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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($459 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After receiving the second transfer and initiating the construction of a new house that is currently going on, I don't have any new plan as I anticipate the completion. I am currently working on the completion of a kitchen that will see my family move from the temporary structure that I had put up after the demolition of the older one.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Most villages that received the first and the second transfer were able to complete several projects of their choice. We had been struggling a lot and in my opinion, GiveDirectly brought a lot of differences with the financial support that made it easier for everyone to realize the dreams they had been having.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the first and the second transfers, I had a lot lined up that I am glad to have been running smoothly. At the moment, I am working hard to complete the construction of a new kitchen after demolishing the old one and putting up a temporary one that we are currently using. I managed to purchase 20 iron sheets with the second transfer and so far I had been able to spend KES 30000. I also paid school fees for my two children in secondary school worth KES 13000 including the arrears that one of them had, and later spent the remaining on obtaining foodstuff and new pairs of clothes for my family of six. I am grateful for the much I have done and praying that GiveDirectly would keep doing the good work in other villages as well.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 12 midnight when I was called by my uncle to check my phone. I waked up and checked my phone. Actually there was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because GiveDirectly fulfilled their promise. I could not get some sleep that night, I was waiting for the morning to withdraw the money. In the morning I informed my family members and everyone celebrated with lots of joy. I went and withdrew the money and paid the school fees for my children. I am so grateful for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to pay school fees for my children in various schools. This was my main target and challenge. I depend on small scale farming and casual jobs to earn an income. The amount of money that I get is so small and I was not able to clear all the school fees on time. My children were being sent home and this was affecting their performance in school. Currently my children are studying well because I have paid school fees on time. I have peace of mind to do other activities at home without stress. Iam so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled us educate our children. Current I'm struggling to save some money to pay for the next academic year.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to pay school fees for my three children in secondary school. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled me to pay the school fees on time. My children are no longer being sent home like before. I bought some iron sheets planning to build a better kitchen house. I bought cushions and the rest of the money I spent on food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support. GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have four children in high school and every year am required to pay KES. 80,0000 for their school fees. At the moment I have arrears amounting to a total of KES. 50,000 which I have no idea where I shall get it from. I sold the livestock I had to meet this demand but at the moment I have no more left. The situation is worsened by the fact that I am a widow and I have no one to encourage me when things become difficult. I break down at times when I recall the time my husband was still alive and if he was still here with me, I wouldn't be going through this difficult moments alone. We sincerely appreciate this cash gift from GiveDirectly, my children are now sorted for the next academic year. They will be able to learn without any experiencing any hitch.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My first born daughter completed school early this year and graduated in June. She was employed to teach in a nearby school though on a short contract but this inspired me a lot and it gave me hope that despite the challenges am currently facing with paying school fees for the rest of the kids they'll one day be able to secure employment like her. I was so happy about this achievement.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since we sold all the livestock to meet school fee demands we have no cows to milk, this forces us as a family to buy milk from the neighbors which is too expensive because I have no income. We sometimes have to go without any milk which affects the nutrition of my children. The other challenge also is the school fees arrears that I have at the moment. My children are sent home frequently to remind me to pay and this interrupts their studies a lot. I am even worried they might not be able to perform to their best ability.
