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 had woken up and had started preparing myself to take my livestock to the grazing field when suddenly I heard my phone ringing. When I checked the message, I was surprised to get a notification message that I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I couldn't hold back the joy I felt that morning. I kept on rejoicing and thanking GiveDirectly for helping me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am now at peace seeing my children progressing with their studies without any interruptions. I have never been able to pay for my children's school fees on time like I did when I received this first transfer from GiveDirectly. I have paid and cleared school fees for a whole year. This will give me enough time to prepare for next years fees, which is the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30000 of my first transfer to clear fee arrears for my two children who are in high school. I had only paid a portion of the outstanding balance since I lacked money to clear the whole amount. I am happy that my children will comfortably continue with their studies for the whole of this year. I also spent KES 9000 to purchase three goats which I am currently rearing. I have been practising goat rearing and I feel this is an addition to my goat shed. To me, these are living assets and future savings for my children's education. Even as they reproduce and increase in number, I can sell the young ones in case of a financial need. I am spending the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs for my family and meeting other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means financial stability for my family. At the moment I raise other people's livestock as a source of income. And with 10 children under my care, the little daily wage that I earn is paltry ($3) and can not sufficiently sustain our needs. Having amassed vast experience in goat rearing, becoming the proprietor again will be a dream come true. Therefore, I intend to replenish my previous tribe of 20 goats. Having this will ensure my financial stability and subsequently food security and educational growth for the children through all the levels of learning.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of the day. After spending the entire day in the field grazing goats, I enjoy spending time at home with my family, and this only happens in the evening and during weekends. It is also a moment for me to rest and reflect on life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My inability to adequately provide for my family has been the biggest hardship in life. I had to sell the goats I had to meet the educational requirements of the children. Yet with 4 children in primary and two others in secondary levels at school, I do not have anything left to see them through their education and other basic necessities. The entry of Give Directly is indeed God sent, at least my financial woes will soon be gone.
