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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The roofing of my current house is worn out and broken, thus, it becomes leaky during rainy seasons. So I used KES 1760 for the purchase of two galvanized iron sheets to repair the roof. Also, I used the rest of the money to buy food.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Were it not for GiveDirectly my children would have probably gone to bed hungry and it happened occasionally in the past but one never gets used to starving especially when you one you kids looking up to you, so I am more than grateful for the help I have been receiving since it has benefited my family in many ways.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The day I received the money I was actually really stressed out because I had no money and I had no idea what I was going to feed my kids after they came back from school but luckily enough the money arrived and the first thing I bough is eight packets of maize four at KES 800 and two kilograms of beans at KES 200. I was so happy because I could finally afford a meal. Then I went ahead a put KES 1,500 into my savings account because I had plans of renovating the roofing to my house and I need to let the money accumulate so that I could do it once and for all. Then lastly I took KES 500 and paid school fees for three of my children since I normally paid it in installments to avoid them being kicked out of school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Since I am not literate I waited for my son to come read the message for me and I can begin to explain how euphoric I was because I was not expecting the money to arrive that soon and it also meant the children would not have to be worried of getting kicked out of school anymore.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am very grateful my children got an opportunity to avoid the embarrassment of getting kicked out of school and also that they did not have to pause their studies due to lack of tuition money. My husband and I struggle to make ends meet because I sometimes take water to peoples homes for pay and my spouse is a casual labourer at times he gets work but most times he does not so stick makes it hard to sustain all the needs our family requires.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the money I immediately opted to take care of the tuition fee at the school my children attended, so that I could avoid them being sent back home so I sent KES 650 to the school to be divided among the four of them. Then since there was scarcity in food I bought four packets of maize flour for KES 400 and then the remaining balance I bought beans worth KES 100.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Renovating my house has been my first plan when I start receiving the transfers. My roof has been leaking for a year now due to the lack of money it has been hell to me. Taking a slumber on the ground just spreading an old mat and cover my poor little daughter with a piece of cloth in cold weather is sad. I depend on collecting firewood and sale. Most of the time it takes 3 days without making any sale. Whatever earn its been extended to meals only.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day starts at 5.30 when I start getting ready for my kids for school. When I am done, I begin to figure out where to collect firewood and sell it. The evening is an exciting time for me it's the time I get back home with something to put on the table.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Its been miserable seeing my children go without food for some days. I rely on collecting firewood and sell this can take almost a week to sal some. My husband, the breadwinner of our family engages in casual jobs in a nearby town. He manages to send 200KES after a couple of days which is insufficient to serve a family of twelve. My co-wife works as a house help but she is not supporting us anymore. She left her 5 kids under my care, I am left with the burden of taking care of the children.
