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?
I had plans to use the funds for a certificate course in computing. I instead put it on hold after my phone's screen crashed. I had taken it to a shop for charging, but the shopkeeper accidentally dropped it. He did not agree to stand for its repair, so when I got the funds, I used KES 2500 to replace the screen and I saved the remaining amount as I normally did towards my education. As I plan on going back to school to study business management, my father, who is a farmer, earns very little to support us. Since he was straining to school my four younger siblings, I chose not to concern him with my fees.
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?
In my opinion, Give Directly, does well by helping people without discrimination. This promotes equity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have saved both the first and second transfers so that I can later add them to the coming transfers and use them to join college. I sat for my KCSE examinations last year but I have not been able to join college because my parents could not afford the fee. My mum sells firewood while my dad does casual work and whatever they earn can barely meet our family's basic needs, yet they still have to pay for my other sibling's school fee.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was up and about when the message came in. Since I had the phone in my pocket, I took it out and checked. I was so happy when I saw the M-Pesa message acknowledging that Give directly had sent me some money. I am very grateful for this opportunity.
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 am now able to work half the time it would take me to get this money for school. I now have a bright future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I heard of this program I knew that one of my dreams was going to be realized. I have always wanted to go to college and study IT but due to financial instability, I have never been able to go. When I got my first transfer from KES.3000, I quickly deposited it into my bank account where I will be depositing the rest of the money to pay for the school fees. I know once I get in school and get the certificate I will be able to get a job or even start my own business to support my family. Thank you Give directly for this opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being the firstborn in a family of five children has pushed me to study hard and set a good example to my younger siblings by making it to college. I just finished my form four this year and planning to join college soon, with this money I will save for around four months and add with what my father will allocate to me so I can be able to pay for my college fees. Receiving this money means paying for my college with ease so that my parents can concentrate on paying school fees for my other siblings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Completing my fourth form successfully and able to score a C- in my final exams amidst all the hardship I went through to study when school were shut down as a result of COVID-19 brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I planned to join the college in September, but due to insufficient money, I do not think my dreams will come true soon. It saddens me that I will continue with my studies late but looking on the brighter side, with GD money I will now be able to even help my father to pay my college fees and support my other siblings with ease.
