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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($445 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I really was looking forward to receiving the money because I wanted to build a better house since the one I was living in was a mud house. I also wanted to ensure that I settled the debt in tution fee that my children had before they were kicked out of school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have nothing but praise when it comes to the organization, especially because now I finally got to finish up my house and its all brick unlike before. Also not forgetting that my kids are now able to stay in school and not worry about being kicked out any day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the money I went ahead to settle the debt that I had in school fees so I ended up paying KES 20,000. Afterwards I decided to now invest in finishing up on my house so the bricks and the Labourer cost me KES 25,000. I also went ahead and got some farm animals where I bought four hens for KES 2,000 a sheep for KES 3,000. As for what was left I used it on.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 8 in the morning when I realized that I had received my first transfer. At first, I thought I was dreaming because I did not expect to receive a huge amount of money at once. After confirming that it was true I am so happy and I remember saying a special prayer and thanking God for the abundant blessings.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my son is in school studying very peacefully without any hiccups. Initially, he was always at home because of the accumulated arrears and none of the teachers could allow him to continue with his studies. This was the worst moment in my life because he was in his final year and this would mean he would be forced to repeat while others transition to colleges. Being jobless, my spouse was our only hope and the little he earned was sometimes not enough for the daily meals. I used to cry and pray to God every day so that He sees us through and showcases any miracle. I am grateful that He has always been on our side and He sent GiveDirectly into my village. All is well now and as a family was are all happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on paying fees of KES 20000 for my son who is in his final year of secondary education. I am so thankful to receive the money in good time because I am so sure that would not be able to clear the fees and he finally can sit for the final exams. In addition, I bought bricks, sand, and cement at a total cost of KES 15000. This was for the renovation of my house because it had weak walls. During the rainy season, I was always attacked by cold-related diseases such as pneumonia. I am happy that we will no longer be experiencing the sufferings as before courtesy of GiveDirectly. With the remaining amount of money I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items that I was lacking.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continued education for my children. This I plan to achieve through poultry farming. I will spend KES 25000 to buy indegious chicks and build a shelter. As the chicken multiply, I will sell them at a profit and use the proceeds for school fees and uniforms. I will further spend KES 70000 to renovate my house which is a semi permanent to a permanent house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been applying for education bursaries for my children from the government year in year out but I have never succeeded. The chances of getting the funds are usually very slim. In September, I was among the lucky few to get KES, 5000 for my child in secondary school. I was very happy since I reduced the arrears that I had.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a housewife and I majorly depend on my husband who is doing causal jobs (construction laborer) in town. His job is tiresome and time-consuming yet its income is as little as KES 500 per day. This amount can not fully support the needs of the family. We occasionally skipped meals and borrow from relatives something that ashames me. Therefore, I consider financial crisis as the current challenge that I am facing in my life.
