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?
The moment the money came, I was in town doing some shopping for my family. When I received the message confirming that I had $200, I felt an overwhelming joy and immediately thanked God. My son, who was at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, had been calling me constantly for help with his rent. I knew I had to sort him out, so I quickly sent him the money to cover his bill. It brought me such relief to know that I could help him settle his expenses and ensure he was comfortable. This support made me incredibly happy, knowing I could ease his worries during his studies.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I received the transfer, I was filled with stress and anxiety about how to pay my son's university rent. I constantly worried about where to find the money, and I was reluctant to sell my goat, knowing it could be an important investment for the future. I felt overwhelmed and unsure about how to manage all my expenses. However, once the cash transfer came through, everything changed. I could pay the rent without needing to sell my goat, which lifted a significant weight off my shoulders. Now, I can concentrate on supporting my family and running my farm instead of being consumed by financial worries. This transfer has truly transformed my life for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfer brought me a sense of relief during a time of stress. I had been worried about how to pay the rent for my son, who is studying at the university. Thankfully, I was able to send him $70 right away, ensuring he could focus on his studies without the burden of worrying about housing. Knowing he would have peace at school made me feel much better as a parent.Furthermore, I used $50 to buy medicine to spray my tomatoes on the farm, helping protect my crops from pests. I also spent $30 on weeding those tomatoes to ensure a good harvest. I wanted to support my daughter, who has a shop and provides food for our family, so I gave her $30 to restock her supplies. This way, she can continue to support us while managing her business.With the remaining $20, I harvested my maize, which resulted in an impressive yield of 5,444 kgs. I take pride in being a farmer, and with my wife at home caring for our large flock of livestock, we have managed to create a stable life for our family of eight. Although life can be challenging, I feel grateful for the assets we have, knowing they can help us during emergencies. The cash transfer has truly made a difference in our lives.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I will spend $400 to pay school fees arrears for 4 of my children. This means I will no longer have to dispose of my assets like livestock but instead keep them as savings for future emergencies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have an acre of maize plantation that I look forward to harvesting in the next week. I am very happy that I will pay my 5 children's education for next term from the proceeds.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have an eye injury that has totally incapacitated the vision of my left eye. Consequently I am not in a position to work in my farm nor tend to my livestock, mostly depending on my wife. Most times she gets overwhelmed with providing for me and my 7 children.
