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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We rely on my husband, a construction worker, to raise money, and sometimes his income is not enough to meet our needs. There was a time when I used to sell tea and snacks for a living but gave up due to chest pains. From Give Directly transfers, I have set aside KES 8,000 and hope to lead it to buy 30 galvanized iron sheets to build a new house. I also used KES 1000 for food and KES 500 to pay for my son’s education. I am glad to see him studying peacefully without being released from class to pick school fees. I used the rest of the money to buy my children's school uniforms and shoes.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The financial assistance has given us a great push for instance I did not fail on my promise to the school for paying tuition because it it were not for the money I received that my children would have most definitely been sent home so I had no other means to pay, but GiveDirectly helped me through that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three of my children had debts in their tuition fee and examination fee so when I received the money I went ahead to pay for them their fees which had accumulated for the two months that I had yet to pay but luckily they had yet to be sent home because I had talked to the school administration. So I paid KES 1,000 that was split among the three of them. I also sought to take care of the nutrition by buying ten kilograms of rice, five kilograms of beans and three kilograms of sugar which totally cost KES 1,500. Lastly I took the remaining KES 500 and went ahead and bought clothes for my children because they did not have enough and since I had the money I figured it was just right to do so that they would have new attire.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money at around eight in the morning and being excited is an understatement because at the moment it seemed heaven sent because of the financial issues I was facing at that time. Also the fact that my children were home due to lack of fees was stressing me out so it was a huge relief to receive the money and also a step forward to the projects I had in mind when it came to rebuilding my house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfers have improved my life in different ways because my husband and I at times struggle to make ends meet especially keeping in mind that we have three mouths to feed. I used to have a cooking business but my health deteriorated and I had to quit and be a stay home mum so my husband is the bread winner of the family and he does casual jobs from time to time if he manages to get any, meaning its nothing permanent which at times makes the living situation strained. Through my involvement with this program I can at least chip in from time to time and aid in even taking my children to school like what I just did, so the biggest improvement would be the fact that we have a bit of sustanability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As for me, the transfers came at the perfect time because I received the money on the thursday and the previous day my children had just been sent back from school due to impending balances on tuition fee . So as soon as the money came through I immediately payed for my children school fees because I did not want my children to miss out on their studies and it cost me four hundred kenyan shillings and I also took care of their exam fees. As for the rest of the money I decided to save some of it because I have plans to renovate my house including new iron sheets.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family has never had the chance to enjoy a good shelter. Imagine 5 people sharing a single-roomed house that serves as the kitchen too. This denies us privacy as the parents and my children are forced to sleep in their grandma's house. To worsen the situation, this house is leaking and the walls are on the verge of collapsing, making it susceptible to heavy rains. Building a new house is a priority upon receiving this money. I plan to set aside 2000 KES every month to raise a substantial amount that will start off the project.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The last thing I would wish for is to fall into depression because of my problems. I am always a happy person and I spend my days interacting with my friends. This helps me to deviate from any thoughts that could cause stress.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My housewifery does not contribute anything to our financial status. My family's survival depends entirely on my husband who is a casual laborer. This takes a toll on him and he prioritizes food thus overlooking other needs. It's a displeasure to watch my children miss school yet there is nothing I can do about it.
