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?
GiveDirectly has played a major role in uplifting lives for the less privileged in the lesser communities with their unconditional transfers which really boost each and every ones lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
At home we are four children me being the third and my mum sells alcohol which she uses the income made to take care of us since dad is blind and unable to work. The KES 3000 from GiveDirectly boosted my prospects of continuing to pursue my studies as I have been unable to do so having a fee balance of KES 18000. I am planning to reduce the arrears with the funds received so as not to miss classes and lag behind.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The MPESA notification really made me celebrate much as I did not expect such a great surprise since I was just from sleeping. I withdrew the funds the same day with no delay.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being able to reduce my school fees balance by some amount has ensured I also lower the burden towards my parents and I really hope to keep clearing the amount left with the next transfer I receive from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The KES 3000 received from GiveDirectly really played a huge role. I was in school pursuing my high school studies. Dad is blind and unable to work whilst mum is the breadwinner for our family and this has been quite a challenge for her to also pay up my school fees. The funds received enabled me to assist in offsetting some of the fee arrears of KES 2000 so that I can be able to get my KCSE results when they are announced once the total balance of KES 18000 has been paid. The remaining KES 1000, I bought five chicken which I hope will lay eggs that I will sell to keep clearing the school fees balance.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a form four student, in my final term with an outstanding balance of 17000 KES. My parents who are peasant famers can not afford to pay for my school fees and I am afraid I might not finish my studies. Moreover I have been spending most of the days out of school and eventually this has negatively affected my academic performance. Receiving this money would mean a new hope and dawn to my life as I will be able to clear the fees balance as well as pay 5000 KES for my two young siblings who are in primary school. Through this aid money I believe my dream of joining college after high school will come true as I look forward to pursue clinical medicine.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Going to church every Sunday always gives me joy and hope in life as I get to pray and dance with my peers. I am a choir leader and when Sunday approaches I feel happy and energized.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My parents who are peasants farmers and due to the drought experienced in to the region, they have no reliable source of income hence they can not afford to pay school fees for my secondary education. This has affected my academic performance as most of the time I am out of school. Lack of food at home is also a challenge as sometimes we go to bed hungry.
