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?
That beautiful morning, I woke up at 6am and while checking my phone for time, I saw an SMS notifying me I had received KES55000.I was very excited and grateful to God because it came earlier than the anticipated time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving this transfer is availability of adequate lighting in my house which I couldn't afford before. This has motivated my kids to work harder in their studies. Through the transfers, I have managed to clear this term's fees and with these I am relieved and happily doing my work. I also have adequate food for family hence stress free.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20000 on payment of school fees for my sons in high school and college.I also spent KES25000 on purchase of a solar lighting system to help my kids while studying because I didn't have a good lighting source before.I spent the rest on clothing and food and cushions for my seats. Initially, I relied on dairy and maize farming in order to pay school fees and feed my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means quality education for my school-going children (2 in university and 2 in secondary school). My husband passed on 12 years ago and since then I have been struggling alot to make ends meet. I depend on livestock keeping as source of income, from which I sell 4 litres of milk per day at KES 120. This is hardly enough to settle school fees and other school levies. Sometimes I depend on fundraising from family and friends inorder to raise money for them to go to school which I feel is a huge burden to them. I intend to spend all the transfer to pay school fees for my children which totals up to KES 130,000 per year inclusive of arrears amounting to KES 65,000. I am overjoyed knowing that my burden will be lessened when I receive this cash transfer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my children progressing well in school is what brings me happiness. I want a bright future for them which is possible through educating them well. After sitting for secondary education exam in March, my second born son passed very well and got an admission to join public university in September to pursue a undergraduate degree in computer science. This will see him achieve his dream to become a computer scientist in future and this is what has brought me joy in the last six months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow and financial constraints is the biggest challenge I am facing. Even though I have 2 dairy cows that I depend on to earn some money, the KES 3,600 per month is very little to cater for basic needs such as food and education for my 4 children. Land here has become futile and hardly produces surplus for sale after planting maize due to maize necrosis disease. Depending on fundraising in order to educate my children makes me feel I am a burden to my family and community at large.
