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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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Shida's Profile
Shida's family
Shida
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
62
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($512 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Owning the dairy cows is the biggest difference in my daily life I can proudly mention. I have been admiring my neighbors and friends lifestyle for so long because they have been rearing different types of livestock. My low income could not allow me to own one. I am now a happy man since I know I will achieve a lot from the cows. I will be getting some milk for free and this will make my family and I healthier. Apart from that, I plan to sell the remaining liters to the local markets and this will be my additional source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done perfectly well in my village. We have been longing to construct big houses but due to poverty life, we could not afford it. Our previous houses were in very poor condition and small. If was affecting our children especially in their academic life. They never had a place to study to do their assignments. apart from that, when it's time to sleep they were forced to sleep at our neighbor's houses of which they were uncomfortable. It was really stressing us as their parents. Secondly, the condition of the houses was making us be unsecured always. Our properties were always stolen since the houses were temporary without doors it was easier for thieves to steal from us. Apart from that, we were not in the position of welcoming our visitors since the houses were not spacious. Life was was so terrible. Thanks for GiveDirectly for coming in my village because all is settled now. It is the best organization we have ever seen. It never failed us in anyway either.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying some building materials such as building poles at KES 3000, some pieces of iron sheets at KES 6000, timber at KES 2000. This was for the construction of a cowshed. I then paid the mason KES 6000 as his labor fee. My cows are now staying in a conducive environment. I then paid KES 1500 for my two grandchildren who are in primary school. I also bought a bed and a mattress at a total of KES 8000. I then bought some spare parts for my motorbike and repaired it as well. The remaining amount of money, I bought some foodstuffs and other households basic needs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($537 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a farmer,I have been relying on rainfall for farming for more than a decade.However, for the last two years the rains have been very unreliable leading to acute food insecurity not only for my family but for the whole community.I thought of buying a water pump as an alternative but could not raise money for the same.Receiving money from Give directly therefore means I have the ability to purchase the water pump and conduct irrigation from the dam.This will help me upscale farming which will in turn enhance food security for my family and the community at large.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After the demise of my wife,I decided to concentrate on my children's education as a priority.Every morning I prepare them for school by providing a good breakfast and motivating them to work hard in school and be disciplined.My happiest part of the day is in the morning after accomplishment of the school related chores and seeing them set for the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of financial resources to feed and educate my children as well as seek medication for myself.After the demise of my wife five years ago,I have been the sole breadwinner.When she was alive,we would share the responsibilities.The fact that I have a medical condition that requires surgery makes it more difficult for me to engage in any meaningful economic activities that would generate enough money for food,school fees and medication.