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?
Receiving the money from GiveDirectly has brought a lot of happiness in my life. It has helped and I hope it will help me pay for my children school fees with ease. On the other had, there is nothing bad I have seen on the project.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly was of great help to me and my family. It came when I least expected and it helped a lot. The transfer helped me in paying school fees for my children. I am a mother of one girl, who is 15 years old and in class eight. Also a boy who is 20years old but still in class eight. I support my family through selling firewood, burning also selling charcoal. My husband sells water and does casual work in Mombasa to also support our family. Thank you so much. The transfer brought a lot of happiness and ease in my family, especially in paying school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
To mention that I was elated would nearly be an understatement because I had no money and I was so worried since I had no idea what I was going to feed the kids because they could barely mange to stay hungry. Therefore I was so grateful for receiving the money when I did.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
During the holiday that we just had I was almost sure that for my family and I it would go by just like any other normal day since financially we could not afford to celebrate or buy anything. I was sad and depressed especially for the sake of my children but through GiveDirectly there was light at the end of the tunnel and my kids finally could celebrate just like other homes did which meant the world to me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the money at the time that I did honestly felt heaven sent because during that time there was no food at home and I had no money to buy any and neither did my husband. Therefore when I received the money I was so happy and I went ahead to buy two packets of maize flour for KES 200. Then since the festivities for the holiday were about to begin I decided two buy three packets of wheat flour for KES 480, a kilogram of sugar for KES 100, three litres of cooking oil for KES 300 and cabbage for KES 100.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I will be able to pay school fees for my children. I have been struggling to pay school fees for my two children who are in primary school. This past year they have been sent back home countless times. I am a farmer but for the past two years, I have not been able to farm or earn. I have ulcers and the doctors advised that I take a break from work. My husband has had to chip in and pay their school fees but his income is not sufficient. He fetches and sells water in Mombasa using his cart.
I plan to use these transfers in paying their school fees to avoid them being sent back for school fees and ensure that they get to high school and get their certificates.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy anytime I get relief from the constant pain I get in my stomach. This condition (ulcers) makes it hard to be happy but once I take my medication, it gives me some relief.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My health has been a challenge for the longest time, I have ulcers and currently, I am unable to work or move around as I used to. The only time I get to leave the village is when I have to visit the hospital, this has made life less interesting and more of a routine.
