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?
According to me, Give Directly is doing everything right by enrolling people and following up on their progress post-transfers. It helped me and elevated my hope for a better living standard. I was able to put food on the table and support my child’s education, which filled me with so much joy and appreciation. I see nothing wrong with how Give Directly works.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Lacking a stable source of income makes it tough to provide food for my family on a daily basis. Therefore, Give Directly funds always save the day. Over the last three months, I spent approximately KES 1,600 from both transfers to procure food for the household. I also spent KES 2000 paying school fees for my child and am hopeful he peacefully studies without being sent out of school. Lastly, I utilized the balance to acquire two chickens that can multiply and produce earnings upon selling them.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
"Tears of happiness trickled down the moment I was told by my helper that I have received my first transfer from Give Directly. I quickly made a short prayer silently to thank God".
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
"It has unleashed some powers in me as I am planning to use some of the transfers to join a SILC group something that I have always desired."
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
"I spent KES 600 on food and I gave KES 500 to my daughter who is in secondary school (Palukumi Secondary) to use as pocket money".
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I now have a reason to smile whenever I hear schools are opening. The start of every term is always challenging because I have to think of how to get tuition money for my children and clothes for them to wear to school. I have seven children, my two lastborns are in high school and it has been hard supporting them through school from the income I get from farming. I plan to set aside 2000 KES every month as their school fees, 1000 KES for each.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It has been a tough year, nothing has happened this past year let alone the past six months. When I heard Give Directly was in Kaloleni and would probably visit our village it brought so much joy and hope to me. Give Directly is now my source of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My income comes from farming, I plant maize and cassava for commercial and subsistence use. This year we were not blessed with rains and I have not made any harvest. This has affected my income negatively, I have no product to sell and as a result not able to provide for my family. There are days we go to be hungry because I did not manage to get money to buy even a bundle of flour.
