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 ($438 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?
After utilizing the second transfer, most of which was used for school fees, I did not develop any new goal. Instead, I aim to accomplish the one I had of seeing my children through their education journey. Through my charcoal-selling business, I aim to ensure that I give quality education to my two children who are in university and secondary school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a faultless organization in my view. The organization came to empower the community members. In our area, the majority of the children in the families are now back to school after dropping out due to school fees. The source of their return to school is GiveDirectly. With a sober mind, I confess that GiveDirectly is an impactful organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer, I opted to invest a better part of it in school fees for my two children who are in secondary school and university. Since my husband has been sick and unable to work, I saw that it was a prudent idea so that they could proceed with their education. I paid $280 for the university child and $110 for the secondary school child. By so doing, I had given them ample time for studies because they were not going to be disturbed anytime soon by fees. After doing so, I felt relieved and I had peace of mind because I knew my children were settled. I also bought three bags of cement and built some pillars for my house to make it firmer than before to withstand rainfall and wind. For the remaining amount, I bought some food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Am a charcoal vendor, I was busy preparing the charcoal in the forest for sale. It was around 8 am when my daughter came to my place of work to inform me that most of our community members had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I decided to hand over the phone to her, and after checking it she disclosed to me that I had received the transfer. I was very happy and felt relieved of all stress when it landed in my ears that I had received the transfer. I was very sure that I will be able to settle all the fee balances for my kids.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now living a stress-free life after settling the debt at the women's financial group where I had taken a loan to support my kids. Previously, they were threatening to come and auction some of my household properties to recover the loan. I am very thankful for receiving the transfer that saved me from this embarrassment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With two children who are schooling, one in the university taking a teaching course and the other in form 3. Providing for their educational needs has been a tough task for me, given that I lack a reliable source of income. The coming of GiveDirectly to our area was a great relief for me. After receiving the transfer, I spent KES 21,000 to support the education of my kids by clearing their fee arrears. In addition, I used KES 4,400 to purchase proper bedding for my two daughters who were spending their nights on old and torn mattresses. I also bought 6 bags of cement and paid labor costs to renovate my house by putting up pillars so that it may be more stable. Lastly, I settle a debt of KES 6000 at the women's financial group where I had taken a loan to educate my kids.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a charcoal vendor, I have struggled enough to see my 2 children get the best education possible but as of now, I feel so challenged since trees are in scarcity. Currently, they can be sent home for almost 2 weeks before they get some fees and this has contributed to unexpected poor performances despite being very bright. I desire to ensure they get ample time in school and this is possible by clearing their fees on time. To realize this, I intend to spend my first transfer, 55000 KES on their fees. On the other hand, I will use part of the remaining transfer to offset my loan and also to save the other half in our Sacco to buy some shares. This will guarantee me a huge loan in the future to continue supporting my children. Thus, boosting my children's education is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In January this year, my son who is doing a diploma in special education got funding of 20000 KES from the county government. This gave me great relief because I never knew how to raise such a huge amount. In addition, it helped him to settle in class and I am sure this will contribute to better results. Thus, this becomes the source of my happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband was diagnosed with tuberculosis 5 years ago and this has forced me to assume all his responsibilities of taking care of my family of 4 members. This means doing all means to ensure we get food and school fees for my 2 children. The main source of income is charcoal vending and this is also not reliable as of now due to the scarcity of trees. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income becomes the main challenge that I am currently struggling with.
