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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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Grace's Profile
Grace's family
Grace
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
48
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My aspirations are firmly anchored in the desire to secure a brighter future for my family, particularly in terms of my children's education. I have set my sights on acquiring goats in the near future, not just as livestock but as a strategic investment. By venturing into goat farming, I hope to generate a sustainable income that can be directed towards covering the ever-increasing costs of education. With the proceeds from selling milk, cheese, and eventually, offspring, I aim to create a dedicated fund to ensure my children have the educational opportunities they deserve. This vision is more than a financial strategy; it's a commitment to breaking the cycle of limited opportunities and offering my family a pathway to a more promising future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been an incredible force for good in my life. The unconditional money they provided has not only resolved immediate financial challenges but has also brought a profound sense of peace to my household. The stability that comes with being able to meet our basic needs has had a ripple effect on our daily lives. No longer living under the constant strain of financial uncertainty, my family and I can focus on the present moment and plan for the future with confidence. GiveDirectly's approach of putting resources directly into the hands of those who need them has created a tangible and lasting impact on the tranquility of my home, and for that, I am truly grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
One of my biggest priorities was to ensure my children could pursue their education without interruptions. Therefore, I allocated $300 to pay the fees for my son in his final year studying education, as well as for my two other children in secondary school. It brought immense joy to my heart knowing that they could continue their studies uninterrupted and have the opportunity to build promising futures. Previously, they were frequently sent home due to unpaid fees, which not only affected their education but also their morale. Being able to send them back to school was a weight lifted off my shoulders, as I envisioned them growing into responsible individuals through education. Moreover, I used a portion of the funds to clear a long-standing debt of $30 to a friend. That debt had been a constant source of stress and unease, as I couldn't find a way to settle it. The relief I felt once it was resolved was indescribable. Additionally, I invested part of the transfer into purchasing food for my six family members. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a struggle. My spouse and I primarily rely on temporary farming activities, earning around $2.5 a day, which is hardly enough to cover all our expenses. The unconditional cash transfer was a blessing that not only supported our children's education but also eased our financial burdens, bringing a sense of relief and hope for a better future.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 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?
My aim before this year concludes is to ensure we have a decent and comfortable home. We've been enduring harsh conditions in an old, small house that no longer accommodates my family's needs, so securing a larger and more comfortable home is my main objective. Additionally, I plan to venture into farming. As part of this plan, I will focus on preparing the land and acquiring as much expertise as possible in tomato farming throughout this year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly is doing an excellent job by equipping us with adequate knowledge about financial management and conducting consistent follow-ups. This guidance helps to ensure we all stay on the right path.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I eagerly awaited my second transfer from Give Directly since we were completely out of food and barely having any meals at home. Therefore, my first priority was to allocate $130 for sufficient groceries to hopefully last us for a month. For my family's comfort, I invested $130 in two beds and mattresses. I used $80 to pay for my daughter's college fees and accommodation, ensuring she could comfortably study for the entire semester. Finally, to initiate my construction projects for this year, I invested $50 in purchasing five iron sheets.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($142 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The joy I experienced upon receiving a text message from GiveDirectly, notifying me of the funds I had received, is indescribable. I remember being at home, engrossed in my household tasks, when I was startled by the buzzing of my phone. Checking the message, I confirmed that GiveDirectly had indeed provided me with financial support. I am immensely grateful for this cash transfer, which is administered without any discrimination, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and with respect.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life, instilling immense happiness within me. One notable change is that I was able to settle the overdue school fees for my two children, enabling them to study without the constant worry of being sent home due to unpaid fees, as was the case in the past. This development has filled me with hope for the future, as I aspire to create broader opportunities for my family. Additionally, the transfer allowed me to procure an ample supply of food, ensuring that neither I nor my loved ones will go hungry. This sense of security and gratitude brings me great joy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the transfer, I recognized that it was the perfect opportunity to settle the overdue school fees for my children, as it was the most urgent matter at hand. It had become almost routine for them to be sent home due to our financial situation. As a farmer, and with my husband relying on sporadic casual jobs, making ends meet was a constant struggle. We are blessed with seven children, making the burden even greater. Therefore, I spent $120 towards clearing the school fees, ensuring that my children could concentrate on their studies without any hindrance. Later, I utilized the remaining $80 to purchase essential food items, which were equally crucial for our well-being. I am delighted that my children can now focus on their education, free from the burden of unpaid fees.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
For the first transfers that I will get I plan to purchase food for my household. I plan to buy a bag of maize at $60 and half a bag of beans at $30. Through this, we shall have enough food for three full meals. Additionally, we are living in a house that does not have good doors and roof, therefore, I plan to improve the house with the remaining amount from the first transfer and also part of the second transfer. I'm planning to use about $500 of the transfers. For the remaining transfers, I plan to pay for my son, Gilberts' tuition fees. Because of a lack of fees, he has not been able to get his FormFourr certificate. Therefore, through the transfers, we will be able to get him into a college after paying off his fee arrears. I'm grateful for GiveDirectly and the initiative they've taken to assist us. This will surely change my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past 6 months, my happiness has come from our well-being. Despite the many challenges we are faced with such as a lack of food I'm happy that we wake up every morning healthy and our children are going to school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge I'm faced with at the moment is a lack of food. Because of the prolonged drought, I've not been able to grow any crops which has led to a lack of food in our household. In addition to this, it has been difficult to get manual work which my husband and I depend on to be able to sustain our family's needs. This has forced us to go hungry without food occasionally. This saddens me so much.