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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done ao well in giving it's recipients direct cash transfer. In doing so, it supports the less fortunate to be able to meet their financial obligations. Personally, I appreciate the support I have so far received from GiveDirectly. Previously, my life was hard, and my children were were unable to go to school. However, in my observation, there is nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well. I just feel happy because as a resuktbof the transfer, my life has become easier, better and comfortable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 2,000 from my most recent transfer to pay school fee for all my four children who are in primary school. Currently, they are doing well in their studies because they do not have to be sent back home for school fees. I also spent the remaining KES 1000 to buy school uniform for my two children. Their previous uniforms were very old and unpresentable. I thank God nowadays they are very presentable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was daytime and I was busy in the kitchen preparing lunch. Thoughts were crossing my mind of what my children would eat because that lunch was the last meal in the house. I was so excited to receive the money that I just started singing. This is the first time I'm receiving money from an NGO and it feels so miraculous!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the joy that Give Directly has brought to my heart. Knowing that my children will no longer be send home for fees and that I will be able to build my own house gives me so much peace. I don't have to worry anymore because God has used you to answer my prayers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the first transfer of kshs 1200 on the various items. I used kshs 500 to pay examinations fees for my 4 children who are in grade 3, pp2, pp1 and pp1 respectively. I'm planning to build my own house since I do not have one, so I used kshs 300 to buy construction poles. I used kshs 300 to buy 4 packets of 2kg maize flour. I used the remaining kshs 100 to buy soap, paraffin and water. I have no job and mostly its difficult to afford such things. Thank you so much and God bless you.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I lived with an abusive husband for 12 years, aside from beatings, he was also irresponsible. I decided to leave my matrimonial home 6 months ago because the beating become too much and I feared for my life. Being a single mother of four children and living with my parents lowers my self-esteem. This money comes at a time when I am in dire need of financial aid for me to take care of my children and build a house for my family. Therefore I plan to start buying building materials in bits with these transfers and later build a house so I can at least have a roof of my own.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I separated from my husband six months ago I was so depressed because I did not know how I will be able to take care of my children. All my worries went away when I got a job as a housemaid at the market center. This gave me joy and happiness because I knew I will be able to provide for my children and parents with the little that I make.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a single mother of four children living with my parents in a one-room house is not easy. I was lucky to get a house help job where I make 300KES per month. The money is not enough to support my family at the same time build a house for my children. It is frustrating and stressful not being able to provide for my children and parents since I live with them and they are elderly.
