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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having no spouse to help provide for the family has put a strain on me because my job of making thatching palm leaves barely satisfies the household needs. The transfers have played a key role in financially supporting my children’s education and procuring food. I spent KES 5,700 from my recent transfers to purchase maize flour, sugar, cooking oil, and wheat flour. Additionally, I used KES 3,000 to settle overdue school arrears for the children and am grateful that, nowadays, they study without frequent interruptions to collect tuition fees. I utilized the rest of the money to secure water for domestic uses.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on buying maize flour as well pating school feea for my children. I bought maize flour worth KES 1,500 because we did not have food at all in the house then. In addition, I spent the other KES 1,500 to pay school fees for my wonderful children. From then they have not been sent back home.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Send money that helps
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Shule1000four kids .kindarani food 1500 medicine 500. I was sick.thank god.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That morning I was seated at home making brooms which I would go and sell later in the day to make some money. My son came running in and told me I had received a text message. I was very hopeful at the time and quickly told him to read it to me. when he undead confirmed that I had cash in my M-Pesa account I was overjoyed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There has not been a big difference in my daily life but I know that soon enough with the help of these monthly transfers my life would get better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving this first transfer I made a budget to cater to my home needs. The first thing I did was pay KES.1500 on school fees for my children who were being sent home due to balances. The second thing I did was spend KES.1500 on food. Mainly buying maize meal bundle which would last us some few weeks. This together with the little I earn in with the different jobs I do will ensure that we don't lack anything
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have four children in school with the oldest in form three. They are doing well in their studies and I cannot afford to see their dreams shattered.Will use the transfers to educate my children. Moreover, with goat rearing, I will be able to secure the future of my family. Goats are not so demanding, we have bushes where they can easily graze.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My joy is tied to availability of food for my children. Though not so often, the coming of a customer to buy makuti gives me a reason to smile.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a reliable source of income. Being a widow of five children comes with consequential responsibilities. I returned to my homeland after seeing life so difficult that I could not leave independently. Currently, I have longed to have my land but in vain, am limited by lack of money. My hopes are always dimmed when I fathom the future.
