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 remember it was around 9 o'clock, I was in my house preparing breakfast for the family after completing my morning work of charcoal burning. I received a message notification in my phone upon checking I was surprised to see the Mpesa Message of the transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy knowing my longing will be accomplished through the aid.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now leading a stress-free life after clearing the fee arrears for my child. Previously, I was always worried about the fate of education for my child since I had no money to support him.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $220 to purchase building materials comprising of 20 iron sheet, building poles, timber and nails this was for the construction of a modern Iron roofed house for the family. Furthermore, I spend $200 to educate my sixth child who is in a boarding secondary school by clearing the fees arrears of $100 and paying 100 for first term. The one I had earlier was old and was about to collapse. In addition, I bought 3 goats for $50 each this is a long term investment for the children, I will sell them to pay school fees once they multiply.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means good education to my child. My last born is in secondary school but he has been in and out of school due to fees balance. I am planning to spend 60,000 Kenya shillings to clear all the arrears so that he can study with ease. I hope that he is going to pass and get a well-paid job so that he can support us in the future. Other, than I will spend the remaining amount to renovate the roof of my house which leaks during rainy season for us to be able to live comfortable life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of the day. It is at this particular time when I work comfortably because I am strong, than it in the evening when I am exhausted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a charcoal vendor in our village. This job earns me 2400 Kenya shillings in a month which is not enough to cater to all our basic needs such as education. This is the reason why I have failed to clear the school fees balance for my child. Therefore, the lack of a good source of income is my biggest challenge.
