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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I made decisions that weighed both my immediate needs and long-term aspirations. As a single mother of three, life's challenges often feel like mountains I must climb alone, especially with my physical disability. Determined to provide for my children and carve out a better future, I allocated $39 towards their education expenses and school uniforms, ensuring that my three little ones have access to education, a beacon of possibility in their lives. Despite being physically challenged and the weight of being divorced for over a decade, I refuse to let adversity define us. The remaining funds were allocated wisely, with$34 going for food and $10 injected into my coconut-selling business, a small endeavor that I hope will flourish with time. It's not easy relying solely on my elder brother's sporadic support, so being able to provide for my family, even in modest ways, fills me with a sense of pride and independence.
But it wasn't just about immediate needs; I wanted to sow seeds for a better tomorrow. With $10 set aside for savings, I embarked on a journey of financial empowerment. Every month, I vowed to nurture this seed, cultivating a reserve that would serve as a safety net in times of need and a stepping stone toward greater stability.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my heart races with excitement at the possibilities unfolding before me. With each passing month, I decided to diligently $10 into my savings, a practice I have honed with unwavering determination. As the year draws to a close, the fruits of my labor will manifest in the form of a small herd of goats. This isn't merely about acquiring livestock; it's about nurturing a dream, a vision of self-sufficiency and independence. Through goat farming, I envision not just sustenance but empowerment, a journey toward financial stability, and a life brimming with possibilities.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've been managing the upbringing of my three children on my own, facing the challenge of an unstable income. My primary source of income is selling coconuts, which brings in only $3 per week—far from sufficient to meet our various household needs. Despite the financial difficulties, I'm thankful for the program that has ensured my children never miss their classes. I used the recent transfers to clear the fee arrears that had accumulated, bringing relief and joy as my children continued their education. Beyond educational expenses, I allocated $30 to purchase new clothes for my children, addressing a basic necessity, and I also bought essential household items that were lacking. Additionally, I also spent the transfers shopping for food, ensuring that despite the financial strain from my coconut-selling business, my family always had enough to eat.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a single parent with three school-going children and no external support, the majority of the transfers will be allocated to cover their educational expenses. Additionally, I am contemplating initiating a poultry project as my current endeavor doesn't yield substantial income. The poultry project will be a reliable source of income through the sale of poultry and generate some money. I am confident that this project will not only contribute to our financial stability but also ensure the continuity of my children's education.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I separated from my husband, I took custody of my three children, whom I have been single-handedly providing for. My brother, who is employed as a shopkeeper in town, sometimes assists with some of the household expenses, but his support is limited. To be honest, things have been tough because I don't have a reliable source of income to cover our expenses. My business of buying and selling coconuts during market days barely generates enough money for food. Recently, I took advantage of the rainy season and invested some of the cash transfers in planting kale and tomatoes, which turned out to be successful. Selling these vegetables in the village has provided me with income that has helped meet the needs of my children, especially food. When I received the recent funds, my children had a tuition debt of $15, which I cleared to ensure they could continue their studies without interruption. I spent $19 to replenish our food stock at home as we had not yet harvested our crops. I'm glad that this food sustained my family until we began harvesting. So far, my family has never gone hungry, and my children have not missed school, thanks to the cash transfers.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a single mother, providing for my three children is becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the rising cost of living. I am grateful that the cash transfers have helped cover most of our basic needs, especially food and school fees for my children. Since I know the transfers will eventually come to an end, I aim to have established some wealth by that time. Specifically, I am focused on raising goats, which I plan to prioritize in the coming years. I'm relieved that the recent harvests have provided my family with enough food, which means that the upcoming transfers will give me a better opportunity to acquire goats. My goal is to have bought four goats by the end of the year.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I separated from my husband, I took my three children into custody, who I have single-handedly been providing for to date. To be honest, things are tough as I do not have a reliable source of income to generate money. My business of buying and selling coconut during market days barely raises enough money for food. Am glad that the cash transfers help me to provide more food for my family and keep two of my children in school. When I received the recent funds, one of my daughters was in debt of $10 in tuition fees and I cleared it so that she would continue with her studies undisturbed. I spent $19 to boost the food stock at home. Am happy that this bought me enough time to raise more money through my business. To date, my family has never lacked food, nor have my children missed learning, courtesy of the cash transfers. As a single mother, there are no ones to describe how relieved I am.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a single parent, providing for my three children is becoming harder by the day, especially with the rising cost of living. Although I run a business selling coconuts, the low returns barely keep us fed for the entire week, which calls for an additional source of income. Am happy that the cash transfers have proven useful in providing for most of our basic needs. Since the transfers will one day cease, I wish to have established some wealth by the time they end. Particularly, am invested in rearing goats. This is what I want to focus on in the coming years.
