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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfers, my two children were literally on the verge of being kicked out of school and so I opted to pay school fees instead of anything else and used KES 1,000 and the rest which was KES 200 I bought maize flour. Now when it comes matters concerning the second transfer, I decided to buy a goat which cost me KES 2,500. My main reason behind this was that I could rear and breed the goat so that it would help me financially especially in the future because I have no substantial job that helps me earn enough money to educate my children and yet after my husband passed on last year leaving me as the breadwinner and the person my children look up to. The money made from selling the goats would assist in paying for the tuition fee for my kids and providing basic needs for them. I was left with a balance of KES 500 from the funds I received and so I decided to buy maize flour, wheat flour and sugar so we at least have a meal in the house and avoid going hungry.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I sincerely give my best regards to the kindness that GiveDirectly has showcased to me through this funds because after my husband passed I was depressed with the idea that I would fail to educate my children because of lack of funds. But thank God I was introduced to this program and I worry less each day when it comes to issues concerning the learning process for my kids because now I can provide for them and cater for their needs even with their father gone.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My Children had been chased out of school due to school fees balances from the previous term that I had not settle in time. When I received the transfer I was able to pay my children school fees arrairs and they were able to return back to school. I paid KES 700 for the school fees arrairs and the remaining KES 500 I was able to buy food for the family since we didn't have enough food by then.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
GiveDirectly must be very exultant. If it were not because of GiveDirectly then my life would still be a difficult one. It was a convivial moment for me when I received my first transfer since I was assured to receive the transfer for the next 5 years. I had been jobless for a very long time as we depended on the mercies of friends and relatives. I am in an upbeat situation right now because I know my family will no longer lack food nor school fees for the next 5 years. I am no longer worried, for I believe grey skies are soon gonna clear up. There is no Greater gift we can ever give to our children other than education. Thank you GiveDirectly for not only putting a smile on my face but also to the face of my children,Since before they were just at home but now they have reported back to school after I settled their school fees arrairs using my first transfer.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had never been happy in my life like I did when I received my first transfer. All my life I had never receive any donation. Thanks to GiveDirectly I was able to receive the transfers. I paid my Children school fees arrairs and brought some food for the family. I was ecstatic upon receiving my transfers. The transfers really elated me since I knew my worse situations would be over sooner.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As I had mentioned, I'm the only parent who has been left to fend for my family. Four of my children are in different parts of the coast working but their jobs do not make enough for them to share with us. Sometimes I'm forced to make chapati and porridge for sale so that I can pay bills. The smoke I take in daily is taking a toll on my health but I have to keep pushing because my children must eat and go to school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My children have not been sent home for school fees arrears. When I got the idea of selling food in schools to boost my income, the extra help has enabled me to keep my children in school as well as provide food and even clothes for them.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a widow and an aged one with two children at school, my options for getting an income are limited. To keep them in school, I have been selling poultry and burning charcoal for sale so that they can stay at school. With money from Give Directly, I will be able to pay their fees and at least put food on the table for us. I can think of saving and getting into small businesses like a grocery shop when they finish school in two years.
