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?
Based on my previous observations, GiveDirectly does so well in eradicting poverty. This is an approach that lifts up people from movements of great struggles to regain financial relief through cash transfer. Those who receive the transfer have been using it in their development plans. As a result, they have a positive improvement in their life. Nonetheless, I have never seen what GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I saved my second transfer with an aim of raising some money that I would use to join college. I am eagerly waiting to join college in April 2022 in order to pursue a teaching course. Upon completion of my course, I hope I shall be able to get a job and be able to support myself as well as my younger siblings. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in the farm weeding when I received a message. At first, I didn't know that it was the transfers because I expected it to take a little bit longer time. Then, I didn't have sanitary pad and I usually felt like a burden everytime when would ask my parents for such necessities. I was so happy that at last I would buy them for myself and I would nolonger have to bother them again.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Previously, my days used to be stressful and filled with a lot of thoughts because as days goes by, I was giving up on my dreams. As I wake up to new day nowadays, I wake up a more hopeful person and I'm looking forward to better days.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I graduated from high school in 2019, I wanted to join collage but up to date, I have never managed because my father was not in a position to raise school fees. My father whom we all depend on is a primary school teacher but he has so much on his plate that he cannot afford collage fees. He is the sole provider of the family, pays school fees for my two siblings who are in high school and five who are in primary school. Thinking about waiting for my siblings to graduate from high school so that I can join collage used to drain me bacause, I have already spend 3 years outside school and had to wait for two more. I had started giving up but it just happened as miracle that I was enrolled in the project. With the Ksh 3000 monthly transfers, I can join hands with my father who is willing to support me with the little that he has and I will be able to achieve my dream. I used Ksh 500 of the recent transfers to buy sanitary pads and other basic needs and saved Ksh 2500 towards my school fees. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for making my dream come true.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I completed my secondary school studies two years ago. However, I am yet to join any institution of higher learning because my parents don't have money to pay for my school fees. College and university fees in Kenya are higher compared to primary and secondary schools. I applied for a medical engineer at a college in the nearest city. I am expected to join in the next 8 months. GiveDirectly transfers are coming at the right time and I will use the money to pay my school fees. I am planning to use 80,000KES to cater for my school fees as prescribed for in the fee structure. I believe that my skills in medical engineering will guarantee me a job. Getting a job will be a great achievement given that with a job, I will definitely earn a salary which will be helpful in meeting my needs and those of my family back home.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Two months ago, my elder brother bought me a brand new Neon smartphone. My love for YouTube is beyond measure. I was delighted because I knew I would watch all those videos especially motivational videos by different speakers.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine 2 years down the line after completing secondary school and I'm yet to join any institution of higher learning. This is the biggest challenge I'm currently going through. This is not what I have been dreaming about during my primary and secondary school days. It is really stressing to me seeing all my colleagues join different colleges and universities in different parts of the country.
