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 ($431 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My hope is to start a small shop business for my husband. This is because he is a temporary casual laborer in house construction and at the moment it is hard to get any work and he can stay up to 2 months without any engagement. Accomplishing this ambition will help him to have a reliable income-generating activity that would assist us to supplement our earnings from the food outlet.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the processes of enrollment where well explain especial at the meeting by the officers. It was very easy to understand about the project, I just wish it to continue supporting the less fortunate in the society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $287 of my recent transfers to boost the education of my 3 children who are both in secondary school. They had huge fee arrears that were forcing them to constantly stay at home something that bothered me a lot. At the moment, I am happy that they are learning without any problem and one had just completed his secondary studies. In addition, I spent the remaining amount to boost my small food eatery business by investing in purchasing more stock. Currently, I am delighted that I earn a profit of $8 per day which assists me in educating the kids as well as saving some for the future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can still remember vividly just like the other day when I was preparing dinner for my children when I saw a message notification. Without wasting time, I checked the contents. I was surprised and happy to learn that I had received my first transfer. This was like a miracle to us to be sincere because we never thought it would happen anytime soon.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My desire has always been to see all my children better education since I never had the chance to go to school. I have also been considering this as a precious inheritance for them since it's an assurance of a brighter future. I never wished any of my kids to experience the hardships I've been through as a result of illiteracy. I was however hopeless since, on most of the days, my children were at home which has been demotivating them. Being jobless, my spouse had to pick the responsibilities of the ten family members which was easy for him. Therefore this forced my two sons both in secondary schools to stay home. Having received the cash I had to prioritise them and made sure that they are in back in school. As a parent, am so thankful and hopeful that God will see them through till they graduate.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 36750 of my first transfer on paying school fees for my two children who are in form one and four respectively. They had been sent home due to the fees arrears. It is my pleasure to see them back in school without being bothered by the issue of school fees. Other than that, I bought a mattress worthy of KES 6000. I have been sleeping on mats for years and I felt I needed to advance. I spent the remaining amount to buy enough food for my family and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I used to work with a certain agriculture company at a nearby center ( Komaza ). The pay of KES 12,000 monthly was used to support my family of 10 members. Unfortunately, last month I lost my job under unclear circumstances. Since then, life has been tough for me because I now fully depend on my husband. My ambition has been to have a stable source of income. Receiving this money means achieving my desire. I am planning to spend KES 60,000 to practice livestock keeping ( rearing indigenous goats). They multiple very first and I will sell them at a profit price and use the proceeds to educate my children. Also, I will invest the remaining amount to clear school fees arrears for my girls who are in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My 2 beautiful ladies completed their primary education and scored average. I was in a deep depression about how I will get them to form 1 because I had insufficient funds. Luckily, last month I received a token of cash which supported me to do the shopping for all of them and pay the fees for the first term. This brought a lot of joy to me and I will always be grateful. I hope they will pass and become better people in the future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My brother-in-law went missing 1 year ago and we are yet to know his whereabouts. He had a family of 8 members and he used to be the only breadwinner in his family. Since this happened, I choose to support them which is an additional responsibility yet I do not have a stable source of income. Sometimes it becomes tough for me to an extent of running out of food. Therefore, financial instability is the biggest hardship I am currently facing.
