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?
GiveDirectly has always played a major role in uplifting lives with the unconditional transfers they dish out to help the lesser communities. In my case, I have been privileged to start clearing my school fees arrears and give me hope for a better future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life has been rough and hard especially since my dad passed on and my mum has no job that offers her a stable income. She is a farmer and spends most of her time in the farm tending to her crops. We barely depend on my uncle for support who is a primary school teacher and does not make much but is enough to get us by. I am the third born in a family of four children and I recently cleared my O level education. I was more than happy receiving the KES 3000 from GiveDirectly as it played a major role in me clearing part of my school fees arrears. The total balance I had in school was KES 5300 and I was able to clear part of it at KES 2000 and I am quite hopeful to clear the remaining amount with the forthcoming transfers. The rest KES 1000 I bought some new clothes for myself.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home that morning relaxing with my mother when I received the transfers message. That day, we didn't have food at home and we were worried that we may end up sleeping hungry. We were so happy that I had received the transfers and I rushed to the nearby market where I bought food
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I have high hopes that soon, I will be able to pick my certificate and be able to look for job. I was under so much stress previously but now I have peace of mind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I just graduated from high school and I bet you it was not an easy journey at all. My mother who is a window was the bread winner of the family and she was doing casual jobs especially in the farms and fetching water to provide for me and my three siblings. At some point, her immunity became weak and she couldn't do manual jobs anymore and my uncle had to take over the responsibilities. Since he has a family to provide for, he did his best but couldn't fully provide for the five of us. I would be in and out of school because of school fees be but thankfully, I managed to graduate although with fees arrears. My goal was to clear the arrears so that I can be provided with the certificate to enable me look for jobs and later join collage. I spend KES 2000 to redeem the arrears which now stands at KES 5500 and spend the balance to buy food.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am in my final year of high school. My dream is to become a nurse. Without a proper plan, I will fail to achieve this aim. My mother does not have the resources to support my higher learning education. To attain my ambition, I will save the money I will be receiving. By the time, I will be joining a nursing college, I will have made enough for the tuition fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mother gifted me a goat in August 2021. In October, the goat gave birth. This gave me so much joy. It made me a proud owner of two goats.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge I am facing is the lack of school fees. I am a student at Mnazi Mumwenga secondary school. I am in the final class ( form four). My education journey has been faced with many challenges. I am a daughter to a single mother of 4. Her being jobless has been a disadvantage to me. She struggles to pay the school fees. At the moment, I am at home because I was not granted access to school due to a 6,000 KES fee balance. This is a bit discouraging because skipping school will negatively affect my final grade.
