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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($433 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was able to collect my collage certificate which I was not able to pick ever since I graduated from collage due to fees balance. This has made it possible for me to start applying for government teaching jobs and hopefully next year, the government will offer me a job and I will start earning a considerable salary that will make it possible for me to pay my family bills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GiveDirectly does well is giving us unconditional financial aid that has lifted us in several ways. If it were not for the money, I would not have managed to build a house and I do not take that for granted. The transformation in the village is very visible and we are so grateful for everything. Thank you so much.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the longest time, I was sharing my single room house with my wife and two children. It was not a comfortable place one would wish to live in with family because it also served as the main house and the kitchen but I could not afford to build a bigger one with a salary of $40 that I earn as a local teacher. I spend $200 to build rooms for the children, $250 to buy a dairy cow and the balance to buy food for my family. I am happy that I no longer share bedroom with my children and I have my own privacy now. We were also able to afford three meals for a couple of months and I would not have achieved all this by my own. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for the support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8.35 am while washing dishes at home. That's when I heard a message alert on my phone. On checking, I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and withdrew the money a week later.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is the clearance of my University fees arrears. As a result, I now have original academic certificates hence high chances of getting the job of my dreams.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I graduated last year in August from the university I have been working as a temporary primary school teacher. This is because I lacked certificates to apply for a better job given that I had not completed my college fees. Additionally, being a single mother of two I have all responsibilities vested in me. From my teaching job I normally get a salary of KES 4,000 a month which helps with household expenses.
Fortunately, GiveDirectly transfers recently came to my rescue. I, therefore, spent KES 40,000 on clearance of University fees. As a result, I have obtained my original academic certificates. Additionally, I have even started making applications about my course of study.
Moreover, I also bought a goat at KES 6,000 because it gives birth twice a year. And will be crucial when I have financial emergencies.
Lastly, I also spent KES 3,300 on shoes and clothing. I also spent KES 4000 on food and household items. Initially, I used to use KES 2000 on household expenses but this budget is no more with the arrival of GiveDirectly transfers.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continuing with my education to the university level. I finished doing the 2nd module during August 2021 pursuing Social work and community development. I used to depend on government loans but it is limited and is not enough to cater to accommodation, school fees, and upkeep. I am planning to use KES 40,000 to pay my school fees and the rest of my transfer I will use in building another house enough to accommodate my family of three and visitors.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In January, I secured a job as a teacher at a nearby primary school. This is a reliable source of income that has sustained the basic needs of my family like food at the same time, I am gaining work experience that will help me secure a better job in the future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I am facing currently is the lack of school fees. I am employed on a casual basis at a nearby primary school as a teacher which is helping me to raise money for the upkeep of my family. Though the KES 4500 I earn monthly is not enough for my basic needs of clothing, food, and school fees for my child.
