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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($435 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
All my life I have worked as a guard at a nearby dairy farm. My salary is $80 a month. This money helps buy food and pay school fees for my nine children. Since June 2021, the company has not been paying me, I am not sure why. At night I work as a guard and during the day I cultivate the land at a fee. I depend on one stream of money as I wait for the other company to pay me. I mostly get paid $1 which is not enough to cater to my family's needs. My wife ran away two months ago leaving me to cater to the responsibilities. Money from GiveDirectly has helped me clear school fees arrears which were $200, repair my house with $200, and bought a bed and mattress at $100.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly money has supported me through the tough time. I am grateful.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If the organization that owns me pays me my balance. I will open a retail shop as I continue cultivating on land at a fee so I can have enough money to educate my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I first paid a debt of KES 13000.00 which I borrowed for medication. I also did some renovation to my house by constructing some pillars to make the house firmer. Thereafter, I used KES 10000.00 to pay school fees for my two secondary school children who were about to be sent home for school fees. Since I did not have the strength to work due to the sickness, I opted to keep the remaining amount to aid me in my daily uses such as food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that the transfer did to me settling the hospital debt I had. My children were also retained in school after using the GiveDirectly transfer to pay school fees for them. In addition to that, my house has got a new look after building the pillars and this is because of GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
No sooner had I reached home at around 8 pm from the hospital where I was admitted for Stomach problems than I received a message on my phone. I consulted my helper and he confirmed that I had received KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy knowing that the money would help me greatly since I had some debts to pay plus getting some food till I fully recover.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Seeing my children work in a quarry to support themselves is quite heartbreaking. In as much as it is my responsibility, they have no option due to my financial struggles. As earlier stated I haven't received any payment for the last one year and my wife who is a househelp happens to be the breadwinner. Sometimes the burden is too overwhelming and I have to engage in low paying casual jobs to support her. As a result of this, my family lacks enough basic necessities especially food, clothing and school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For one year I had not received a penny from my place of work. However, this was different in October . I was excited to receive a payment of 15000 KES.As long as there are challenges I have not slept on an empty stomach.I am grateful for this.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I believe education is the only key to success and giving my children the best has always been my priority. However, owing to my financial status raising their school fees on time is always a problem. My job as watchman is very unstable and it has been almost an year since I got paid. Receiving this money therefore means clearing school fees arrears of over 50,000 KES as well as offset next term's fees.
