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?
When I was returning home from fetching water, my husband quickly rushed to me to inform me that the cash transfer we were expecting from give directly had been sent. We both celebrated as this would really help a lot, especially when it comes to our children's school fees where at the time, they had areas of KES 12000 that we did not know how we would settle.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For years, paying our children's school fees has always been a challenge. The KES 4000 monthly earnings from the charcoal manufacturing business my husband and I run have never been enough to cater to all our needs. Before I received funds from give directly, I was very worried and I did not know where and how I would be able to settle the KES 12,000 accrued arrears. Thanks to the organization, this was settled and I am more relieved and calmer
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and I work as charcoal manufacturers. In 2 weeks, we make around KES 2,000. This is what we use to fend for our 5 children, four being in primary and one in form one. Paying the school fees has always been a challenge and we also could not afford to buy them new school uniforms as the ones they used were torn. Other than this, they would often trek to and from school on a daily basis which made them very tired and I feared it affected their performance in school. When I received the funds from give directly, I basically focused on them by first clearing the school fee arrears of KES12000 I then I bought a bicycle to add to the one that I had so that the four children in primary would ride to school. I also bought them new school uniforms. My husband requested I buy three goats which I did so we could rear. Whatever amount remained, I used to purchase some food for us as we had run out of some.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means access to basic education for my children. I have a family of five children. Four in primary school and one in secondary school. Raising these children has been very difficult. I usually depend on charcoal burning business which earns me less than KES 3000 per month. This money is not enough to meet all the basic needs of my family. I intend to use KES 50000 to clear school fees balance for my children and other educational costs like uniforms and books. I will then use the remaining amount to buy indigenous goats as a source of wealth for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of September, my husband sold 10 sacks of charcoal worth KES 7000. I was happy because he bought my children clothes. For my 4 going to school children, he bought them uniforms.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is little income compared to my needs. I have a family of 5 children, to feed, educate and clothe. This has not been easy given that I depend on charcoal burning to get money.
