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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($438 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have new goals which is, to raise enough money so that I can be able to pay fees for my children on time. This will motivate them and hence boost their performance in school. My second goal is to build a spacious better house for my family because the previous one is very small. Five of my children have been sleeping at their friend's houses which are quite far from our village. My wish is however to have all my family members settled under one roof.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in my not only in my village but in the entire region. We were all equally visited and enrolled freely and fairly without any discrimination. What stood out for me was the fact that the cash was unconditional. It has never happened before in my life. Therefore I can't point out anything that GiveDirectly is not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying fees of $ 450 for my three children who are in secondary schools; in form three, two and one respectively. They had all been sent home because of the arrears and I was so worried since the exams were about to kick off and I was certain that they would end up missing it. This would be a big blow to them because it would hinder them from being promoted to the next grade. I am therefore thankful to GiveDirectly because I can now finally see light and the end of the tunnel. The children's future is greener courtesy of GiveDirectly. With the remaining amount of money, I bought food for my eleven family members which took us almost a month. We are so grateful and healthier because we no longer go without food like we used to back in the day whereby sometimes I was forced to borrow food from my neighbours.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home cleaning my compound. I was alone when I received the message alert on my phone since my kids were yet to return home from school. It was around 5 pm when I saw the messages. Being illiterate, I had to wait for my kids to come back home for them the phone. I was extremely happy for receiving the aid since I was sure that I would be able to educate my kids.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a stress-free life after paying the school fees for my kids. The transfer come at a time when I needed it most since I had no cent to further the studies of my kids and they had already been sent home for fees. I am very grateful for the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With 2 children in secondary school and one about to join them, Life has been tough, especially in providing for their educational needs. Given that I am jobless and total depending on my husband who is a water vendor a job that could not earn home enough to feed my family of 12 members. After receiving the transfer, I spent KES 10,000 to pay part of the school fees for my 2 kids who are in form 3. Similarly, I used KES 40,000 to conduct shopping and pay the entry fees for the other kid who was joining secondary school. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family. Currently, I am happy that they are learning without any disturbances.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was blessed with 10 children, 7 girls, and 3 handsome sons. My husband managed to build a 2 rooms house for us. The structure used to be enough in the previous years because the children were young and used to share a single room. Currently, it can not accommodate all of us because my children are grown up, especially the ladies. Due to this reason, the girls had to seek housing at the grandmother's house. This problem has been giving me sleepless nights because I feel they have the freedom of moving out at night and meeting with men which can lead to early pregnancies. The grandmother is very old and can not control them. Receiving this money means building a bigger house so that it can acclimate us all and I will be able to monitor them, especially at night. I am planning to spend KES 40,000 on the structure. I will spend the remaining amount to pay school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was in January this year when the schools were opened and my 2 daughters who are in form 2 were supposed to go back to school for 3rd term. During this time I had no funds and they were to stay home for some time. Luckily, one of the aunts came and visit us and found them at home due to school fees. She decided to pay the balance and immediately they went back. This brought a lot of happiness to my family because it was a miracle.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship I am presently facing. I am a full-time house wife with 10 children who are still under my care. My husband works in town as a hawker. In a day he makes approximately KES 300 which is not sufficient to cater to all the needs such as shelter. This is the main reason we have failed as parents to construct a structure for our children. Lengthened drought is another challenge we are experiencing.
