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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the unconditional cash transfer has truly been a blessing for my family and I. The first thing I did was use $200 to build a pit latrine. For years, we had to go to the bushes, which was not only unsafe due to the threat of snakes but also harmful to the environment. Having a proper latrine has significantly improved our sanitation and peace of mind. Next, I used $70 to pay the school fees for my four children in primary school. Ensuring that they get education is a priority, and this financial support has relieved a significant burden. With $105, I bought three goats. These goats are a valuable asset, as I can sell them in case of emergencies, providing a financial safety net for my family. The remainder of the money was spent on various essential needs. I used $20 to repair a part of our house, which desperately needed fixing. I then bought a bag of maize for $45 and beans for $10 to ensure we have enough food. Finally, I spent $37 on school uniforms for my children and used the rest to buy other household food items. This support has made a profound impact on our lives, enabling us to address immediate needs while planning for a more stable future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have to say, the biggest difference I've noticed since receiving the GiveDirectly transfers is that my children can now stay in school all the time. Before, it was a constant struggle. They would be sent home as many as three times a week because we couldn't keep up with the school fees. It was heartbreaking and stressful for all of us. My husband sells local brew, but the money he earns is barely enough to cover our basic needs, let alone the school fees. This financial strain used to bug me a lot. Our children are still in their 1st Grade, and it worried me deeply to think about their future when we couldn't even afford their early education. But since the GiveDirectly transfers started coming in, we've been able to pay their fees consistently. Now, they can attend school without interruptions, and I can see the joy and progress in their learning.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home around 2 pm, just seated after lunch, when I heard a message notification on my phone. Curious, I picked it up and saw it was the GiveDirectly money. My heart raced with excitement, and I thought, finally, I could build my own pit latrine. Immediately, I called my husband, who was away, to share the good news. He was also very happy and promised to come home so that we could plan together how we were going to spend the money.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The source of reliable income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am a housewife and my husband does casual jobs at Watamu making little income which caters for food and school fees. Most of the time the family goes without food and even children miss class due to lack of school fees. This is really a challenge for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I delivered a baby boy in February this year without any complications. My colleagues went through surgery during birth and others even lost their lives. For me I feel happy and I do not take it for granted. The family has increased in number.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a mother of four boys and most do subsistence farming. My husband does casual jobs at Watamu making little income which caters for food and school fees. Most of the time the family goes without food because he doesn't make money every day and farming is not doing well due to drought. I have skills in dress making but I lack the required materials so that I can practice and earn income. I will use $400 to buy a sewing machine and other materials so as to start tailoring work here at home. The market is good and I intend to make $10 per day. I will also use $200 to buy five goats as an investment. This will help me raise school fees for my children once they join secondary school.
