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?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly as an NGO does so well in sending direct cash transfer to its recipients through Mpesa. This minimises cases of theft and fraud cases which are rampant among other NGOs' programs. The direct cash transfer also gives room for us to decide and prioritize what to do with the cash. It therefore, helps every recipient to do what he/she feels they are in need o most rather than being forced to pick what they may not be in need of. Nonetheless, I have not heard of what GiveDirectly has not been doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my most recent transfer to top up my previous savings in order to pay for my welding course. I had been longing to do any course that can help me earn some income since I completed by primary education. This has not been so easy although I had been doing some little savings. When I received my transfer, I opted to pay a commitment fee hoping that from the subsequent transfers, I shall be able pay in bits till I acquire the skills that I am in need of. I look forward to starting a welding workshop once I am done with my trainings thus I shall become independent.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was really happy because now I have a phone that I was given by Give Directly and this was the beginning of a better journey for me.
I am really grateful and looking forward to the opportunities that I will create using the rest of the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
First I managed to get a phone that will make communication way better for me.
As a sole provider for my family I am looking forward to buying a motor bike to create a source of income to provide for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received ksh1200, I split the Money, bought chicken with 500 shillings and I bought food with ksh600.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My parents died a long time ago when I was still breastfeeding and my uncle took me in. When I finished class 8, he was not able to take me to high school because he had to also educate his children through secondary school too. He then opted to take me to a vocational college to do the mechanic course but unfortunately, I could not finish the course and had to drop out because of a lack of money. I am remaining with two more years to finish the course and therefore these transfers will enable me to pay my college fees smoothly for the remaining two years.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Though I dropped out of college because of a lack of money, I am glad that I am still alive amidst all the challenges.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to be in college studying mechanics unfortunately, I had to drop due to a lack of fees. I have wasted one year outside and this stresses me mostly because I am not sure whether I will get money and go back or this is the end of me with education.
