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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was from the farm when I received a notification on my phone. When I checked its content, I saw it was a confirmation that I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy as it came in handy with my plans. I had some school fees arrears which were giving me a headache but I got relieved that day because I knew that I would settle.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I usually depend on the sale of farm produce like maize so that I can raise money for paying school fees for my children. It would have been so tough for me without the transfer since I had not harvested maize when my child was sent home. GiveDirectly eased my burden of paying school fees and that is the greatest difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have two children who are studying, one is in medical college and another one is in high school. I spent a total of KES 30000 on clearing arrears and paying off their school fees. That gave me peace as I knew that they wouldn't be sent home anytime soon. I then bought a young bull for KES 18000. I bought the bull so that I can keep and when it gains value I would resell it and spend the cash on paying school fees for my children. The remaining amount of KES 7000, I spent on buying foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better living standards. Due to old age, I need good nutrition and balanced diet . Since I no longer have the energy to do hard jobs like farming, livestock keeping is favorable. I have been desiring to own dairy cow worth KES 28,000. Givedirectly will help me achieve this if I receive this transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
At the beginning of this year, a well-wisher paid college fees for my grandson. This brought me joy because I could not have had the money to pay his school fees on time. Seeing my grandchildren getting good education makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I am facing currently is financial constraints. I have two grandchildren, one is college and other in primary under my care. At my age, raising their school fees is not easy. The income I receive from subsistence farming is not enough hence mostly I depend on fund raising or other well-wishers. This makes me feel like I am burdening them with my responsibilities.
