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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($469 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After accomplishing the second plans I had for the second transfer, I developed other goals that I am planning to work out for them on. If I get some money, I will take myself to a tailoring school to acquire more skills since I am a tailor but not a qualified one. The reason for this is to enable me become a professional tailor so as to get more clients, something that will enable me to educate my son through university.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is doing well. If what we experienced in our village is what is being experienced in other villages then they are also enjoying the fruits of the marvelous organization that is GiveDirectly. The organization has done well in all its operations and I haven't seen or heard any fault attached to the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I am a tailor though not very qualified, I decided to buy a Sewing machine for KES 14000.00. The reason for this is to be able to make some money no matter how little to educate my son. Being a single mum it hasn't been easy to walk through the journey of educating a child through secondary school. I also paid KES 25000.00 school fees for two terms for my secondary school child. I also paid for his three months rent since he stays in a rental house near the school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home going about my daily duties when at 9 a.m, I received a message notification. When I checked my phone, I saw that I had received the cash transfer I had been expecting from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with gratitude and I said a brief prayer to give thanks to God because I felt like He had remembered me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, my life was full of frustration. I am a single mother who had no source of income. The stigma that I faced from having a child out of wedlock made me feel so ashamed and like I was a nobody. People in my community would mock my son and proclaim that he wouldn't make it far in life. The fact that he would be sent home for lack of school fees, regularly, made matters worse.
Because of the money from GiveDirectly, however, I have been able to pay for his school expenses for his final term in high school. I dream that he will pass his national exams and head on to university for an undergraduate degree. I couldn't be more appreciative of what GD has done for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a single mother to an only child, my greatest desire is for him to get a good education. I am hopeful that this will empower him to build a good life for himself. So I spent KES 30,000 of this transfer on education expenses for him. This amount was paid for his tuition and accommodation fees. I also spent KES 14,000 on the purchase of a sewing machine. I'm glad that I can earn some money from the tailoring business and provide for the basic needs of my son and me. Finally, I spent KES 9,000 on foodstuff to ensure that the household has enough to sustain us.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Paying school fees for my son in secondary school is what I have been struggling a lot. Receiving this money therefore means that I will be able to pay his school fees and realize his dream of joining college and getting employment. I have arrears amounting to 150 USD and he is on the verge of being sent home. I struggle a lot since I depend on casual jobs and selling firewood as a source of livelihood. My house is also in a bad condition. It is so tiny, the walls are falling off and the roof leaks during the rainy season. This is a health risk for me especially during the rainy season. I therefore plan to spend another 150 USD to build a better house with two rooms and new iron sheets.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I get back home safe and healthy after a busy day. I work in farms and bushes since I do casual jobs and sell firewood. This jobs are risky and tiresome as well ,given their nature. Ending the day well is always a good moment for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I seperated from my husband 15 years ago. I came back home to my parents with my 3 children and life since then has not been easy. I struggled a lot to start life a fresh as well as supporting my children financially. I depend on casual jobs and selling firewood but the returns and uncertainties that come with this jobs make me struggle a lot. Raising my children alone with no reliable source of income is what has been my biggest hardship.
