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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
My current financial position is far much better than how I was before I started receiving the funds from give directly. Most of my debts have been paid up and I can now attend better to my family's needs. So, to me, give directly has done very well through these cash donations. I am yet to note anything bad they have done.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a business lady selling liquid detergent. I package them in a 500ml recycled water bottle. A bottle goes for ksh20 and in a day I normally manage to sell 7bottles. When I received my first transfer, I used ksh500 to pay for my five children's school fees as they had been sent home due to arrears. Ksh200 was for my tithe and the remaining ksh500, I used to invest in my business. After I paid for the children's school fee arrears, the pending arrears were now ksh1500. I was unable to settle it with my second transfer since I used ksh1100 on my hospital bill, ksh1000 on Christmas celebrations, ksh600 for the improvement of my business and lastly, I tithed ksh300. Therefore, I am planning to settle it using my next transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had woken up early to go fetch water at the nearing water point so that I do not get tired when the sun comes out. After some back and forth I heard my phone vibrate with a notification. It was around nine o'clock when I saw that I did indeed get the transfer. I was so happy that I could ensure my family had a good breakfast that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am now able to save which will open doors for me in the future. This will help if I want to start a business or even ensure my children have a smooth time in school. I can now have an easy time as I will no longer have to strain myself physically and mentally to put food on the table.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I first got this money I was so overjoyed and to say thanks to God for bringing me this opportunity, I set aside some KES.150 to take to church as an offering. The next step I took was to pay school fees for my children who had been coming home from school due to school fees. I paid KES.500. The other KES.500, I restocked my business. I sell soap and bleach but I decided to increase the bleach this time as that is what sells quickly. I sometimes go round homestead to homestead when the space I put my stand has no customers. Thank you Give directly for this opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a son who is to join secondary school next year and since my husband is not financially stable, it is my responsibility to start saving money for his education. His school fees will come from my current tailoring business and this is why I will use 1000 KES of the transfers to boost the business so it can give me good returns that will enable me to support my child's education and buy food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my family alive and in good health and also able to see my husband go through surgery successfully brought joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am the sole breadwinner in my family since my husband resigned from his job due to his health conditions. The burden has been too much on me because what I make from my business is not enough to take care of the family's basic needs as well as pay school fees for my children. My daily earnings fluctuate depending on the market but the highest I can make is around 250 KES in a day. With a family of 6, it has not been easy for me to feed them every day.
