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?
I was in my house relaxing since I had given birth to a baby girl the previous day. I heard my phone ringing, I thought they are the normal messages I use to be receiving every day. Immediately I heard a joyfully noise from neighbors, I was curious to know why such happiness in that morning. One of my relatives informed me that the other villagers with whom we were enrolled together had received their transfer. I called my second-born son to verify my phone and he discovered that I had received my transfer as well. I was so excited about receiving the transfer like others in the village since I thought it was scum in the beginning.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am currently living a happy and stress-free life after paying the school fees for my children. Previously, they were often sent home due to fee arrears something that lowered my self-esteem since I was ashamed of not accomplishing my responsibility as a parent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With four kids still schooling, one in secondary school providing for their education needs has been a great challenge for me. After being enrolled I planned to clear their fee balances so that they may learn without being sent home due to fees problems. I spent KES 20,000 to clear their school fees for a whole year. I also invested KES 20,000 in my husband's charcoal business by purchasing more stock. Currently, the business thriving well with sales improved, earning an additional profit of KES 5000 per month. In addition, I bought 10 iron sheets for KES 9500, this was for the construction of a house for my grown-up children since they were seeking shelter in my neighbor's house. I bought food with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continued education to my children. In achieving this I plan to spend KES 30000 of my transfer to pay school fees for the whole year of my son in secondary school. I am also planning to use the KES 30000 of my transfer to buy 10 goats which will act as a source of income for my household. I will sell the goats to make a profit when they multiple. I will further use the remaining amount of my transfer to buy 2 indegious dairy cows for milk consumption and sell the surplus to earn income. The income from my livestock will help me to pay school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. This is because I can chat with other people in the compound. The chatting makes me happy. Unlike in the morning and evening where I am busy doing household chores.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. This is because I am a housewife my husband is doing causal jobs that earns him a little income of KES 500 per week. His earnings cannot fully support all household expenses like paying school fees for my children. They have been in and out of school something that affects their performance negatively. I have been seeking help from my relatives something that makes me uncomfortable.
