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?
I am happy that Through GiveDirectly my life and that of my child is going to change. It would have been challenging for me to pay the school fees with my current condition. It is through the help of the funds that my son is still in school. I am hopeful that he is going to finish his studies and het a good job.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I developed a health condition with my legs and can no longer walk as I feel pain on my swollen legs. I can no longer work and I depend fully on my eldest son to take care of my needs. My younger son is studying electrical engineering. He depends on me to pay his school fees and also give him some money for his upkeep. With my current condition, I find it very hard to support him in his education. When I received my second transfer, it thrilled me that I could use KSH 2500 from the transfer to pay off the school fees balance for him to go back to school. The school administration locked him out of classes until he cleared the school fee balance. I am happy that he is now back in school, continuing with his education.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the message at 9 am. I was seated in front of my house resting. I was just from doing some house chores. A neighbor passed by and shared with me the good news that she had received her transfer. I quickly became anxious and went ahead to pick my phone from the house. I was very surprised to find that I had too received the funds. I was very happy. I called my son and told her the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Yes, the money has brought a big difference in the life of my son. The money has enabled my son to join college and study his preferred course. He is very happy and can’t wait to fully complete the course and become self-employed and help his family too.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a son who completed his form 4 education. Ever since he has not been able to go ahead with his tertiary education. When I received the transfer I added the KSH 3000 to some savings that I had and give him to go and enroll himself into college. I am happy that he is now learning some skills on how to become an electrician. My son has always wanted to go to college and learn his preferred course. I am happy that once he is done with his college he is going to be self-employed and he might also attract good employment at the end. When he is good to go he will be able to assist his other siblings who are still in primary school at the moment.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am happy that I will be able to take my son to college to pursue his dream career of being an Electrical Engineer. I am glad I was able to see him through high school but I need him to further his education so that in the future he can take good care of me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When my son comes to visit me it brings me joy. Staying alone can be lonely at times so when he finds the time to come see me, it soothes my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My leg for the past year has weighed me down. I cannot move around without a stick and it has slowed my movements. It is hard to go to the farm and work as I used to. The last time a visited a neighbor was a month ago and we are in the same compound, I may be old but people of my age still can move around without much difficulty.
