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?
That morning, everything changed. I got the money around 4am, but I didn’t check it right away because I was asleep. When I woke up and saw the message, I couldn’t believe it. Other people had received theirs the day before, but my phone had delayed the notification. Despite that, waking up to see that money in my M-Pesa felt like a miracle. I had never received such a large amount before, especially not for free. The first thing that came to my mind was food, as we had nothing left to eat. The relief and joy I felt in that moment were beyond words.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my children's school fees was a constant source of stress for me. I had to rely on fundraising and saving small amounts from my casual job earnings, which were not enough to keep my children in school. They were often sent home due to unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see them missing out on their education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay their school fees without any worry. Now, my children can attend school regularly and focus on their studies like other children. This change has brought me so much peace of mind, knowing that my children are not only learning but also feeling secure and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, which has made such a big difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfer felt like a breath of fresh air for me and my family. I used $100 to buy food because we had nothing at home, and my income from casual jobs was only $3 per day, which was not enough to feed my family. With four children to take care of, it was a constant struggle to make ends meet. Additionally, I spent $70 to pay for my kids' school fees. Before this, I had to rely on fundraising and saving small amounts from my earnings to keep them in school, which was very stressful. My husband and I both work as casual laborers, so our income was limited. Furthermore, I used $30 to purchase a mattress because we had none. Sleeping on a wooden bed was uncomfortable, and my back often ached because of it. Now that I have a mattress, I can finally get a good night's sleep. This simple change has made a huge difference in my daily life. Since I received the money, life has improved significantly. I no longer worry about where our next meal will come from or how to pay for my children’s education. The joy of seeing my kids go to school without the fear of being sent home for fees is priceless. I feel so grateful for this support, as it has brought peace and comfort back into our lives.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
In March 2024, I sowed maize on my 0.5-acre piece of land with the hope of providing both food and income for my family of six. Unfortunately, the crops were ruined due to unfavorable climatic conditions, and now I find myself having to buy all our food from the shops. This has been a significant financial strain. Thankfully, with the anticipated transfers, I have some relief. I plan to spend $100 on purchasing food for the household, ensuring that my family has enough to eat. Additionally, I will spend $500 to open a retail shop business, which I hope will generate a steady income for us and improve our financial stability. The remaining funds will be used to cover my son Kevin's college fees, which are essential for his continued education. This support will help us manage our immediate needs while also investing in future opportunities for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In April 2024, my son Kevin, could not attend his college studies due to school fees arrears of $500. This situation caused me a lot of stress, as I had no way to raise the money, and he would have missed school if I could not come up with it. I was greatly relieved when the community came together to help. Thanks to their support, we raised $600 through the merry-go-round chama, which covered the fees and allowed him to return to school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In March 2024, I sowed maize on my 0.5-acre piece of land with the hope of providing food for my family of six. Unfortunately, due to the lack of rains that month, nothing germinated until the rains finally came in April. By then, my crops had started to sprout, but the rains stopped again, and my maize wilted just as it was about to produce cobs. It pains me to see them dry now, knowing that my source of food is gone and I have to fully rely on purchasing from the shops just to get by each day
