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?
What GiveDirectly does well is following up to remind us about mobile money security and see if the cash transfers has made a difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a housewife and a mother of eight. My husband who is the primary earner is a motorcycle taxi rider and he's commission on daily basis. Supporting a family of 10 has never been an easy journey for him because we have 5 kids in school and he has to provide for other basic necessities. Last year, we were worried because our eldest son is a candidate and will be graduating from primary school in months time and we didn't know where we'll get the money to take him to high school. Being enrolled in the program was a dream come true because we are very hopeful that our son will have a chance to join high school. When I received my first transfer, I had fees arrears of KES 3000 to clear and there was no food at home. I had to pay KES 2000 so that my son would stay in school and have ample time to revise for his exams and spend the balance of KES 1000 to buy food, soap and other necessities. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for the support they have given me so far.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was a very happy mother. All my thoughts were on how the burden of paying tuition fees for my children had been eased up.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I used to seek help from friends and relatives to support my family, specifically paying school fees for my children. With the transfers, I can now confidently rely on myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Food and school fees for my 6 school going children is what I spent my money on. I spent KES 600 on food. With a huge fee balance ( KES 3000 approximately) to pay for my children, I spent KES 500 to only pay for their examination fees since I could not clear it all at once.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I see myself running a successful business, my children attending school without school fees challenges, and my husband happier.
We have a piece of land that I have always wanted to put to use. I plan to put up a small business selling African attires. I have experience with this business only that I had to stop working to look after my family.
Once the business is up and running, I know I will be able to support my children through school and ensure that none of the five that are currently in school are chased away due to lack of school fees.
I will also have lifted the heavy burden my husband is currently facing of unemployment and having to cater to all our family needs. He currently has no job and we have seven children with the eighth one on the way. I appreciate his efforts in ensuring all our needs are met. I want to chip in and cater to some bills and make life a bit easy for him.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Whenever my husband leaves and comes back home with a bag of flour it gives me great joy. Days that he comes back home with no income are the toughest. It is hard to explain to my young ones when there is no food for them to eat. I have to console and wipe tears from their eyes every time this happens.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am not able to get enough food to feed my children at the moment, my husbands' business of selling charcoal has hit a rock and he now has to borrow from friends to feed our family.
I am currently eight months pregnant and I cannot do much to ease his weight. It has not been easy for him and in my current condition, I cannot go a day without eating.
