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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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Newsfeed > Hadija's Profile
Hadija's family
Hadija
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Hadija's next check-in.
 
29th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal for the upcoming year is to start a small kiosk that will provide a steady income for my family. To achieve this, I plan to keep saving diligently with the merry-go-round group, where I contribute $10 each month. Each contribution brings me closer to my goal of accumulating enough capital to open the kiosk. I understand that it will take time and patience, but I am determined to remain committed. By the end of the year, I aim to have saved enough to stock my kiosk with essential goods that the community needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my most recent transfers amounting to $102, I made careful decisions to benefit my family and support our future. First, I used $24 to pay school fees for my three children. Their education is a top priority, and I want to ensure they have the opportunities they need to succeed. After that, I bought a bale of maize flour for $12 to keep my family well-fed and nourished. It's essential to have enough food on hand, especially during tough times. I also saved $30 in our merry-go-round group, where nine of us contribute $10 each month to support one another. This saving will help me when it's my turn to receive the collective amount. Lastly, I used $36 to buy 12 ridges, contributing to the construction of our new house. My husband and I have been working together on this project, and I’m happy to say the house is now complete. These thoughtful decisions have not only met our immediate needs but have also helped secure a better future for our family.
 
25th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My primary goal is to save more, providing me with extra funds to grow my business. The income generated will play a crucial role in financing the education of my five children. Thanks to the transfers I've received, significant improvements have entered our lives, especially now that I could enroll my child in school. Without these transfers, I wouldn't know how to provide for my family's needs and education, given my lack of a sustainable income. With my business expanding, I plan to utilize the proceeds and part of the transfers to build a new house for my family, as our current one is leaking. Accomplishing these dreams would mean the world to me and would make me an incredibly happy mother.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With one of my children entering junior secondary school, I faced the responsibility of covering all the essential needs for admission and school fees. This was a significant burden as I didn't have the necessary funds readily available. My shop business isn't yet large enough to fully support my family and cover school fees simultaneously. Thus, I had to use $70 of the transfers received from GiveDirectly to prepare my child and enroll her in school. Witnessing her settled in school brings immense relief, allowing me to focus on expanding my shop to generate more revenue. To boost my shop business, I invested $10 of the transfer to increase my stock. I'm delighted to see my business growing, even if it's at a gradual pace. Amidst the hustle of caring for my children, I've never had the chance to replenish my worn-out clothes. To feel good and presentable, I spent $18 of the transfers to purchase some clothes for myself which made me feel so amazing. Finally, I allocated the remaining $6 to buy two chickens, hoping they will multiply. Chickens provide a reliable source of income and can be sold whenever the need arises, offering a solution to immediate financial needs.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Achieving my goal of launching a livestock trading business is something I aspire to. The earnings generated from this endeavor would contribute significantly to addressing a portion of our family's financial requirements, alleviating some of the responsibilities that my husband has shouldered in managing the household expenses. I am delighted that the financial assistance received has facilitated the enrollment of my two children in school and has also played a crucial role in the successful construction of our home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Two of my children were transitioning to the next phase of their academic journey. The older one entered secondary school, while the younger joined junior secondary school. A significant portion of my resources was dedicated to facilitating a smooth transition for both of them into their new educational environments. I allocated $24 for necessary items to support my child entering junior secondary school, and I'm pleased to report that he has seamlessly settled into his new school and is actively pursuing his education. For my other child enrolling in Tsangatsini Secondary School, I invested $48 in covering their school fees. Witnessing all my children embark on this new chapter in their education brings me immense joy and peace of mind. Additionally, I managed to save $30 through a savings group that consists of seven members. When my turn comes to receive the funds, I have plans to initiate a livestock and selling business in the near future. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance I've received from Give Directly, which has played a crucial role in supporting my children's education and helping me invest in future ventures.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My primary objective is to increase my savings within our savings group, as this will provide me with additional funds to expand my business. The income generated from this business will play a crucial role in financing the education of my five children, who are currently in primary school. Thanks to the transfers I have received, significant improvements have been made in my life, particularly in terms of the quantity and quality of meals. Previously, our family would often miss meals due to limited financial resources to purchase sufficient food. However, since joining the program and receiving the transfers, this situation has changed dramatically. The support has alleviated the financial strain, ensuring that our family now has enough to eat, leading to a substantial improvement in our overall well-being. By saving more through the savings group and expanding my business, I am confident that I will be able to secure a brighter future for my children. The financial stability provided by the transfers has been instrumental in transforming our lives and has given us hope for a better tomorrow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent transfers I received, I ventured into a small business selling essential household commodities such as sugar, maize flour, and silver cyprinid. This business provides me with an opportunity to generate income that supports my family's well-being. Previously, I used to prepare and sell chapati, a popular dish in our village. However, due to the high cost of cooking oil, the profitability of that business diminished. Additionally, I allocated $20 towards paying my son's secondary school fees. I am delighted that he is currently enrolled in school, able to continue his studies without any interruptions caused by outstanding fees. Furthermore, I used a portion of the transfers to purchase new school uniforms and bags for both of my children, which will assist them in carrying their books to and from school. During the rainy season, I also invested $5 in hiring someone to help weed my farm. This decision significantly contributed to achieving a bountiful harvest. