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?
It was around 5 pm and I was at home relaxing after finishing the day's work. As I was seated there, I heard people in the neighborhood celebrating and saying that the transfers had been sent. I went into the house and I switched on my phone which I had left charging. I immediately got the SMS bearing the good news and I was so happy. I could not believe that I had gotten such a huge sum of money. I thanked God and GiveDirectly for the blessing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has brought a big difference in my life and that of my family. I was able to clear the school fees arrears for my child and hence she was able to study well and prepare for her national exams without worrying that she is going to be sent home due to the arrears. I also managed to buy building materials with part of the money. I now see that my dream of building another house coming true.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20000 of the recent transfer money on buying building materials. I want to build another house because the one that I am living in has grown old. It has always been my wish to build another one but I did not have the money. I have a posho mill business that I depend on to earn a living, that is, to buy food and pay school fees for my four children. So when I got the transfer from GiveDirectly, I saw the opportunity to fulfill my dream. I also spent another KES 20000 on clearing school fees balance for my child who was in her final year of studies at primary school. It was a requirement by the school that all final year students to clear their school fees so that they could have an ample time studying and preparing for the national examinations. I did not have the money needed and I am glad that the transfer was sent at the right time. With the remaining amount of money, I used it in paying off a debt that I owed someone and I bought maize for our consumption. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for the great support that you offered me.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better home for me and my family. I have recently started building my house and due to lack of finance, I have not been able to complete. My husband earns KES. 10,000 from a casual job in Kericho. This amount goes to school fees and other basic needs. I am excited today that Givedirectly have enrolled me. I plan to spend KES.80,000 for the house completion and use the remaining to pay for school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We started the construction of my new house 3 months ago. This was an achievement to me since I have always had an ambition of having a spacious house. I am happy that I finally had to start and whatever amount I get goes to the construction.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge that I currently go through is lack of an income in my home. I have children who are all in school now and I have been struggling to pay for their school fees. I wanted to start saving for future after the completion of my house. This transfers from Givedirectly will be a great relief to me.
