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?
Initially I was having a hard time in paying the debt i tuition fee I had concerning my sons school. On most occasions he would stay home for quite a while before I manage to come with some money and send him back. In fact if the funds I received did not come the time they did I have no idea when he wold be able to go back to school . Therefore I ma quite grateful for he generosity we have seen and received so far from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
One of kids is still studying in highschool so when I received the money I took KES 1,000 of what I received plus KES from my spouse and paid a total of KES 2,000 for his school fees. Prior to received the money he had been home for two days since he got kicked out of school. Then I was left with KES 2,000 of which I have to date because I intend on buying a goat which I plan on doing soon. The only reason I have delayed and derailed in buying one is because most offers I got were too expensive and I could not afford it and that is why I am still searching for a better deal.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to fetch drinking water not too far from my home when I heard the message on my phone. I was ecstatic because at that moment I knew I had no money on me and I did not know how I would disappoint my son when he came back home by telling him that he would be staying home for a while since I had no money to clear the debt. Therefore it brought me great joy that I would not have to let my son down as I have in the past.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Through this funds my son is able and will continue with his education just like the rest of the kids. I strive to give my child the best even though I was not as lucky especially when it comes to matters of education because I want and aspire for him to have a great future and better opportunities so that he could elevate himself for this situation of poverty. I am most definitely grateful for this opportunity cause now I have hope that I will my son through this process.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son who happens to be in highschool had a huge debt in school tuition that I had yet managed to pay because I had no money since I do not have a permanent job but rather rely on getting employment by providing labour in people's farms to help in tilling the land. The money I make from time to time is barely enough but it plays a huge role in sustaining my family through meals and school but unfortunately even that has not been going well since we are experiencing major drought and starvation. That is why when I received the money I immediately sent my son KES 700 so that the teachers would not send him back home. After that I took what was left and decided to buy two packets of maize flour which cost me KES 240 and the remaining KES 200 I used it to buy small items that I needed in the house which included sugar, milk, beans and salt.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a bright future to my son who is now in form one. In most cases, he has been sent home due to a lack of school fees and since I do not have a reliable source of income, it usually takes him time before he returns to school because I majorly depend on his 3 brothers who are vending water in Mombasa. This means his performance has always been low something that has discouraged me a lot. I am now confident to know that, he will soon be settled in school when I start receiving the cash grant because I will be able to pay his fees, courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Fetching tap water in our area has been a dream that has never been realized for a long time. This means we have been depending on water pans which as of now have dried up. Likely, in November 2021, our area was reached with piped water and we can now access freshwater from a distance of 5 kilometers. Although this is still far, I am so happy to know that, I enjoy drinking tap water like other privileged people. Therefore, this is what has brought happiness to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a charcoal vendor, a very strenuous job, and low paying. This job is no longer reliable since trees in our area are not in plenty and I am now forced to dig out some tree stumps that I use to make charcoal. The income from this job is 600 KES per 3 weeks which is also not consistent. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income is what I am currently facing.
