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?
The transfers received have literally changed lives in a positive way as people are now able to sustain their families and more to that live comfortably by investing in different projects.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The pay that comes with being an ECDE teacher is not that much but is something to atleast sustain us. I am married to one husband who is a carpenter and together we are blessed with one lovely child. The news of receiving the KES 3000 transfer came as a huge relief as I was able to buy food for the household at KES 1500 and this would last us for a period of eight days. I was also able to groom my son by getting new clothes for him worth KES 500. The remaining balance of KES 1000, I saved to buy two more chicken to add to the two that we had since I also practise poultry farming.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was filled with so much joy when I received these funds. This is because, on that day, I had debt at the shop where I bought food. My children were also hungry. Even as I was busy doing my laundry, I couldn't help but get worried. My husband and I get very little earnings from our carpentry and teaching jobs respectively. Therefore, it has been a challenge to meet our needs. So, I immediately thought of buying some food as I settled the debt. I then invested the remaining amount in the poultry farming business that I had planned on starting with the intention of boosting my finances.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There has been a great difference in my life after I started receiving these funds. Previously, my husband and I would struggle financially. We also could therefore not afford to put up a decent structure for our family. Now with the funds that I'm receiving from give directly, my life will be improved. For instance, the house I live in has old iron sheet roof. This has been a problem for us, especially during the rainy season when we are forced to send our child to spend the night at the house of my mother-in-law. Thereby, I plan on starting a business that will help me in supporting my family and also buy new iron sheets to repair my roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am married with one child. My husband works as a carpenter and I am a kindergarten teacher. My monthly pay is KES 4000. Even when combined with my husband's inconsistent salary, the amount is barely enough to cater to our needs. So, whenever we run out of money, it normally results in buying food on credit. The house we live in also has an old metal sheet roof. During the rainy seasons, we are forced to send our child to my mother-in-law's house because of the leakage. Therefore, when I received these funds, I first opted to pay the KES 300 debt I had, then used KES 500 to buy some nourishments for my family. With plans of improving my life, I used the amount that remained to start a poultry farming business. Thereby, I bought two chickens which I will rear and when they increase in number, I will sell some. From the profits, I will buy some Iron sheets for the repair of my house's roof.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am around one year old into marriage and I have a lot of settling to do. This money will go a long way in helping me. My plan with the first transfer is to buy three chicken at a cost of KES 1,200. I will be adding more and more as I receive this money so as to get myself an extra source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I secured a job last year August as a pre-school teacher in a nearby school. This brought me a lot of joy because I was very idle with no income at all. I have not been formerly employed by the government but at least I earn a little to support me and my 7 months old child. I earn 4,000 KES in a month.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a lot of financial problems especially because I am trying to settle into marriage and in the village too. I am around one year into marriage and 7 months old in the village. I am yet to construct a house of my own. I share a house with my in-laws and I do not feel comfortable enough. My spouse is employed as a carpenter away in town as a casual. He earns 10,000 in a month and he has not been able to save enough to construct a house. His family also depends on him a lot.
