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 is doing well by giving us the funds in smaller installments for a long time .Personally I feel that's a good idea because unlike other programs where you get lumpsum of money for a shorter period it's easy for one to misuse the funds.Its also evident that this funds have raised the living standards of this village. Most of the villagers have started improving their homes and others have started small businesses.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a peasant farmer who works as a night guard. I have two wives and twelve children. My biggest challenge has been providing for my family with my monthly salary of KES 8000.When I received the transfer I divided KES 2000 among all my eight children who are at school as part of their school fees. The remaining cash I used for food for my family.Its been quite a difficult time especially for farmers with the change of climate and no harvest due to the dry season.
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?
I had been working the night shift stationed at my security post and had the morning and afternoon hours off. At around 1pm, I heard a message notification on my phone. I was so happy to see that GiveDirectly had transferred funds to me until I lost sleep. It was indeed a great surprise that I was able to withdraw on the same day enabling me sort out a few issues in my household.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life after receiving the GiveDirectly funds was that I was able to pay school fees for my kids. It had been a major challenge as I had to make trips to the school to try convince the school heads to atleast be lenient and not send the young ones home. I now I am very confident in stating that the children are in school and taking all the classes without being sent home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly has been a major boost to my family and I after I received KES 1200 which I was able to spend KES 600 paying for my 6 kids school fees whereby I kept heading to the school trying to convince the school heads to keep them in class. Moreso, I was able to purchase food worth KES 600 as in the house we had abit of shortage and being a basic need, I was able to purchase.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I got news about Give Directly and the help they'll bring, my heart leaped with joy. I have a construction project that has stalled. My plan is o take up a loan of Ksh. 30,000 and start a grocery business with part of the money then push the construction with what will remain. When this money starts coming in, I'll pay off the loan with Ksh. 2,000 every month until I finish. If the business picks up well, I can work towards paying more money every month but commit more funds to the unfinished house so that I can settle my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Much as I'm not doing well financially, my belief in God has helped me remain at peace. I'm not stressed about situations that I cannot change. I'm also grateful for my supportive wife and children. They do not complain about the things I cannot provide and that makes my heart so happy. I still hope to provide the best for them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a family man, my wife and children look up to me for everything. I work as a guard at night and this job does not pay me well at all. During the day, I sometimes do volunteer jobs at a dispensary nearby. My financial situation makes me feel sad because I have big dreams for my family but the resources I have are too little, almost nothing. I'd love to see my children attend school without interruption and make great professionals in the future. I'll still hold on to the hope that God will make a way.
