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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My dream is to become a fashion designer and open my own business. I absolutely love fashion and design, and it's what I'm truly passionate about. Right now, during my holidays, I work casual jobs on people's farms just to get by. But my goal is to finish my schooling in fashion and design. I want to open my own business so I can support my sibling's school fees and take care of them. The idea of achieving this fills my heart with joy and gratitude.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Since I began receiving support from GiveDirectly, what really struck me was their compassion, especially when my mother passed away. Their cash transfers made a huge difference in our lives. I was able to pay my rent and ensure that my younger sibling, who is now in a new school, had all fees covered. I appreciate everything GiveDirectly has done for us. So far, I haven't noticed any issues or areas that need improvement.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly was a moment of relief and gratitude for me. It was a day like any other, I was at home, taking a break from my studies since I didn't have classes that day. This was the first time I personally received money from GiveDirectly. I had been entrusted with the responsibility of receiving it after my mother's painful passing.
The money came at the perfect moment. I didn't have any money for rent or food in the house,it brought a smile to my face. I immediately used $50 to pay the rent, ensuring a roof over our heads, and bought enough food to make our stay comfortable.
But the bulk of the money, $400, was allocated to my younger brother's education. He's only five years old, and after our mother passed away, he had to move to Eldoret to live with our auntie. This meant a change of schools for him. The money covered his school fees, uniform, and all the necessary learning materials. Now, he's settled into his new school in Eldoret, and I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their timely support. It made a world of difference for me and my only sibling.
Enrolled
access_time 8 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfer will help us a lot, I have a daughter in college. Plan to support her education with $200, it will give her stability. I hope she completes her education and have a better future.
I have been a farmer all my life. I cannot do without farming maize, beans or vegetables. We plan to hire an acre of land to plant maize next season. It's very profitable. It's costly, and will set aside $300 for this venture. The income generated will support my family and also pay for education.
Due to my illness, and I don't know how much it will cost. It's important that I set aside the rest of the transfer for my medication. I hope to get well soon so that I can go back to my normal working. The transfer has come at an appropriate time and greatful for the good work Givedirectly is doing to uplift us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have four cows, we depend on them as a family. They provide us with enough milk, it means we don't buy, hence cutting our budget. It's a joy milking and having tea during breakfast.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge is that I have been sick for the last 2 months. This means providing for my family is a challenge. I cannot do farming due my worsening health condition. Plan to go back to hospital for treatment, and hopefully to get well soon.
My neighbors have been really helpful in raising funds for my medication. I don't have enough money for my hospital bills. They also have been giving us food support.
