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?
It was exactly 9 in the evening when I had finished taking our meal when I heard a very loud vibration from my phone. I requested my spouse who sitting just beside the phone to confirm where the message was coming from. On checking he realised that it was an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. I was over-excited together with my family for being sure that my children will soon be going back to school.
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 was able to settle the fees arrears for my six children in primary and secondary schools. My dream has been to see them going to school like the rest but this was in vain because of the financial hardships that I have been encountering. They have therefore been on and off every semester which has been affecting their academic performance in particular. My spouse has been jobless for over three years now and I had to step in fulfilling the family's needs which have never been easy. I have been working as a waitress in a local hotel and paid KES 200 a day which could barely sustain us. Paying the fees has been a huge burden to me and I was almost having up. I am so grateful that GiveDirrctly came on time. Besides that I have a few goats that I am certain with time, I will be able to have many of them and help me out in sorting my household responsibilities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 16000 of my first cash transfer to buy beddings which include a wooden bed, mattress and bed sheets. For the last thirty years, I have been sleeping on the traditional beds which were made of ropes. I used to experience lots of discomforts and pains every day. All I can say I that there is a relief to me and my kids. Additionally, I bought two goats at KES 8000 which serve as assets that I can rely on at any time. I opted for them because they can thrive very well in my region. I later cleared fees of KES 30000 for my six children, in secondary and primary schools. I now have peace of mind on seeing them attending classes like the rest; an assurance of a brighter future. With the remaining amount of money, I have been purchasing food for my eight family members.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a family of six members. My husband and I are casual workers earning approximately KES 8000 per month. I have two daughters in secondary school each paying KES 35000 per year as school fees. We are all living in a one-bedroom house which is not spacious enough to accommodate all the family. My husband and I sleep on the floor and let the children sleep on the bed.it also lacks privacy. Due to our little income, we cannot build another house enough for the family. Upon receiving the cash, I will build a three-bedroom house worthy KES 90000. This will accommodate all the family comfortably. I will also use KES 20000 to pay for school fees for my two daughter who are in secondary school. I am happy that Givedirectly program will uplift my reputation from shame to fame.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In early May 2022, one of the members of parliament aspirants for the 2022 general election in our area gave me KES 20000 to pay school fees for my two daughters. This help brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do casual labor together with my husband and we a very little income per month. Approximately KES 8000 per month. This is mostly used for food in the family. My two daughters are always out of school due to lack of school fees. This has affected their performance. The lack of a job is the current challenge I am facing in life.
