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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My objective is to acquire a cow and cover the school fees for my children in secondary school. I intend to achieve this goal by utilizing my third transfer. This was a challenge in the past due to financial constraints, but I am grateful for the opportunity to see progress and a brighter future ahead.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in empowering individuals of all ages within the community. The unconditional nature of the transfer provided the flexibility to allocate funds to areas of greater importance to us. Furthermore, the community sensitization efforts had a significant impact, enhancing our awareness and vigilance against potential fraud. Overall, everything was satisfactory, and I did not identify specific areas that needed improvement.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and I manage a posho-mill, and we are also involved in farming for our livelihood, we are blessed with three children. Our second transfer from GiveDirectly was strategically utilized to boost our business. We invested $240 in purchasing 5 sacks of maize, anticipating a profitable return that could contribute to covering the secondary school fees for our children. Additionally, we spent $180 to acquire a dairy cow, aiming to establish a sustainable source of milk for both personal consumption and sale. Such substantial investments were challenging in the past, as our funds were primarily directed towards school fees. We express profound gratitude for the support, which has significantly elevated our living standards.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($125 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly remains vividly etched in my mind. Immersed in my posho-mill, engrossed in the day's tasks, I was suddenly alerted by the sound of my phone ringing. With curiosity piqued, I swiftly retrieved my phone and, to my great delight, discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. A surge of happiness overwhelmed me, and I was consumed by an intense excitement as the potential of newfound opportunities dawned upon me. Right at that moment, I started devising plans to maximize the impact of these funds. The pure joy that accompanied the receipt of the transfer marked a very important moment, igniting my resolve to use it wisely and bring about a positive transformation in our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Presently, the biggest change in my life revolves around my children enjoying a comfortable learning environment at school, all thanks to the clearance of their tuition fees. Additionally, I have managed to create a considerable food stockpile, successfully overcoming the hunger difficulties that previously stemmed from financial limitations. The resulting happiness and contentment derived from these achievements have noticeably alleviated the levels of stress I experience.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The responsibility of covering school fees has consistently posed a challenging situation for both my husband and I. This is due to the fact that we are caring for nine children who are still at home and reliant on our support. While my husband engages in farming, I manage a posho mill and a small kiosk within our village. Upon receiving my initial transfer, my immediate thought was to address the pressing issue of school fees for my children. To address this, I spent $100 to settle school arrears, prioritizing this need. The remaining funds were directed towards acquiring essential food supplies. I am genuinely delighted that this allocation has eased the process of managing school fees for our children.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My plan for the transfers is to purchase food and three goats using the first transfers. I intend to use $180 of the transfers to accomplish this. This will ensure that I have enough food to take me for months to come and will also act as an investment. For the second transfers, I intend to purchase a cow at about $300. This will ensure that I have milk in my household which will reduce the burden of buying expensive milk from the shopping center. For the third transfers I intend to complete paying school fees for my four children, two who are ni high school and two who are in college. Give Directly transfers will assist me financially by reducing the heavy burden I have currently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness and joy on a daily basis is waking up healthy and being able to work. Especially being able to provide for my children whom I consider to be my pride and love.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge that I'm facing currently is the lack of money. Currently I have food shortage which has been contributed by the lack of money. In addition to this, I have two children in secondary school and two in collage. I don't have money to pay for their school fees which stresses me so much.