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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I still remember vividly I had just completed taking my breakfast ready to start my household chores when I heard my phone ringing. I was with my helper who had not gone to school due to the huge fee arrears. I handed over my phone to him, and after checking it, It was the transfer from GiveDirectly. We were extremely happy for receiving the transfer and we together celebrated the receipts of the aid knowing that my grandchildren will finally be able to resume their studies.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Seeing my grandchildren resuming their education after staying home for more than 4 months has restored the happiness that I lost for longer. I was always stressed that they might be forced to drop out due to lack of school fees. Therefore, the fact that my 2 grandkids were able to return to school is the biggest difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For more thank 4 month, my 2 grandchildren had been staying at home due to the huge fee balances. After receiving the transfer. I spent KES 30,000 to support their secondary education by clearing all the fee balances. Currently, they are learning without interruption after paying off all the arrears. In addition, I spent KES 15,000 of the remaining amount to repair my house which was about to collapse by putting up strong pillars. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family since we had no food at home.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first goal is to renovate my house so that it can be decent. The roof and walls are old and weak. I am planning to spend the first transfer to buy materials and begin with putting strong pillars and plastering so as to make it strong and attractive. A portion of the second transfer will be for beddings as well as paying school fees for my grandson who is in secondary school. The remaining amount will help me to cater for other basic needs such as food and water. I will be exited once I see my long awaited dream become true. This is because I have constantly thought that my house will fall when the long rains starts
What is the happiest part of your day?
Life has been difficult to my household because I am struggling to make ends meet. The condition of my house has warried me so much now that we are heading towards a long rain season. The coming of Give directly has borough joy and happiness because my distress will come to an end and eventually live a comfortable life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am old and staying with my 6 grandchildren. My husband who was my sole breadwinner passed on ten years ago, and as result I am now depending on my grandsons who do casual jobs to provide food for the household of 7 members. The wages KES 400 hh earns a day is not enough for his education expenses and meals for the household. Due to this, I have been struggling to get food to feed the family. Sometimes I borrow from relatives which is embarrassing. Food insecurity is the major challenge that I am currently facing.
