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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($469 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, I am planning to build a modern spacious house because the one I have is too tiny for my family. I also intend to buy my own piece of land because I live in my parents land.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly well does by giving people money directly hence improved living standards especially in our locality.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my recent transfer on repayment of a school fees debt I had borrowed from a neighbor. The rest was spent on food and clothing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home working on the farm when I heard a message notification on my phone. When I checked my phone, I was met with a lovely surprise as I had received KES 55,000. I was overjoyed and excited to finally pay off my school fees arrears.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving this cash transfer, I am excited to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I have been studying for the same at university, but could not afford to pay for tuition fees for the last semester. I am an unemployed mother of three and so I could not afford to raise the necessary amount. This was demoralising and I felt like my dream was slowly slipping away.
This donation from GD, however, enabled me to settle the arrears. I am finally able to graduate and realise my biggest dream in life, and it is a wonderful feeling.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been studying for my undergraduate degree in education. Even though I was on course to complete my coursework last year, I couldn't proceed to graduation because I had school fees arrears. I am unemployed and could not afford to raise the required amount. So you can imagine how grateful I was to receive this transfer. I spent KES 52,000 to clear the same.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a school based student at Kisii university. I study a degree course in education . We have been struggling to pay for school fees because Iam a self sponsored student ,my husband has been working around the clock to look for school fees . We were forced to sell 0.5 acres of land to clear 2nd year fees. University education is very expensive , we recently hold a fundraiser to cater for the same which enabled me to clear the last academic year fees. Iam currently in fourth year and a total fees of USD 1030 is required. This help could not have come at a better time because Iam assured of clearing the fees and actualize my dream of being a substantive teacher.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My typical day starts in the morning by preparing my kids for school ,then attend to household chores. Afterwards I attend to crops in the farm and feed the livestock. In the afternoon is when my schedule has relaxed , it is during this time that Iam happy .It suffices to say my happiest part of the day is in the afternoon.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Most of the resources have gone towards paying school fees . We hardly left with any . I have three schooling children also who are in primary school . Being a student and a wife at the same time it's not easy . I have to attend to all household chores and then find extra time to study. Iam not a full time student so it calls for me to sacrifice alot . That's my biggest challenge for me.
