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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 > Changawa's Profile
Changawa's family
Changawa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
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Follow to be updated on Changawa's next check-in.
 
25th 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?
I have always had a strong desire for a brand-new, motorcycle. To achieve this dream, I have devised a clear plan. I am dedicated to saving diligently from my business profits and the transfers I receive from GiveDirectly through our savings group. I plan to obtain a future loan to assist with this goal. When I have saved enough, I will sell my current motorcycle and use a loan from my savings group to add to the proceeds from the sale. This will allow me to finally purchase the motorcycle I've always wanted. The prospect of owning this new bike is extremely motivating. However, this is just the beginning of my plans. After repaying the loan and acquiring the new motorcycle, my next major goal will be to build a larger, more comfortable home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I own an old motorbike that frequently breaks down, so I often need to repair it and occasionally purchase costly spare parts. To manage this, when I received my recent transfers I spent $60 of my latest transfer to contribute to my savings in our merry-go-round group. My goal is to eventually buy a new motorbike, as it's crucial for my motorbike taxi business and my primary source of income. Additionally, I spent $4 on motorbike oil and $4 on two new shirts. I also allocated $34 for food to support my family, as our harvest was zero last season due to drought. Therefore I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support that has relieved my financial burden. Hence I can provide for my family with much ease.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My longing for a perfect, new motorcycle has always burned within me. To turn this dream into reality, I devised a solid plan, which involves diligently saving from my business earnings and the transfers from GiveDirectly in our savings group, setting my sights on securing a future loan. Once my savings reach the desired level, I'll dispose of my current motorcycle, and then take a loan from my savings group to boost the proceeds from its sale and finally acquire the motorcycle of my dreams. The mere thought of owning this new motorcycle fills me with boundless joy. But that's just the beginning of my ambitions. With the loan repaid and the new motorcycle in hand, I'll shift my focus to an even grander goal, which is building a larger, more comfortable home. My current dwelling feels cramped, and it's time to create a space where I can start a family with my future wife.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Engaged in motorcycle taxi operations, my current motorcycle is far from ideal, plagued by mechanical issues. I've long desired to part ways with it, replacing it with a newer model that promises fewer troubles. To realize this goal, I must have a certain sum of money and supplement it with a loan to afford the purchase of a brand new motorcycle. To this end, I've been diligently saving within our savings group, whereby I saved $90 of my transfers, hopeful that my savings would eventually reach a threshold allowing me to secure a loan. However, unforeseen circumstances arose when I found myself in a small debt owed to my peers. Urgency demanded its immediate settlement, prompting me to utilize another $4 of the transfers to alleviate this burden. Despite this setback, my determination remained unwavering. Yet, temptation loomed on the streets in the form of enticing clothing. Succumbing to the desire to treat myself, I allocated $6 of my transfers towards buying this amazing clothing. With only $2 remaining, I made a modest expenditure on food for my family, supplementing our existing provisions at home.
 
18th 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?
As I said I joined a sacco on enrollment to the program with the aim of being able to buy a new motorcycle. My current motorcycle is always in for repair and this usually makes me spend so much. I do not plan on disposing it but just adding another motorcycle to increase my income as this will be able to allow me achieve goals such as getting myself a wife.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a member of a national sacco that has its offices also in the coast. I attend the weekly meetings and save regularly to ensure I have a good credit so I am able to take a loan. I do not have a wife or children and only my mother and father depend or lean on me from time to time. This allows me to save big portions of my transfers. I saved $20 in November then December and January I increased my savings to $30. I would spend the remaining $4 repairing my motorcycle or buying lunch when I went out to repair the motorcycle. I spent $6 in November for clothes I could wear in December while also buying some sugar for us to use in the house.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 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?
I work as a motorcycle driver, but sometimes I work all day and earn nothing. To secure a brighter future, I have opened a bank account and started saving. My goal is to invest in my own shop, believing that even a small investment can lead to a better future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfers, I used $8 to buy new clothes, as it had been a while and my old ones were worn out. I also spent $15 on food for my five chickens, and the remaining $11 went toward buying food for my family.
 
