GiveDirectly: Send money directly to the extreme poor

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Karisa

Country:

kenya

Occupation:

Student

Campaign

UBI

Upcoming Stage

Next Payment

Follow to be updated on Karisa's next check-in.

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

1480 KES ($12 USD)

1 month ago

Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?

I was in the service on a Sunday morning when I realized I had received my transfer. I noticed some phone vibration but dismissed it as a casual message alert. When I checked my phone messages right after service, I was overjoyed to see that I had received my first transfer. I was delighted because I had not expected to receive any money at that time. I was so grateful to God for making it possible for me to partake in such a life-changing GiveDirectly's program.

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 having a rechargeable lamp for my night studies. I no longer strain when using it as I used to. It has caused me to notice an improvement in my academic performance. Furthermore, I have gained confidence as a result of wearing better clothing. My classmates and peers do not look down on me anymore because of my attire. Previously, I lacked better clothing, so my clothes had patches. As a result, I was always discouraged from going down on weekends. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the prompt financial assistance.

What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?

I am currently in form four, and I rent a small house because I school away from home. Before the transfers, I was concerned about how I would obtain some necessities as schools reopened, as my parents are overburdened with the responsibility of meeting the nutritional and educational needs of my two school-going siblings. As a result, I chose to spend $5 on an electronic lamp that I use for lighting during my night studies. Furthermore, because I lacked presentable clothing, I spent $3 on two pairs of second-hand trousers and $3 on three shirts. I am relieved that I have better clothes to put on when I am not in school uniform.

Enrolled

10 months ago

What does receiving this money mean to you?

What a bright future for me! Imagine receiving 3000 KES every month for 5 years, this is an amount that is enough to cater to my full-year school fees because in our school we pay 18000 KES per year. Since I am in form 3, I am confident that my school expenses are sorted. Receiving this money means a favorable environment for my learning and this will guarantee me maximum time in school and hence, improved performance. This will directly assure me of a better future since I will stand a good chance to secure a decent job once I complete my studies.

What is the happiest part of your day?

Despite the school fees challenge, I am so grateful for the efforts I have had in my studies. Imagine scoring a mean grade of C+ in the promotion exam. This is something that has given me hope in life and it keeps me focused knowing that one day, I will be in a better position. Thus, I consider this as what has brought me joy.

What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?

Imagine in a term staying at home for almost 2 weeks before returning to school! This is a very discouraging life because I always feel so down when I find myself at home. Since my parents are jobless, I depend on bursaries which are also not reliable because I always miss out. What a miserable life! I, therefore, consider financial instability as my biggest challenge.