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?
This is a great program and we are really thankful for it. Here, we are assured of some monthly funds that will help in uplifting our lives. Unlike before, we now have somewhere to turn to for financial support whenever we get stuck. I have not seen anything bad about give directly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am self-employed and a baker. So, I normally make some muffins then supply them to the local shops. This is what has kept me going being the sole breadwinner of the family. I have 4children in school and one is a class 8 dropout who is currently working. Other than school fees, I am also renovating my house. From my second transfer, I spent ksh2000 to buy some materials for the house renovations and ksh1000 to pay for my 2 children's school fee arrears. As for my first transfer, I spent it all on food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had left early in the morning to go fetch water as it was easier to carry water before the sun comes up. When I got back from my errands, I sat down to take a break and check my phone. When I saw that I had received the money I was very happy. Thank you for giving me this opportunity Give Directly.
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 now have a sense of security in that I am now able to buy food for my family whether or not I get a job. I am also helping my husband build our home by contributing some money to buy the materials.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We have been going through a drought and it has been very hard on my family. I have had trouble looking for work as everyone is desperate no one has money to pay. We have been living from hand to mouth this past few months, so when the money came in the first thing I did was to focus on food. I was able to buy food worth KES.1170 to feed my family of seven. Now my family is settled knowing that things will get better thanks to Give Directly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It pains me to see my son stay at home when other students went back to school. I depend on my husband who is gardener for basic needs and school fees. When drought season encroached, it's been hard for him to get a job and therefore my son had to stay out of school. Since he is in day school, with this money I will talk to the school principal to allow me to be paying in bits.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up to see my kids health and strong is what gives me joy to start a new day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I lost my job while pregnant with my last born and I have been unable to secure a job since then. My husband has been struggling to feed our 5 children and paying their school fees. I'm hopeful that with this money, I will start a local bakery to support my husband with the family responsibilities.
