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?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in giving us the monthly transfers which has enabled us to reduce the poverty we are in. We can now plan and improve our lives by fulfilling the financial needs that were impossible to us like providing daily food to our families. This is changing our lives and I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Raising school fees for my two children, one in high school and the other in primary school has been a challenge to me as a parent. They would stay at home for many weeks since I could not pay the fee arrears. When I started receiving the transfers, I paid for them on time and they were allowed to continue with their studies. I am at peace now seeing them back in school and having ample time to prepare for the next payment. My prayer is to see them achieve their educational goals despite the financial constraints. Apart from the fees, I also spent Ksh. 500 to do shopping on foodstuffs which include maize and other cereals. This ensured that I have access to enough food daily.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message confirming that I had received the transfer at 9 am. I was in the process of planning the burial of my relative who was to be laid down to rest that same afternoon. I was very happy when I received the text message, but since it was during a mourning period I did not express it openly. I instead waited for the ceremony to end and when I was back home I shared the good news with my family members and they was all very happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made a big difference in my life and that of my family. My child is back in school continuing with his education. I was able to clear part of the debt. This gives me a sound of mind and I am no longer stressed and I am looking forward to receiving the next transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It has always been very difficult for me to pay school fees for my children. Most of the time they are usually sent home for school fees. Once this happens they tend to miss a lot in their syllabus coverage. This has always affected their performance in school. Due to the challenges, I am facing in raising their school fees, it takes me a little longer before I can pull together resources to get them back to school. This makes them on average stay at home for 2 to 3 weeks before they are back to school once again. My son who is in secondary school owes KSH 9000 and when I received the transfer I spent it all in paying part of the school debt. Currently, he is back in school and I am grateful for the assistance from the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We still have two children in school. As my husband focuses on paying their fees, I will on the other hand focus on buying food and saving at least 1,000KES a month for the next year so that I can start a business that will sustain us long after Give Directly has left. Having some income will give my family peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Constantly worrying about our financial situation has not allowed me to feel happy about anything. What has brought me joy just now is knowing that there is a possibility of getting some relief funds. My heart just became lighter.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The ongoing drought has hit us hard. We had so many cows but some died due to lack of pasture. Out of seven cows, we are only left with three. The saddest part of this situation is that it doesn't seem to be getting any better. May God help us.