10th 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?
Having overcome the grueling drought season, I'm filled with a sense of relief, believing that our food scarcity problems are finally behind us. The struggles we faced were arduous, but I'm optimistic about the future. As the crops begin to flourish, my determination to till and harvest intensifies. I plan to sell the abundant harvest and use the proceeds to expand my livestock, particularly by adding more chickens and goats to the four I currently possess. These animals symbolize not only a source of income but also our aspirations for a thriving farmstead. With resolute dedication, I am confident in overcoming past challenges and creating a prosperous future for my family and our community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life has been incredibly challenging due to the soaring prices of commodities and a decrease in financial resources. My means of earning a living, driving a motorbike, offers little respite as each day's earnings, roughly $40, bring uncertainty for tomorrow. Amidst these difficulties, receiving my transfers provided a small glimmer of hope. I immediately chose to spend $5 on new clothes, as my previous ones were worn-out and tattered. This simple act of self-care uplifted my spirits and instilled a renewed sense of confidence. With the remaining $25, I purchased food, which brought not only sustenance but also a precious sense of unity as my family shared the meal together. Though the struggle is arduous, my resilience remains unwavering. I hold onto the belief that through perseverance and resourcefulness, I can transcend these challenges and forge a brighter future for myself and my loved ones.
 
6th 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?
In the next one year and beyond, I would want to start a second-hand clothes selling business hoping that it is a businesses that would sustain my family considering the tough economic situations, and to achieve this dream, I will ensure that I continue saving the little amount that I get.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers were of great help to me . Every month, I used to save the little amount of money I get, and therefore with my most recent transfers of KES. 3470, I topped up and managed to buy bed and mattress that had so far gave me a comfortable sleep. I decided to spend it that way because it is something that I had wanted to buy for a long time, but due to the financial constraints, it was never easy, I feel happy having gotten the ability to accomplish one of my desires.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly did well to provide the funds in my village because most of us have opened businesses which have changed the whole village and living standards. I would not want to give directly to do anything differently.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a motorcycle rider and my parents depend on me because they are of age and unemployed. As soon as I received the cash transfer, I used $12 to buy some new clothes and the remaining $18 for food for my family of three family members. I was grateful because I spent my last transfer on repairing my motorcycle, which had mechanical issues, and wanted to have some new clothes.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt genuinely excited and elated to realize that I receive the funds and this is because I could use the money this time around to finally clear my which I did.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I finally settled my debt which was the most worrying thing then because it had taken me more than a year and a half to do so but I am glad to be debt-free and this is also due to the donation I received played a key role.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I took a motorbike on loan last year and I was required to pay KES 2,000 a week for over a year and a half to clear the debt. I used the motorcycle as my means of survival as I got paid a fee every time to transport passengers and goods. Therefore when I received this recent transfers I decided to finally settle the debt and I paid KES 700. Afterwards I took KES 1,900 and bought a couple of spare parts for the motorcycle. As for what I was left with which was KES 400 I left it in my savings account in case of a rainy day.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am planning to use KES 50,000 from the GiveDirectly transfers to pay for my motorbike loan. I have a pending loan for the motorcycle I use for my day to day work. Paying the pending loan balance will enable me get a new motorbike on loan. With two motorbikes, I will be able to make more in a day and this will aid me in helping my father raise my siblings. I will use the balance from the transfers to renovate my house by instilling concrete walls.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being alive is the best gift from God and given that I have never been to any hospital since January, this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money for my own upkeep is the biggest challenge I am currently facing. My job is no longer sustainable and I can spend the entire day without carrying any customer with my motorcycle. With the rise in the cost of living, people prefer to walk compared to using a motorbike and at times I go home without any coin.