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?
GiveDirectly changes lives by ensuring they offer transfers to different communities without discrimination enabling them to grow in a positive way.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Not having a permanent job sometimes brings a moment of uncertainty when receiving payments. I am an ECDE teacher and I get paid by the Parents Teachers Association every once in a while. I am married to one husband who works as a nurse at our nearby clinic assisting the sick in the society. Together we have two young children whom we live with. The KES 3000 received was put to good use, as I was able to transfer KES 1500 to my local Chama account increasing my savings for future use. Food in the house was finished and with KES 550 I added some to at least last us for three days ensuring we do not sleep hungry. I spent a further KES 450 to buy one chicken with the hope that it will lay eggs and hatch more chicks. The balance of KES 550, I bought school shoes for my children as schools were almost reopening.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in class teaching when I received the funds. I felt relieved because I knew I will be able to reduce my debt. Especially the fee arrears of KES1600 I have in the college where I am taking a teaching course. Constantly, the institution could harass me to settle it. I also used to practice poultry farming but unfortunately, all but one died as a result of some unknown illness. I had the desire to revive the business but it is the means that I lacked. Now the funds have made it possible.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving the funds, there has been a great difference in my life. I am now able to revive my poultry business which had collapsed after two of my chickens died. I then bought two more (a roster and a hen) using the funds. This brings the total number to 3 chickens. I will keep buying more every time I receive the transfers until I have at least 10. These funds will also help in supporting my studies as a teacher.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Even with a husband working as a clinical officer, I still have the urge to also progress myself. I, therefore, started working as an ECD teacher with a monthly salary of KES 7000. I also went back to school to acquire teaching skills. The funds I received from give directly came in when I was being harassed to settle my school fee arrear of KES 1600. So, I used KES 600 to reduce the debt. With my passion for poultry farming, I added two chickens to the one that I had. I then remained with KES 1600 which I used to stock more food in my household and avoid running out on it.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had always wanted to advance my teaching career. I have a certificate in early childhood education. I am intending to use my transfers to clear my pending levies as well as advance my profession( to diploma level). This will expand my knowledge as well as increase my income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Getting a job without paper is not easy in Kenya. With my certificate still held at school due to pending fees, I still managed to be employed as an untrained teacher in a nearby school. This brought excitement and joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I finished my certificate in early childhood education but my results are withheld by the instructions because of fee arrears. The little salary I get from my job is all consumed by other pressing daily wants. This has stagnated my determination for career advancement.