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support provided, as it has enabled both my husband and me to address most of our needs. My husband works as a casual laborer, earning a living by selling water in Mombasa town. The transfers have allowed us to collaborate and support each other in managing our family's expenses. Overall, I am thankful for the opportunities these transfers have brought, empowering us to improve our livelihoods and pursue a better future for ourselves and our children.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I've been saving at least $10 per month on our local merry-go-round, and my plan is to start a small household items business. I've been making ends meet by working odd jobs and selling and burning charcoal, neither of which pays well. My husband works casual construction jobs, which have so far been insufficient to meet our family's needs. I believe that by starting the business, I will be able to generate a good income that will allow me to easily meet the needs of my family. As a result, I intend to save more money each month and contribute my own funds to start the business in the near future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used some of my most recent transfers to pay for my four children's school fees. As a parent, my main goal has been to ensure that my children receive the best education possible despite the fact that I do not have a source of income. I am a subsistence farmer who occasionally burns and sells charcoal, which does not generate a lot of money. Without the transfers, raising the fees could have been difficult. I am relieved that my children are now comfortably enrolled in school as a result of the transfers. I also saved some of the transfer money and used it to purchase a goat for $30, which I added to my existing goat shed. Owning livestock is the best investment I can think of right now because I don't have a source of income. Once the livestock reproduces and grows in number, I will be able to easily sell them and pay my children's school fees. Finally, I went grocery shopping to ensure that my family did not go hungry.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am grateful for the assistance because it has primarily been used to cover my children's educational costs. Since then, they have never missed class due to unpaid tuition. I still aim to use it for the same purpose, but in order to prevent them from having difficulties attending class in the future, I plan to buy at least three goats to raise. Every year, they give birth, sometimes to more than one offspring, which increases their productivity. In order to raise money for the kids' school fees in the future, I will sell some of them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son Omar Juma, who is in form four, could not be enrolled for his final year of secondary school unless his tuition was paid. I have five children in both primary and secondary school. I therefore paid $60 for his tuition using transfers from the previous three months. In addition, I spent another $30 on a goat that I intend to raise as a long-term investment. My remaining $12 was used to buy food for the household. I value the assistance since it has made it simple to meet the demands of my family. My major source of income is farming, but over the past year, it has not been performing well, primarily due to the drought, so the transfers have been really helpful.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have four children in primary school. I spent $20 on paying their school fees. They used to be sent home to collect the school fees and this was affecting their performance since they would miss some of the lessons. Currently, they are now studying well without being disturbed. I rely majorly on small grocery businesses. I was not able to pay on time due to the small income that I get. The remaining $10 I spent on food and other basic household items. I am so happy because I have the peace of mind to conduct my daily chores without any stress of getting the school fees.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 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?
I personally do not see any error that this organisation has made because through it and the funds I receive I have managed to be more independent especially since before I only but practised subsistence farming to sustain my family while my husband relied on casual jobs. At the moment I too assist when it comes to catering for the bills and wants of my family which has has great positive impact on the relationship I have between both my kids and husband.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I just recently received the funds from GiveDirectly and I have not got the chance to utilise most part of the funds I did make a slight purchase. I bought two hens worth KES 700 in total because I wanted to venture into poultry farming since the process of rearing chicken is not that tedious and it is quite manageable if you ask me. Also hens produce and grow quite first which makes it easier to offer to the marker since they are always on demand. I am left remaining with KES 2,400 which I have not yet used but I intend to open a business where I own a restaurant. I want to preferably open the restaurant outside a school because my target market is students and teachers which I'm positive will help keep the business going and sustainable.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up in the middle of night and wanted to go out to the toilet when I saw the unread message on my phone.After going out to relieve myself and coming back to sleep I was so excited to see that the message was actually received funds from GiveDirectly. I was happy and excited that it took me some hours of tossing and turning before getting some sleep.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life has changed since I started receiving this transfers because am in a position to assist my husband with some of the major financial obligations. I believe in supporting my husband which will make our life better and less stressful. My initial goal is to open a business of selling chapati and cooked beans from my home.I plan to start with a minimum amount of KES 500,with the sales of one plate of 1chapati and beans for KES 25 each .I aspire to make a profit of atleast KES 200 a day which is more than enough for our daily expenditure.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently unemployed with six children and with a husband who doesn't have a permanent job.He mainly depends on casual jobs in construction sites which on good days he earns weekly pay of KES 3000.Lately it has been a struggle to meet all our needs and the financial situation allows him to provide for us when he can.On receiving my transfer I used KES 1000 to buy two of my children a new pair of uniform.The other KES 2000 was spent on food because the household ran out food and my husband was at his lowest without a job at that moment.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Educating my children is my priority because I believe this will change their lives and will be a big support for me in my old age as well. My plan is therefore investing in livestock farming so that it can facilitate their education. This I believe can be long term solution instead of just depending on the unreliable rains. I talked to my friends around and we have a plan of having a merry go round way of pooling resources. By contributing 2,000 KES in a month each, we will help each other through pooling of resources
What is the happiest part of your day?
My son who is in secondary school is performing really well. This is evident through his report card which he came home with last week. I have been happy all through the week. My children excelling through their studies motivate me because it very tasking paying school fees for them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Sitting at home without any source of income has really brought a lot of challenges in my life. I sometimes lack money to buy food. We often skip meals. The rains have been scarce and therefore depending on my farm makes things difficult. I also have 5 school going children and the little my spouse sends me caters for the many needs hence not enough at all.