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?
Receiving the confirmation message about the first GiveDirectly transfer brought immense joy during a time of worry. With pending school fees for two of my children, the fear of them missing exams was looming large. I was in my home garden, planting vegetables, when the Mpesa message arrived. The sheer relief and gratitude washed over me as I thanked God for the timely intervention.
My husband, who was away doing casual farm work, was unaware of the news until he returned home in the evening. Sharing the incredible news with him brought a sense of relief and hope. The following morning, I went to the nearby shopping center to withdraw the money. In that moment, gratitude and optimism filled my heart as I envisioned a brighter future for our family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly made a significant impact on my life, especially in clearing my children's secondary school fees. They were on the verge of missing their exams and needed the money urgently. Paying the entire $100 owed to the school brought immense relief, allowing my child to progress to the next class. This financial support not only lifted a heavy burden but also empowered me with a renewed sense of determination. I am truly grateful for it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer arrived at a critical moment when I was struggling to cover my two children's high school fees. The arrears need to be settled before their year-end exams, and I was on the verge of selling my two goats to gather the funds. Being just a PTA teacher, my monthly salary of $80 was insufficient to support my large family of ten and pay the fees. Upon receiving the transfer, a wave of relief and joy washed over me. I promptly used $100 to clear the school fees, ensuring my children wouldn't miss their exams. Additionally, I allocated $45 to purchase a sack of maize for family consumption, especially since our maize farm did not yield any harvest this year due to the drought. Another $45 was wisely spent on buying seats, enhancing our home environment, and providing comfort for my family compared to the plastic chair that we had. This financial assistance has alleviated our burdens and brought newfound hope for a better future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I desire to see all my children go through good education in order to make their lives better. My husband and I do casual jobs which we supplement with small scale farming. The income we get is hardly enough to sustain them full-time in school which affects their performance. I plan on using the transfers to clear $200 school fees in arrears for my two children in secondary school and the rest I will save for two others who are yet to join in three months time. I am happy because they will get to study comfortably and make their lives better.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my family in good health is what brings me happiness. I thank God for giving me the strength to fend for all of them and however, what I get is little I am thankful for it. None of my family members got sick and that is what gives me happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising money for educating my seven children has been an uphill task. I depend on farming to raise money to sustain my family, but for the past three years due to unpredictable weather patterns I have not made any income from it. I therefore do casual jobs which is still unreliable and not enough to cater to all the basic needs of my family.