9th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have three school-age children and I'm a single parent. Ikanga Primary School, which is close to my house, is where all of my children attend school. I have had a very difficult time raising my children comfortably as a single parent. I run a small business selling vegetables and coconuts, but I only make $2 to $3 in profit. For the cost of my children's clothing, school costs, and food, this amount is incredibly meager. My inability to pay school fees on time is a result of my financial difficulties; as a result, my kids frequently miss out on crucial lessons as they are frequently sent home. So, as soon as I got my transfers, I went out and spent $12 to cover a portion of the school fee debt that my children owed their school. I also bought 1 kg of beans, green grams, and five packets of maize flour in addition to paying off the debt from the school fees. This was sufficient proof that my family wouldn't go hungry anytime soon. Last but not least, I put $5 into a savings group with the goal of using it at the end of the year to buy more stock for my business and pay off my children' outstanding school debt.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have spent my previous transfers on paying school fees for children, buying food for them, and buying chicken for rearing. I have a goal of going into business, I even hope the chicken am rearing, will become a business. I hope that, as I receive transfers monthly from GD I would buy a chicken which will lead to their increase in number. I plan that at the time the chicken are many, I will be able to sell a number and venture into goat farming.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single mother of two children with only one source of income. To take care of my children, I have been struggling to do a small-scale business. However, the return is too low to meet all my children's educational and other basic needs. Immediately, after I received my transfer I opted to start a poultry farm. I, therefore, spent KES 1,000 on buying three hens. Although I was aiming to buy more, I could not because I had committed KES 2,000 towards paying my children's fees. They were sent home to collect school fees. Unfortunately, I did not have money to give them.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being dependent on someone else who already has his own life to lead is quite tough and that has been my case ever since I separated with my husband leaving me to take care of our three children. I sell coconuts and the income made I try to share it among the basic needs despite it not being enough. My big brother has been our life saver even with the small income he makes from the casual jobs he does. Food had been a major concern as we went some days without putting something in our bellies. The KES 3000 received from GiveDirectly enabled me to plan accordingly and distribute the funds prioritising the needs. I was able to buy food supplements worth KES 1000 to last us a period of one week. I was also able to save KES 1000 in my chama savings account that I would later on use to build my very own house. The remaining KES 1000, I bought books and paid some of the school fees for my children so that they can attend classes.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional transfers given have truly been life savers as we are able to lead better lives and have hope for a better future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I separated from my husband 10 years ago. Since then, I've been taking care of my two children solely. One is in class 5 and the other in class 4. Their total school fee is KES 6000. To manage this, I have a business where I buy coconuts and then trade them in the market. It earns me around KES 400 to KES 500. Whenever I get stuck, I often reach out to my family for some help. Before the children closed school, I had a school fee arrears of KES400. I used the funds from give directly to settle the debt. For the amount that remained, I bought a chicken to add to my poultry and some food as I had run out of some.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am a single mother of two currently living at my parents' house together with my young siblings and children. I also have a business where I sell coconut in the market that gets me between KES 500 to KES 400 weekly. This hasn't been enough to support my children. I would often turn to my family for some financial support. Now that I'm receiving this money, I will be assured of a monthly salary. From it, I will be able to progress myself by providing for my children and settling my debts.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home busy doing some house chores when I received a message confirming that I had received funds from give directly. I felt relieved. At the time I had so many debts and the children did not have food to eat. So, I immediately rushed out to buy some maize flour and then came back to prepare a meal for them.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am epileptic. Sometimes I experience seizures that leave me unconscious. This disease is a threat to my life. I cheated death 5 years ago. Imagine experiencing seizures when cooking. I severely got burnt. My left hand was the most affected. Since then, I no longer do my house chores normally. My two daughters have to help me a lot.
What is the happiest part of your day?
There is nothing that makes me happy other than seeing my children very healthy. I do not remember the time I had to take my children to the hospital for a serious medical problem.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Education for my children is my most important consideration. I am a mother of 3 children. The first two are already enrolled in school. Being epileptic, it has been very hard for me to be consistent in any form of employment. This has been very challenging when it comes to paying school fees for my children. I fail to pay the tuition fees in time which leads to their studies discontinuation. To secure their future in terms of education, I will buy 5 goats for 3,000 KES each. In a few years, the goats will turn out to be my main source of wealth. Once they multiply, I will be selling them when they mature. With the income, I will comfortably be paying school fees in time.