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.
Follow to
be updated on Priscillar's next check-in.
24th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After completing my tailoring studies at Mtawapa Polytechnic, I faced the challenge of not having a sewing machine or a suitable location to start my tailoring business. As a result, I decided to start a vegetable-selling business instead. This new venture has helped me support my family and afford my needs without relying on financial support from anyone. Looking ahead, my goal is to save significantly from this business and my monthly earnings so that I can realize my dream of opening a tailoring shop within the next year. I am optimistic about excelling in tailoring since I now possess the necessary skills for this work. I am very hopeful that I will soon be able to purchase a machine and open a tailoring shop. Once established, my shop will showcase a wide variety of dresses and other garments, demonstrating my skills across different materials and designs. This transition will not only empower me but also boost my confidence in my ability to succeed in life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my most recent transfer, I had three priority items in mind. First, I allocated $40 to pay my house rent as I am currently staying in a rental house. It's important to me to prioritize this need, as I want to avoid the embarrassment of being kicked out by my landlord for late payment. Prompt rent payment also helps maintain a good relationship with the landlord. I also used $32 to purchase food, which is a basic necessity for daily sustenance and energy to work. Finally, I invested $30 to buy a goat for myself. I chose to invest in goat rearing as they are easy to manage, and this could also serve as a form of savings for any future financial crises. This way, even after the transfers stop, I will still have a tangible asset as a remembrance of this period.
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After completing my tailoring studies at Mtawapa Polytechnic in January, I faced the challenge of not having a sewing machine or a suitable location to start my tailoring business. As a result, I decided to start a vegetable-selling business instead. My plan is to save significantly from this venture, as well as from my monthly transfers, so that by the end of the year, I can fulfill my dream of opening a tailoring shop. In my tailoring shop, I will be creating a wide range of dresses and other garments, using various materials and designs to enhance my skills and secure a brighter future. This transition will not only empower me but also instill confidence in my abilities to excel in life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After completing my tailoring course, I opened my own business where I currently sell vegetables to my local community. I started this venture in March with the aim of raising enough money to purchase a sewing machine and secure a location for my tailoring business. I invested $25 to add stock to my vegetable business. Currently, I am renting a house, and to share the expenses, I split the rent with a friend, paying $34 monthly. Additionally, I spent $31 on food to sustain myself and my family for the entire month, ensuring we stay healthy and energized. With the remaining $12, I purchased a mobile phone to stay connected with my family and friends, as well as to easily communicate with people from GiveDirectly.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Following the completion of my fashion and design course late last year, I encountered challenges securing employment within the local tailoring industry. This has pushed to think of establishing my own fashion design venture here in Mtwapa. This endeavor necessitates acquiring essential resources, including a sewing machine priced at $110, sewing materials, and securing a suitable shop location.
Given my current financial constraints, I am reliant on the transfers to facilitate this entrepreneurial pursuit. To this end, I have been allocating $10 of the transfers each month towards savings, aimed at procuring the necessary equipment and resources. Additionally, I have recently secured part-time employment as a grocery shop attendant, which will provide supplementary income to further support my aspirations.
With unwavering determination and strategic financial planning, I am committed to realizing my dream of launching a successful tailoring business. The support provided by the transfers, coupled with my perseverance and newfound employment, position me to embark on this journey towards entrepreneurship with optimism and resolve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Residing in Mtwapa after completing my studies in fashion and design last November, I have encountered challenges securing stable employment. Recently, however, I managed to get a job as a grocery shop attendant, after a prolonged period without income. During this time, the transfers have served as my primary means of sustenance, covering essential expenses such as food supplies.
Gratefully, my grandparents have extended their support by covering my monthly rent of $20, allowing me to allocate $10 from my transfers towards future aspirations. With a keen ambition to establish my own tailoring shop, these savings are meant for procuring a sewing machine, which carries a cost of $110. Once acquired, I plan to proceed with securing a suitable business location.
