500 was spent on food while the other KES 700 I used to pay for my children's school fees. The second transfer, went toward my grocery business. When I received the second transfer, I went and bought new stock for my grocery business. Thus, the whole amount went towards developing my business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
In my lifetime, I had never gotten any financial assistance similar to what GD promised me. When I was enrolled in the program, I had some doubts that this could not be a real promise. However, one afternoon when I was just relaxing in my grocery shop, I saw a friend approaching me with a smile in her face. Before I could ask her what was exciting her, she asked if if I had confirmed my transfer message. I thought she was joking. However, upon checking my phone, I was thrilled with joy to see an Mpesa message. I felt my hope restored, being re-energized and inwardly assured that I would overcome my challenges and succeed in life courtesy of GD transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Due to continuous struggle to pay school fees for my little child, I had been known by almost all teachers as the most struggling parent. This somehow lowered my self-esteem because it was a situation I had never thought I could go through. When I received my first transfer, I prioritized to offset my child's school fee arrears in order to restore my self-esteem.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
All through my lifetime, I had never imagined that there can come a time that raising even KES 500 for school fees can be a huge struggle. Due to Covid-19 my grocery business underperfomed hence my income greatly went down. When I received GD transfers, I prioritized to spend my transfer to clear my child's fee arrears of KES 500. The transfer was a great assistance I had ever imagined I could get at such a time. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I run a small grocery shop. I have had thoughts of adding stock but finances were the biggest constraint. What I get from the shop is what's used to run the house and what my husband gets from his carpentry business we use to pay school fees for our two children. I will use the first ten transfers to add more commodities like fruits to my business and hope for more clientele. At the moment, I'm just selling traditional vegetables.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite life's challenges, I am still glad to be alive. I do not take it for granted. Taking care of my children and husband gives me so much joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My health took a nosedive last year. Whenever I visit a doctor, all tests come out negative but to date, I still feel weak and this has begun to worry me. I've been losing weight without trying, my chest feels congested all the time and I don't have an appetite. I hope to travel to Mombasa when finances are right and seek another opinion then hope to get good medical attention.
