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?
It was around 8.25a.m and I was doing normal house chores. My son came to my house and informed me that he had received the promised first transfer from Givedirectly. I immediately switched on my phone and a message popped up. Upon checking, it was an MPESA message from Givefirectly bearing the good news. I was happy and planned on withdrawing the money later in the day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the payment of school fees for my daughter for the entire semester. I am happy and grateful that Givedirectly in when I needed a helping hand.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawal from my transfer, I spent KES 20,000 on building a kitchen. I obtained 20 iron sheets, timber, and nails. I had been using an old grass-thatched house which would leak during the rainy season. Due to financial constraints, I couldn't afford to build one. I also spent KES 20,000 on paying university fees for my daughter. I am grateful since she was able to do her final exams for the semester. I am planning to keep a dairy cow which will supply us with surplus milk and hence can sell to get an income to cater for school fees budget. With the remaining part of my transfer, I spent in buying food and clothes for my family members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Quality education is what I desire for my children. I have two children at the university and paying for their school fees has been an uphill task because I raise them single-handedly. I depend on casual jobs to earn a living, the money I get cannot meet all their needs such as fees, accommodation, and food expenses. I am delighted because upon receiving these transfers I will be able to pay the school fees of KES 70,000. This will be a relief to me as they will be able to concentrate on their studies full-time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In January, there was plenty of rainfall in our region. I decided to cultivate 0.2 acres of land and planted vegetables. My vegetables are doing well and I expect a good harvest by the end of March. My joy is that I will earn some income in the next 2 weeks.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow with four children ( Two are in the university). Depending on casual jobs to make ends meet is hard because most of the money goes into buying food and is not enough to pay for school fees. As a result of this, I rely on fundraising from family and friends to raise the money. This makes me feel like I am a burden to them. If I had a stable income l would not be straining a lot financially.
