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?
I was still at work when I heard a message notification from my phone. It was around 6:20 pm. When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I knew I would be in a position to pay school fees for my children. When I went back home I informed my family members and we celebrated because we were eagerly waiting. I stayed for two days and later went to withdraw the money and plan with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Paying school fees for my children in various schools is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because it has been a challenge for us. I run a small grocery business and do small scale farming at home. I have two children in secondary school and I was not in a position to pay all the school fees at once. They used to be sent home and this was affecting their performance. I was so worried because I wanted the best education for my children. Sometimes I could save some money in merry go round group that we have started in our village and borrow some loans. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy and the first priority was to pay the school fees. My children are studying well in school without being sent home like before. They no longer miss any lessons like before I hope to see better performance this academic year. I have peace of mind to do my chores at home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 on school fees for my two children in secondary school. This was my main concern because I had no savings for the school fees. My children used to be sent home and this was affecting their performance. I am so grateful because this was not the case this time. They are studying well and I hope to get better performance. I spent KES 20,000 to purchase building materials and build a house for my son. He used to spend nights at the neighbor's house and this was so demoralizing. Currently he has a house and privacy which he did not have before. I spent the rest of the money on food and clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was left to care for my three children after I lost my husband years ago by selling vegetables every day at a nearby center. Life has not been easy since the profit that I earn (KES 300) daily is not enough to buy food and pay school fees. Receiving this money will give me joy and relief since I will be able to pay school fees for my two children in secondary school and buy a cow that will provide milk for sale and consumption at home.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the last six months, I have enjoyed good health and this brought me joy because I was able to work and my children were able to attend school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am facing is financial constrain. I do not have a stable business and the income that I earn from it cannot sustain us as a family in buying food and paying for my children's education.
