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 6 AM when I was preparing myself to go to the hospital because I have been unwell for the past two weeks. Then my phone started vibrating loudly, and this was notifying me of a new message. Upon checking, I realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and up to date, I still have the excitement.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I managed to pay school fees for my children in time. Seeing my children getting good education has always been my dream and it has always been my priority as well. This is because I always believe this is the greatest investment that will never lose its value no matter what. Previously they have always been sent home for fees every now and then which has been stressing both of us. I am now hopeful and confident about their after clearing their fees since they will no longer be sent every now and then for fees. This assures me of a bright future to them and their generation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some beddings which include a new mattress and some bedsheets. This was to replace the old ones which I was initially using. I then cleared fees for my two sons who are in college and secondary school. I then bought an ox plough for my pair of oxen which I was rearing in my compound. I used to hire the ox plough from friends which was costly. I then bought some few building materials such as iron sheets, nails and timber, for the renovation of my son's house which had a leaky roof. During the rainy seasons, he used to seek shelter from his friends since my house is not that spacious. The remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying some foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Education for my children is top of my priorities. My entire transfer will be spent on this except for some 20,000 shillings that will go into my house expansion. I have two sons, one in secondary school and one in college and not depend on me for everything they need such as fees, books, uniform etc.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My best part of day is in the evening when I get home from work. After spending the day doing hard labor of burning charcoal, am able to take a relaxing bath and rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of finances to cater for my sons' education. My income, not more than 5 dollars a day, from charcoal selling is too little and this has led to an accumulation of debt in the respective schools my sons are in.
