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
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, I hope to continue to support my kid who is still in college. With my casual vending job, the plan is to save enough money that will help in paying the school fees. I am positive that he will be able to assist me in raising the family once he completes his education and secured a good job.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I feel Givedirectly did a recommendable job for enrolling all the poor households into the program. Through giving direct cash and trusting the beneficiaries to make decisions, the living standards in the village has improved greatly. There is nothing that I feel they should improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over two years after my son completed her secondary school education, I have not had the chance to further his studies due to the poverty conditions. I spent $300 of my recent transfers to enroll him into an IT college where he is taking a diploma course. At the moment, I am very happy for being able to fulfill my mandate as a parent and my kid is learning without any challenge courtesy of the transfers. Similarly, I saved $100 which will assist me in clearing the term two school fee which is about to start in March. Accomplishing this has restored peace of mind in my life. Lastly, I used the remaining amount, to acquire sufficient food for the family and went for a medical check-up since I had a bad fever.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 pm when I was in my kitchen preparing dinner for my family. I heard a message notification on my mobile phone. I was very anxious to know its content, therefore, I decided to leave what I was doing to check my phone. I was surprised when I check my phone and realized that I had received my transfer. I felt very happy about receiving the transfer which was to assist me in changing my life for the better. I informed my helper and we jointly celebrate and thank God for the relief.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Obtaining medical care for my daughter who is suffering from stroke is the biggest difference in my daily life. Being a single parent meeting the needs of the family especially food and seeking proper medical was the biggest challenge for me. Currently, I am able to eat well with my family something that makes my life stress-free.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 8,000 to purchase sufficient food stock for my family of 5 members. We are experiencing famine in our area and being jobless, I was struggling to feed my family single-handedly after my husband died some years ago. In addition, I used KES 6,500 to purchase medicine for my daughter who was suffering from a stroke for two years now unable to move. Furthermore, I bought 12 iron sheets, I intend to construct a decent shelter for my family since the one I have at the moment is collapsing and it is risky to my family members. Lastly, I bought one goat a future investment for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I foresee my life-changing upon receiving this money. I have been doing a small business of selling foodstuff in the village which was able to make my family float. Due to the scarcity of water, my household expenses fluctuated that led to high dependency on the business eventually ended up closing. I plan to spend thirty Kenya shillings to restock the business, ten Kenya shillings to purchase a tank to harvest water during this rainy season, and the remaining amount to buy food, this will be a relief to me as a sole breadwinner for the family of three.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Early this year my firstborn had mental issues that made him be hospitalized in Potriz in Mombasa for four months. Thereafter he recovered and came back home. This stressed me to an extent that was not able to concentrate on the business and the two kids. Therefore seeing my family are healthy gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow from a polygamous family. My husband died ten years ago as a result of elephantiasis and left us with a burden to take care of three children. The last born completed form four last three years and has not yet joined college due to financial issues. This gives me sleepless nights seeing my daughter just working as a maid to raise her school fees and I have nothing to do to help.
