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 own standards and opinion, I am glad for the generous acts I have witnessed from this organisation . For instance I bought new uniform for my children which was quite a big deal for both me and them. They were literally skipping on their way to school unlike other times where they dreaded school because of fear of being made fun of and looking impoverished. GiveDirectly is definitely doing I great job so far.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I received the funds from GiveDirectly, the first thought that came to mind was to ensure that I bought new school uniform for my kids. This is because the previous uniforms they had almost came near to looking like rags. I hated when my kids felt left out when they saw the other kids with proper uniform and how they felt deep embarrassment. I used KES 1,400 for the both of them and honestly the smile on their faces after they realised I purchased new school uniform was enough to brighten my entire day. I then proceeded to use KES 900 and bought half a dozen packets of maize flour flour then ended up using the remaining balance of KES 700 to purchase tea leaves, a kilogram of sugar, two kilograms of beans and cooking oil.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When the message came in that I had received the money I was actually on my way back from picking wood to burn for the purposes of charcoal. I would say I was happy but that almost seems and sounds like an understatement in comparison to how I felt at that moment and that day. I was elated to receive the funds because prior to receiving the money I was scared that my children would have to go hungry.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There was no profound differnce if ypu ask me but then there were slight changes which were a big deal for me and my family. For instance I took a break from work which was chopping trees and finding wood to turn into coal. On most days my job is tedious and tiresome so the break was very much needed. Apart from that, I also managed to ensure that there was food on the table.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the funds from GiveDirecty the first thought that came to mind was that I ensured that I begin by deal with matters concerning nutrition especially since there was barely any food in the house and farming was disappointing as well since we did get any harvest due to drought. From the funds I bought a bag of maize flour which contained a dozen packets for KES 1,350, four packets of wheat flour for KES 740, two kilograms of sugar for KES 240, two litres of cooking oil for KES 320, sardines that cost me KES 40 and kerosene for the lamps at KES 50.I also used KES 300 as transportation fee for the items to be taken back home.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As we speak, my son has been sent home from school because I have not been able to pay examination fees. I have two children who will be completing their primary education next month. When I receive this money, my priority will be paying their registration fees and clearing the other arrears using 1,500 KES. For the remaining 1,500 KES, I will buy food since that is another need that I really struggle with.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter visited us during the December holidays. She bought food and other shopping items and made my new year celebration the best. We had a good time as a family. Ushering the new year at such a high note brought me a lot of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food, school fees and medical expenses are my current struggles. This is because I do not have a stable source of income. A few days ago for example, I went to the hospital to treat ulcers. It cost me 4,000 KES. I had to sell a goat which would have otherwise been sold for school fees for my children. Due to the drought situation, farming has not been of help. I do charcoal business which also pays very little.
