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 so happy and excited the moment I saw a text message from GiveDirectly showing that I had received the unconditional transfer. Word cannot explain the immense joy that I felt. This is because I knew that I will be able to accomplish the goal I had. I am so grateful for the support that gave me a chance of going back to college to enhance my skills for a better tomorrow.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that I am optimistic about the future. This is because I was able to enrol in a tailoring institution where I would acquire useful skills which would enable e to start my own business. Secondly, I bought decent bedding for my family meaning that we can enjoy our sleep. I am so grateful for the support that has lifted our living standards amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When my transfer came, I saw it as a perfect time for me to enrol in a training institution so has to acquire tailoring skills. This is because I have been working as a casual labourer which is unpredictable and hard at the same time. Therefore, I used KES 8000 in enrolling on a tailoring course. I then bought a mattress and a bed worth KES 11500. In addition to that bought some of the house items and lastly, I saved KES 20,000. I am so happy for the support that is boosting me to financial freedom.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been doing a saloon job for 2 years as a saloon shop helper. I have been having the interest to be a saloonist but due to luck of money to take me to college, it has remained a dream to me. Receiving this money means I will go to college and start my classes to gain skills to be a professional saloonist so that I can start my own saloon shop in life
What is the happiest part of your day?
I celebrated Christmas. I worked for a teacher as a house helper for 2 months . She paid me KES 2000 just 2 days before Christmas day. I bought a Chicken and celebrated Christmas with my daughter. What brought joy and happiness is that I did the job and finished it 2 months back but was paid 2 days before Christmas. I celebrated and also bought new clothes for my daughter.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge in my house. I separated with my husband 2 years back and he left me with a daughter aged 1 year old. Taking care of the baby needs money and sometimes I cry with my daughter in my hands because the baby needs food and I don't have money to purchase food for her.
