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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($462 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to clear school fee balance for my son. My son finished his secondary school education in year 2019. He has not continued with his education because the school administration is keeping his results until I can clear the school fee balance amounting to KES 20000.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional transfers I received from Give Directly, were very helpful in clearing the school debt I struggled to pay for a long time. I have peace of mind knowing that my son will continue with his education in the future. If possible, I would recommend that the amount of money increased to cater to the many challenges we are facing in the community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow and the only breed winner in my family. Since my husband passed away 15 years ago, I bore all the responsibility of taking care of the children. I earn a living by selling charcoal. I have struggled to pay school fees for my two children because of the low income I get from my charcoal selling business. After completing his secondary education, my son has been working on manual jobs (building houses, fetching water) for saving and clearing the school debt. Upon receiving the transfer, I spent KES 20000 to clear the school fee debt so that by son could get his final exam results and join college where he is going to pursue his dream career of becoming a doctor. Besides clearing the school debt, I also spent much of the transfer in building a house for my son. With him being of age (20 years), it is against our culture to sleep together as his parent under the same roof. For this reason, I built him a new house where he is going to live together with his younger brother.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning when I woke up hearing people talking happy about withdrawing their transfers and I was surprised. I gave my phone to someone I trust to check for me and the news brightened my day. The transfer had been mad the previous day and I wasn’t aware due to illiteracy. I felt happy and my heart softened in appreciation.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly came, I relied on making and selling charcoal which was not something to sustain a family and cater for other needs such us school fees. The thing that GiveDirectly changed in my life is the house I am building. If it were not for the transfer I do not know how things would be by sleeping in a risky collapsing house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first thing I thought of was a house. When I withdrew the money I bought iron sheets worthy KES 20000.00 so that I build a new house because the old one is collapsing and it’s risky to live in. I also paid KES 15000.00 school fees for my children and the remaining amount went to food and water for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I can take my kid to college. My last born finished his secondary education and I was unable to take him for further education. I will use my first transfer to enroll him in college, with the second transfer I will buy ten goats and start a small grocery kiosk in my compound. This will help me get some revenue which will support me educate my kid.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Five months ago I had been admitted to the hospital for two weeks. After getting medication I was able to be released home. Staying fit and waking up well in the morning brings joy for a better tomorrow.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With the pronged drought in my area getting food and fresh water is a challenge. Getting two meals a day is difficult for me and my health is deteriorating. I have to walk 10 kilometers to get water and still I have to cut trees burn charcoal to get food.
