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?
In my opinion, Give Directly does an exceptional job of enrolling individuals without favorism or discrimination against religion or status. I cannot pinpoint anything wrong done by the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having a pending tuition fee balance at school, I deducted 2,000 KES from the recent transfer to clear it. I allocated the remaining amount of 1,000 KES towards purchasing back-to-school sanitary and stationery materials as well as transport fare. I am extremely glad the transfers funded part of my education such that I successfully sat for and completed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary school Examinations last week.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to school so I did not have my phone with me. My husband luckily called me through one of my teachers and confirmed that I had indeed gotten the money. I was so happy I think I got confused during that one subject. After classes, I ran home to just see for myself. I was so happy and grateful that I have been chosen to participate in this program.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There is a big difference in my daily life in that I now can go to school and finish without any disturbance. I do not have to be sent home which destroys my focus in school. I plan on going to college to study Fashion and Design and with this money, I think it is going to be possible. Thank you Give Directly for this opportunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid secondary for myself. my husband paid remedial. I talked with my husband on how to spend this money and since I am still in High school we decided to pay for my remedial classes. He paid the KES.1200 so that I could go on with my studies without any financial setbacks. In my village, it is very rare for women to finish school and I am happy my husband supports me in getting an education. Thanks to Give Directly too for helping us financially.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have yearned to be a hairdresser/ hairstylist. A friend of mine plant this desire in me. She is a renowned hairdresser who makes not less than KES 500 a day. I will save approximately KES 2000 from each transfer to facilitate my training so that my dream is realized.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was called by my friend who owns a hairdressing shop to give her some support. On that day I was able to make KES 800. I have never earned such an amount of money in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Am stressed by the lack of money in my family. Am in my final year of secondary education. I have spent half of the current term at home and I have no hope of going back to school. I spend most of my time in meditation, sometimes losing appetite for food.
