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?
I was overwhelmed with so much when I received the money from GiveDirectly because two days prior to receiving the money my kids had unfortunately been kicked out of school because I could not afford to clear the debt that I had. Luckily they did not have to stay home for a long time unlike before where they could stay home close to a fortnight because I was financially incapable of paying for the school fees. On the third day I received the money so I went ahead and paid KES 2,000 for the six of them and the following day they were on their way to school. I was left with about KES 1,000 which I used to cater to issues concerned with nutrition since their was barely any food in the house and I was scared my kids would have to go hungry. I went on and bought nine packets of maize flour with the money that I had remained with.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think, Give directly has been doing a good job as I am now able to support my family by being able to pay school fees. Giving my family a sense of financial stability has been difficult during this drought season. I am grateful to Give directly for this opportunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The money I received from Give directly was a blessing in disguise. I had no expectations up until I saw the message. The first thing I did was to pay school fees for my five children who had exams coming in but they had a school fees balance. They had spent the majority of their time at home rather than school and I can now say that I can support them consistently. I was able to pay KES.2000 while the other money, KES.1000, to buy food. This is all possible thanks to Give Directly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 11am in the morning. I was relaxing outside my house when my son alerted me that i had a text message notification on my phone. When i looke into it, its when i knew i had received the funds from Give Directly. I became very happy allnof a sudden since i had been waiting for the funds. Due to the exitment i did not manage to telk anybody about the cash i jist kept it to myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Well the biggest difference is on my children. They were able to go back to school since i went and payed some part of the school fees. With that i really appreciate for the help.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the amout on paying school fees for my children while i also the rest i used to buy food stuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My firstborn son completed form 4 last year and he performed well but due to lack of money I have not been able to take him to college. The business of selling palm wine here in the village brings little income that is hard to afford to pay school fees, first of all, I plan to save and take my child to college using the GiveDirectly transfers to have a bright future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up very early in the morning to travel to the market to sell the palm wine. Upon reaching the market I sell and get back home. Therefore evening is the time I feel relaxed and happy especially when my kids get something to eat.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
This area has been barren for years. The last decade was different compared to now because we could harvest enough produce that would take us up to the next season. Subsistence farming that is my hope has to turn into desolated. Since the drought commence, the last time we harvested five bags of maize was three years ago. Currently, I depend on the business of selling palm wine in a shopping center where it takes 1 hour traveling by motorbike to the destination. Sometimes on arrival, I find out that the buyers have already left which means that day will not be able to earn something to feed my family. My husband engages himself in casual labor which is not guaranteed and is hard to find. He earns 1000KES weekly this amount is insufficient to feed a family of seven and extend its education.
