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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Now that I have completed my tailoring college, my intention is to start my own business and open a workshop where I can make and sell clothes, as well as create customized pieces for people. To get this venture off the ground, I will need a sewing machine and clothing materials. I have been saving a portion of my transfers and plan to save more with future transfers to realize this dream. Once this is achieved, I will be very happy. Additionally, I want to continue using part of my transfers to buy goats, as I believe they will provide me with something sustainable to rely on, especially when this program comes to an end. I feel grateful for the support I receive, and I remain optimistic about building a better future for myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently completed my tailoring college, and I am very happy to have reached this milestone. With my recent transfers from GiveDirectly, I spent $10 on my school fees to ensure I could sit for my final exams. I also invested $21 in clothes and shoes for myself, as I wanted to look presentable while attending college. Looking smart truly made me feel confident and joyful. Now that I have completed my studies, I aspire to start my own shop where I can make and sell clothes for others. To work toward this dream, I have been saving a portion of my transfers, and recently I set aside $16 to purchase a sewing machine for my new business. While I was in school, I also spent $9 on food since I was not going home during the day and needed to take care of myself. Lastly, with the remaining $46 of my transfers, I bought goats, hoping they will multiply and provide me with a reliable source of support in the future, especially when this program comes to an end. I am truly grateful for the assistance I receive, as it is helping me build a brighter future.
24th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a tailoring student, my main goal is to buy a sewing machine and start my own tailoring business. I want to create dresses, uniforms, and custom clothing. This business will help me attract many customers and support my family financially. By saving some of my transfers and working hard, I will be able to buy more materials for my business. I plan to use my transfers to save enough money to get started.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently attending a tailoring school in Mnazi Mwenga, near Buruburu, with the aim of gaining skills to start my own business. This journey is crucial for me, as it will prepare me to launch my own venture once I complete my training. With the transfers, I spent $10 to cover my school fees and ensure I am not sent home for unpaid dues. I also spent $15 on new clothes, as my old ones were worn out. With the remaining $9, I purchased food to sustain myself while I continue my studies.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I am determined to launch a tailoring business, leveraging the expertise I've gained through my coursework. With the significant responsibility of providing for my younger siblings, I understand the critical need to establish a reliable income source. This endeavor goes beyond meeting our immediate needs; it's about laying the groundwork for lasting financial security. My goal is to establish a sustainable enterprise that not only addresses our day-to-day necessities but also sets the stage for future prosperity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
While I'm still in college, my transfers are mainly allocated to buying food to sustain me during my studies. In addition, I consistently set aside $20 each month, specifically designated for acquiring materials to support my tailoring work. This deliberate financial strategy allows me to address my immediate needs while simultaneously investing in the future expansion of my entrepreneurial endeavors. Thus, in the coming year and beyond, I intend to continue utilizing my transfers in the same manner, as I will still be pursuing my education
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Having completed my tailoring course, the next course of action is to buy a sewing machine so that I can put the skills I learned in school into practice and earn some income. I have so far saved $90, and the price of a sewing machine is $150. In addition to the sewing machine, I also want to buy clothing materials and open a shop where I will be working. I am very happy with the financial assistance, and I am optimistic about having a better life with the help of the financial transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As I completed my tailoring course last year, I utilized $24 from my transfers to cover the tuition fees, enabling me to successfully conclude the program. Subsequently, I allocated $10 towards the acquisition of educational resources such as sewing needles, threads, and fabric for practical exercises at the institution. Concurrently, I have been diligently saving funds in preparation for the purchase of a new sewing machine, a crucial step in establishing a tailoring enterprise. Presently, my savings amount to $90, with an optimistic outlook for further accumulations to facilitate the acquisition of the sewing machine. Additionally, I directed $10 towards acquiring five hens, with the intent to raise and subsequently sell them for a profit as they mature. Furthermore, I expended $20 on clothing, shoes, and hairstyling. I express immense satisfaction with the financial assistance received thus far, as it has empowered me to obtain essential skills for potential income generation.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to buy my own sewing machine and set up a tailoring shop after completing my tailoring course by the end of this year. I joined the tailoring school after finishing high school, and witnessing my family's financial struggles, I've been driven by the desire to provide them with a stable source of income. To achieve this, I am diligently saving a portion of my monthly transfers, determined to invest in the necessary equipment and launch my own tailoring business, ultimately improving my family's quality of life and securing our future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the GiveDirectly money I received in a way that significantly improved my life. Enrolled in a tailoring course at a nearby college, I faced the constant struggle of covering my school fees, given my parents' unreliable income sources. The transfers I received were a true blessing because it gave me a sigh of relief in terms of my education. With the amount I got, I was able to pay off my $12 worth of school fees, securing my education and future prospects. Additionally, I invested $22.70 in purchasing new clothes and a pair of shoes, as my old attire was worn out and no longer presentable. The financial assistance from GiveDirectly not only alleviated my immediate financial burdens but also filled me with immense gratitude for the support that has made a positive impact on my life and aspirations.