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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($479 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The plans I had before receiving this transfer was to settle my daughter's school fees arrears. She is in her final year in secondary school and I did not want to only spend the transfer on food. Educating my daughter would give me a peace of mind because she is someone I can depend on in the future when I am older, weaker and unable to actively fend for myself.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe GiveDirectly is doing everything right. From what I bought and did with the transfer especially settling my daughter's school fees arrears gave me so much joy. Before, my daughter could be sent home for the same and would cry on my shoulders which would inturn break me down because there was no way to settle the arrears given that I have no regular source of income. I am grateful to GiveDirectly and there is nothing it is not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of transfer on iron sheets, which cost KES9000 for our new and better house to cater for my family of five. The house we had been living in was in a very poor condition and could barely shield us when it rains. We would spend the whole night awake as it was raining inside the house. Getting a better house gives me a peace of mind. I also bought 3 goats that cost a total of KES9000, because I know I can depend on them in the future incase I am faced with a challenge that needs money to settle then I can sell one or two goats depending on the amount needed at that time. So, it is something that gives me so much hope and gladness.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
We are experiencing drought in our village and the only water available is tap water which we get them once per week.I had just arrived from fetching water from a nearby water kiosk in the village. My phone had low power so I decided to charge it, I noticed a message phone and on checking I realized it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt very excited for receiving my transfer since I had not received such amount of money in my entire life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I am living a comfortable life after purchasing proper beddings. Previously, I used to sleep on uncomfortable beddings that leave with body aches which affected my productivity at work. Furthermore, I was able to support my child's education by clear all his school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10000 to purchase a bed and mattress, I was sleeping on a small traditional bed using old rags as beddings. It was not comfortable and always felt pains on my body after waking up which affected the performance of my day-to-day duties.I also used KES 10000 to clear the fees arrears for my child who is about to graduate secondary education. I am also planning to use the remaining amount to improve the condition of my house by putting up new roof, I will purchase 18 iron sheets, timbers, nails and paying labor cost. Currently, I am living in an old, rusty iron roofed house which leaks during the rain season.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better education for my daughter who is currently in form 3. As of now, I struggle a lot to ensure she gets settled in school, and in most cases, she misses exams due to huge fee balances. This does not give me peace of mind and I am always visiting bursary offices asking for help of which it's not guaranteed. With the help from GiveDirectly, I feel so relieved a lot since I plan to clear all the arrears that have given me a headache for a long time. I, therefore, intend to spend the first transfer ($500) to pay the school fees and this will bring me peace of mind. Part of the second transfer ($200) will help me to buy 5 goats that will act as my long-term investment project. The remaining amount will aid in other needs like food, nice beddings and repairing the roof of my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The morning and afternoon hours are the most stressful moments for me. This is because I always wonder how my day will end with something to eat with my family in the evening. Nowadays, breakfast and lunch meals are not on my day's menu since I mostly lack food. In the evening, I usually feel happier because I normally come back home with something to share with my family for our dinner. This makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a woman and the only breadwinner for the family means a lot of challenges. I am forced to do different casual jobs like working in construction sites to earn $5 per day, or doing charcoal work. These jobs are male-dominated since they are energy-intensive, but since I lack support from my old husband, I am compelled to perform these activities. Hence, the lack of a stable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