This strategic allocation of funds not only facilitates my immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for realizing my entrepreneurial aspirations. With diligent planning and perseverance, I am optimistic about achieving success in my envisioned venture, leveraging the support of my family and the financial resources provided by the transfers.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My dream is to establish a tailoring shop and acquire a sewing machine, crucial tools for launching my tailoring business. I am determined to save and accumulate the transfers I receive to make this aspiration a reality. This venture signifies that I can generate income for myself, consequently fulfilling my own needs as well as those of my family. I'm delighted with the progress I've made and how far I've come, especially when I reflect on where I started.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had to discontinue my secondary school education last year during my second year due to a lack of school fees. This financial hardship led to frequent dismissals from school because my mother, who works as a farmer, couldn't afford to cover my fees or those of my five siblings. I am deeply grateful to Give Directly for the assistance provided through the transfers, which has allowed me to enroll in college even without completing my secondary education. Currently, I am pursuing a tailoring course that I anticipate to complete by the end of the year. Out of the funds I received, I allocated $70 to cover my monthly college fees. The remaining $32 was used to pay for rent and purchase food for myself since my college is quite a distance from home. I'm excited about the opportunities that GiveDirectly has opened up for me, assuring me of a brighter future ahead.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had dropped out of college after studying for four months as I had lacked school fees. I was really worried about if I would resume school until Givedirectly came in. I now will be finishing my training in October if all goes well and this means I can start using my skills. I hope to open a tailoring shop where I can make an income. I will start saving for a machine once school is completed and then rent a shop. In the meantime I will look for work as I try to raise cash for the business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am in college currently pursuing a tailoring course. My monthly fee is $20 and since its far from home we took a house with a friend which we pay $20 where we split the rent to $10 each, I also require to do shopping for my needs from time to time hence I also budget for this. So monthly once I receive my transfers I send $20 to school and then I send $10 to my landlord, I keep $4 for me to use as pocket money. This has been my spending since I received tranfsers.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After I complete my tailoring course, I will start up my own fashion and design business where I will be making designer clothes that will attract a lot of customers to my business. I believe I will be able to do great work because of the passion I have for tailoring and my desire to succeed in life. Back at home, I would also want to buy a lot of goats and cows that I will be keeping and selling them in future so that I will get good money. I will do a diversified business that will bring me profit in all ways possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had to drop out of school in Form 2 because I could not afford to pay my school fees after my mother moved into a new matrimonial home. I was compelled to stay with my grandparents, who, despite their advanced age, were equally incapable of supporting me through school. Receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly was a relief, but returning to school remained a priority. I had not been in class in the past two years and I could not return to the secondary curriculum, therefore, I decided to pursue my passion for tailoring. I spent $20 to enroll in a tailoring school in Mtwapa, where I am currently learning new skills that will come in handy when I purchase a sewing machine. I spent $10 on rent and saved the remaining $5 for groceries and upkeep because I had to stay in school throughout my learning period. I am grateful for GiveDirectly's generous support, which I believe will help me complete the tailoring training.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The best thing that has happened to me while I am in school is a five-year commitment by GiveDirectly to support us with a free cash transfer. I am grateful for the promised assistance, which has allowed me to plan ahead even before receiving the funds. Everyone in the village appreciated the gesture, from the first stages of enrollment to the present, when we are a few months into the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently studying tailoring at a local polytechnic, where I rent a house for the semester instead of commuting. My grandparents have always assisted me in paying the entire school fee as well as the other six siblings. It was a relief when I enrolled and received the GiveDirectly transfer, which covered a portion of my school fees. I spent $25 on the most recent transfer to pay a portion of the school fees. In addition, I spent the remaining $5 on household items that would aid in my maintenance while at school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My phone rang with a message alert at around 4 p.m. when I was finalizing my class for the day before heading home. Immediately, I checked to see what it contained and could not believe my eyes when I found Give Directly had sent the first cash transfer as promised. A wave of relief swept over me because I knew the money would help clear my college fees that had accrued for the month of August.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Following the cash transfer from Give Directly, the frequency of being pulled out of class to fetch outstanding college fees has been reduced from three times (in July) to once (in September). The reason why I joined tailoring college in June was that I felt the fees would less likely overwhelm my mother than those of high school since the training was cheaper. However, the strain did not lessen since, besides me, she has six younger children to care for in primary school. That is why before the transfer, the struggle for settling my training charges made me miss classes three times. I am glad that the cash transfer lifted a weight off my shoulders and helped clear the balance. Since then, I have only been sent home once due to the outstanding fee for September.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Last year in August, I dropped out of my second year of high school since my mother could no longer afford the tuition fees. After my father passed away, she solely bore the burden of raising my six siblings in primary school and me. Charcoal burning was the quickest practice she could do to raise money and provide essentials like food for our family. However, when I got to form two, the financial constraints weighed too much on her that she could not support my education, which made me permanently suspend my studies. Although it broke my heart, I had no otherwise but to accept the bitter reality that things were getting tougher than before. In June this year, I joined a tailoring college to acquire basic skills with an aim of starting a tailoring business in the future to support my family. By the time I received the transfer, I had not paid my August fees of $40. So I used the entire transfer amount and supplemented it with some cash my mother had sent me to clear the balance so I would continue with my training peacefully.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am in my first year in college taking tailoring course. My aged grandmother is the one who pays for my school fees and she has been struggling raising the fees. This has resulted to being sent home for school fees whenever she does not have the money. Receiving this money from GiveDirectly would mean a reliable source of income for my education. I will be paying 5,000 KES per term for the course. I will also be spending 3,000 KES on upkeep and stationeries while at school. This would bring so much peace of mind and concentration on my studies without any interruptions whatsoever. I will also be saving 500 KES monthly so that once I finish college I buy a tailoring machine so that I can start earning from my own business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was when I joined tailoring college five month ago. I felt great because it was one of my desires to have skills that would enable me earn a living in future. This has been my source of joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of fees is a big problem to me because my aged grand mother can not raise the fees needed for my tailoring course I am pursuing. I was sent home for school fees three months ago upto now I am yet to go back. This has brought so much stress to me thinking when I will go back to school and resume my studies. It has affected my academic performances as I am most of the time out of school. I also have no enough clothes to put on and as a grown up girl I always feel ashamed wearing torn and worn out clothes. This has made me to shy away from social gatherings as I feel lonely and shameful.