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am aiming to venture into fashion design and tailoring business when I clear school. I do not own a sewing machine and I am saving money from my transfers to ensure I can afford to buy one. I am passionate about tailoring and sewing and that is why I took this path and I hope it becomes a source of income for me and the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We are seven children at home with myself as the oldest and my follower is eighteen but has been sickly and out of school. My dad burns stumps to make charcoal which he sells and this his only source of income. I had not gotten a chance to study since I cleared my national exams due to heavy burden on my parents financially. Givediretcly transfers has enabled me to pursue my tailoring passion. I spend $12 monthly to pay for my schooling and since am away from home due to school I set aside $10 to facilitate my lunch while around $12 goes into buying sewing kits and new threads as well as clothes to use in my classes. I spend about $2 for each sewing project in school. Last month I decided to save towards buying a sewing machine that will cost $12. I set aside $1 which makes me feel empowered and sure that I will eventually get to my goal and buy a sewing machine for business.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The moment I finish college I'm planning to go look for a well paying job. First, I will work to earn enough money and buy all the machines that are required for tailoring. I will also be saving the transfers I get and I believe after I raise enough I will start my own fashion store. I will be making and selling clothes at affordable prices that will make me get huge profits and give back to my society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After high school, I decided that I will go to a tailoring school to perfect the passion I had for tailoring. On 9th October last year, my dad decided to take me to school and lucky enough I was able to qualify and be selected as one of GiveDirectly's recipients. The fact that I will be receiving transfers has given my dad an easy time because I am able to pay my own school fees of $12 monthly without any problem.After joining school, I used $10 to buy myself new clothes to look good and presentable because the ones I had were torn and worn out. I also went and bought 2 chicken using $10 to add to the ones that I have at home. The money I receive from GiveDirectly has really helped me in achieving my dreams and goals. Thank you so much GiveDirectly.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
People were financially empowered, and the support from GiveDirectly gave people an opportunity to get out of an awful situation by giving us unconditional cash. So far I haven't seen things that needed to be corrected.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money every month from GiveDirectly has given me hope for a better tomorrow, I am a student currently studying tailoring and design at a near college, With the monthly transfer, I can pay the college fees by myself thus, relieving my parent. It was not easy for them before, because they had other children to pay school fees for. I used $12 on school fees and then used $13 to buy clothes. Then, finally, used the remaining amount of $5 to purchase a hen. I am so happy about the transfer that has continued to uplift our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was overjoyed that evening when I finally learned of my transfer. I missed school that day because I had been sent home for failing to pay my school fees. Because I didn't know where to get the money, I decided to study at home that day. I was so convinced that with such special assistance, my dream of focusing and succeeding in my studies seemed to come true, and this is what has kept me hopeful in life. Indeed, the GiveDirectly support form is unique and beneficial to underprivileged individuals like myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference in my life since receiving my first transfer is being able to study comfortably. I was initially concerned. After all, I could be sent home at any time because my arrears were piling up. However, with the first transfer, I have made a commitment and the school be more lenient with me shortly. This will allow me to concentrate on my studies and perform better. Without that transfer, I am sure I would have given up on my studies due to the difficult circumstances we have been in.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My parents are impoverished and struggle to support the family. They primarily rely on making and selling charcoal to raise funds for food for the family, so they struggle to pay school fees. As a result, I considered dropping out of school because my fees were already piling up. However, after GD enrolled me in the program, I became optimistic. As soon as I received my first transfer, I used it all to pay my school fees. I had been sent home the day before for failing to pay my school fees, but I had no idea where I would get the money. I am grateful that I can now study comfortably with few distractions.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I started my tailoring course which will take me 1 year. The payment for this course is 1200 KES every month and getting this amount has been a challenge. Receiving this money will mean settling all my fees, and also help me to purchase a new sewing machine that will cost me 20000 KES. The other transfers will help me to set up a kiosk where I will be working when I complete my course. This will guarantee me a better future since I will have my source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The arrival of GiveDirectly at our location 6 months ago, was the biggest source of joy for me. This alone has reshaped my thinking that life can be as well good once I get money to pay the college fees. I am so confident that all my worries will be settled once I receive my transfers.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I come from a very humble family where getting school fees has been at the mercy of well-wishers. My father is jobless and I could not get school fees on time, something that affected my studies. Since I performed poorly in standard 8 exams, I decided to enroll in a course in tailoring but again, the challenge remains the lack of fees and transport costs. Imagine walking a distance of 5 kilometers alone, this is very risky for me as a young girl but I decided to brave on. Sometimes, I get tired and remain at home since I can not afford 100 KES to hire a motorbike, and this has contributed to slowing my progress. Therefore, I consider financial instability as the main challenge that I am currently facing.