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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Shadrack's Profile
Shadrack's family
Shadrack
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
60
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($526 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If I could not have received the transfer l could still be borrowing furniture from my neighbors when l have visitors, because l could not have manage to buy furniture. Without the money l could also have not do large scale farming as l have done and this could have lead to depending on for food.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion give directly did well in handling people with respect as much as many did not want to get into the program. Give directly also did so well by dealing with us directly and not involving third party.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent most of the second transfer to buy dairy cow as my future investment since, when it gives birth l will not spend a lot of money buying milk from my neighbors but l will also sell milk to the community and get money for my daily up keep. I also spent the transfer to buy furniture since l did not have enough and proper furniture to sit on and this was forcing me to borrow furniture when l have visitors and this always inconvenience me a lot. The remaining amount l spent on farming where by l hire an ox plough to cultivate my farm, because l am very sure of getting enough produce that will sustain me for so long without depending on people.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I now live in a better and more spacious house that does not leak anymore unlike my previous house which had a leaking roof. My children have new school uniforms and they look smart and neat every morning as they attend their school. Before, they had patched uniforms that made them look untidy. Having planted maize, I am expecting a bumper harvest that will provide food security for my family and also generate income from the sales. This will improve our living standards.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I was very happy. I Knew that most of my problems were going to be solved. We rejoiucd together with family and gav thanks to God.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Upon receiving my first transfer I did build e better and more spacious house. My previous house was leaking and had weak walls that were almost falling down. I spent part of the transfer for farming maize. I expect to get raise some income from the farm proceeds. The remaining amount I bought new scchool uniforms for my children.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to start a business. For a very longtime I have wanted to do fish business because it has great demand among my community members. This cash transfer will enable me to travel to the lake shore and buy big stock because buying them from people who have brought from the lake offer us little profit margins. It is the sales from these proceeds that shall enable me feed my children and my sick husband.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Happiest part of my day is usually in the evening. I do spend much of my day selling fish by walking from door to door seeking customers, this is very tiring. It is in the evening after sales that I would budget for food to my family. So sitting with my family as I prepare them supper offers opportunity to rest and talk to my family members and this causes the happiness in my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship has been fending for my family. I have to feed my family yet I buy little stock whose profits cannot be enough to pay school fees, buy us food and even save for our medical needs, this means that most of the times we miss our meals with my children being sent back home from school for lack of school fees which affects their performance.