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?
While I was in town doing my grocery business, I received the money, and I couldn't contain my happiness. I immediately thanked God for helping me at a time when I felt so confused and worried about how to pay for my two children joining the university. Their school fees and other expenses were overwhelming, especially with my small business income. The moment I saw the money, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. I realized that I could finally cover their expenses without the stress that had been keeping me up at night. This support from GiveDirectly was truly a blessing, and I felt grateful for the help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the transfer, I struggled to pay the school fees for my two daughters. I had hoped that some people would help me with their expenses, but when it was time for them to join school, no one answered my calls. I felt stressed and worried about how I would manage to pay for their education. However, after receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, everything changed for the better. I was able to pay their school fees on time, which relieved a huge burden from my shoulders. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for coming to my aid at the right moment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a ray of hope during a difficult time. I used $160 to pay for the university fees of my two daughters, which had been stressing me out. Their fees were huge, and to cover them, I had to sell three cows and some goats, in addition to the money from GiveDirectly. The floods had already swept away my two acres of maize, adding to my struggles. However, thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to meet my daughters' educational needs, and for that, I am truly grateful.Furthermore, I used $40 to buy food for my family. Although my grocery business could provide some food, this extra amount helped ensure we wouldn't go hungry. My husband is a polygamous man, and sometimes it is hard for him to support me fully, but he managed to contribute a little toward the fees. With five people in my family to care for, the financial burden can be heavy, but the cash transfer made a big difference.Now, I feel a sense of relief knowing my daughters can continue their education without interruption. The support from GiveDirectly has given me hope and made life a bit easier during these challenging times. I am thankful for this assistance, as it has helped me prioritize my family's needs while managing our everyday expenses.
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access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Managing school fees for my children is becoming increasingly challenging. My grocery business in Marigat town barely yields $10 in profits on a good day, but it has been my lifeline. Despite these financial constraints, I am grateful that it has kept us afloat. Looking ahead to September 2024, my daughter Nelly will be starting college, and the prospect of meeting her educational expenses weighs heavily on me. Fundraisers alone might not suffice this time. Fortunately, anticipated transfers will arrive just in time. I plan to spend $500 towards her college fees, ensuring she can pursue her studies without financial worries. In addition I will spend $200 on maize cultivation on our 1-acre plot to secure food for our family of seven. Another $200 will go towards purchasing goats, a strategic investment for our future stability. The remainder will cover household expenses, ensuring we have enough food on the table. While uncertainties remain, I am hopeful to make the most of what I have and continue striving for my family's well-being.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Running my grocery business here in Marigat town has been challenging lately with the declining market prices due to the poor economy in Kenya. On a good day, I make about $10 in profits, which helps support my family of 7. Despite the tough times, I am grateful that I have not faced losses or had to shut down.
It is not easy, but I am determined to keep providing for my family and serving my community as best as I can. I am hopeful that things will get better soon.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am currently grappling with the challenge of raising school fees for my daughter who will be starting college in September 2024. As a family of seven relying on our grocery business, our income has been unpredictable lately. On good days, I make about $10 in profit, but sales have been declining, exacerbated by recent floods that wiped out our crops. This leaves me uncertain about how to finance my daughter's education. I am also reaching out to community resources and government support programs such as Higher Education Loans Board for any assistance available. It is a tough situation, but I am determined to find a way to support my daughter's dreams of a college education.
