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, give directly has done well. The transfers have been really helpful in paying my children's school fees, buying them some food and it has also helped in buying some iron sheets that I will use during the house renovation. Previously, I was very worried about my children's well-being but now, the worries have been cleared.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and I practice charcoal manufacturing. Together we have been able to raise our six children. From the business, we make KES1200monthly. This is what helps us get by as a family. So, when I received the first transfer, my children had a school fee arrears of KES1500. I used KES500 to reduce the debt and the remaining KES700 to buy food, soap and sugar. On the second transfer, I again paid KES500 towards clearing the school fee arrears, then using KES1000, I purchased some food, since I want to renovate my house, I used KES1000 to buy some iron sheets and the remaining KES500 I used it to buy some pair of shoes for the children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received my transfer, I felt so good and extremely happy. It was so historic in my life since I had never been given such kind of support before. My joy multiplied when I remrmbered that the transfers would be continuous for the next 5 years. For sure, I shall be a long-term beneficiary in this program. I know that through this support, I shall indeed find it easier to fully support my 3 children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving the transfer, is being able to take my children back to school. All through, my life has been characterized by hardship and this is always reflected in my struggle to pay my children's school fees. The transfer has also helped me to get some food for my children. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
From my recent transfer, I spent a total of KES 500 to pay school fees for my children. As a result, they have been learning with a lot of ease throughout this term. In addition to paying their school fees, I was able to buy for them books and pens to aid their studies. Their stationeries was equivalent to KES 300. Since I did not have food in the house then, I spent the remaining KES 370 to buy food for my family. GiveDirectly' transfers was of great importance to me.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am blessed to have children who value education. This puts pressure on me to ensure that I have money to keep them in school. I have two boys and two girls in primary school. In the past year, they have been sent back home for school fees countless times. As a parent, it is depressing and makes me feel like a failure when it happens.
I plan to use these transfers to pay their school fees and ensure that every term none of them is sent home for lack of the same. I pay 700 KES per term for each term. I am a casual laborer, I earn 100 KES any time I get work which is a few days a week. It has been hard relying on this source.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In May I was blessed with a baby boy. I had a safe delivery and he has been a joy ever since. We are not always able to meet the needs of all our children but just to see them all well and alive is reason enough to be happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a stable source of income is my major concern. The uncertainty that comes with casual jobs can be discouraging. I wake up every morning and visit different people asking them if they have any work. The fact that I have children who count on me is the only reason I keep pressing on. I desire to one day have a specific source of income, one that is seamless and with high returns. A business would be a game-changer.
