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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received my transfer, I can recall that I was at my workplace busy as the norm. Then I overheard my workmates talking about the receipt of their initial transfer, I was curious to know more about the message that they had received for me to be sure that they were not lying. This is because I had left my phone back home, I then hurriedly headed home. And on arrival, my daughter broke the good news to me. I was overwhelmed with happiness because I knew that I would be able to accomplish a lot with it. I am grateful for the support that impacted my life amazingly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was worried before due to the school fees arrears that had accumulated earlier. But I am glad that this is a story of the past now, since now I was able to settle all the arrears with the funds that I got. I no longer worry about selling any of our properties. My children are all happy and settled in their respective schools. We are indeed grateful for the support that brought so much happiness and fulfilment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
School fees have been a major struggle that I have been dealing with. This is because I am blessed with six children who are all schooling. I work as a casual labourer whereby my income is bearly enough to cater for all our daily needs plus the school fees. Upon the receipt of my initial transfer, I used a sum of KES 45,000 on paying for my children's school fees. Secondly, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs and clothes. I am so happy and grateful to have achieved all this in a short time.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means I will be able to purchase a cow. I live near the forest where cows can graze. At the moment I depend on cows given to me by my relative and I am worried they can come and take them at any time. So when I receive this transfer I will spend KES 40000 to purchase a dairy cow. This cow will be my source of income when that cow calves and I can sell it in the future when they multiply to generate income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been sick for a while and I decided to ask for help from County Government I was given money for treatment. I am now recuperating and I am hopeful that I will soon return to my normal routine. This brought joy and happiness into my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge I am currently facing is financial constraints since I do not have a source of income. Recently I was operated on and I was restrained from doing heavy tasks like digging and weeding as I used to depend on casual jobs to earn a living. At the moment I depend on well-wishers as I continue to recuperate but I cannot stop wondering what will happen if they stop helping me.
