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?
In my opinion, I like the fact that GiveDirectly enrolled me in the support program and provided the phone so that I can receive the funds through it and communicate to them.It was a wise idea and I support that even those without phones were not left out but incorporated in the system. However I feel like GiveDirectly should consider support program for young people who want education because a big number are not in school due to lack of funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am the 5th born in a family of 7 children.My brother and sisters have already finished school leaving me and my other 2 siblings at school. I am in Form 2 and my other 2 siblings are in class 6 and 7.The biggest challenge my parents have faced is educating and providing food for us because my mother is unemployed while my father is a farmer and a casual laborer in construction sites.My first transfer came when my brother in class 7 was at home due to school fees arrears and I was obliged to clear the balance for him to resume classes.My second transfer was well planned because my mother had paid KES 3000 and I had a balance of KES 2000 which I cleared and used the remaining KES 1000 for food because we didn't have food that week
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?
The GiveDirectly’s transfer was sent to me when I had been sent home for school fee arrears. At that time I was stressed up because due to the hard economic times my community was going through as a result of prolonged drought. However, whenever I remember the occurrence of events on that day, I am always amazed at how God changes the worse situations for the better. I felt some hope and conviction that my aspiration in excelling in academics will be fulfilled. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I received my recent transfer is being able to be in school throughout. Consequently, I have caught up with the rest of the class, and this is reflected in my general performance. I am happy that I can currently study comfortably.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a class eight candidate and I had been struggling with the fee issue. Several times when I was sent back home, I would often strive to do casual jobs in order raise part of my fee because I aspire to learn but my parents are too poor to support my academics. Upon confirmation of the GiveDirectly transfer receipt, I spent the whole KES 3000 to pay all the accumulated fee arrears. Courtesy of GiveDirectly transfers, my learning has been very smooth in recent times.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being a firstborn comes with more responsibility. My parents depend on me to feed the whole family. Scraping palm wine is not easy work do, my skin is damaged due to scratches from the palm trees. I am tired to do this job but I don't have other means to earn an income. I was thinking of starting a business to supply palm wine to other villages, for this I will feel a sense of relief and my family will never miss their needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Going out with friends in the evening makes me happy. My day is always busy finding means to earn a living. Once I am back I take walk with my friend chatting stories that help to encourage me to forget all my hardships.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Taking care of my family is not an easy task. I am just twenty-three years with a burden to provide for the family of nine. This means paying school fees, feed them, medication, and buying clothes for them. As the breadwinner, the daily earning from scraping palm trees is 500 KES this is sufficient for only food leaving other needs unattended. The work is dangerous, tiresome, and not guaranteed to. My vision is to have my own family but the responsibilities lead me to cease the plans. I wish to leave my current job my illiteracy level holds me back, my prayers are someday all will be well.
