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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Sharon's Profile
Sharon's family
Sharon
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
40
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($306 USD)
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?
Although I have used up all the money I received, my hope for the coming year and beyond is to expand my livestock venture and build a new house for my family. I am thankful that I could manage to pay my children's school fees, which would have been a significant challenge otherwise. As they complete their schooling at the end of the year, my plan is to invest in livestock and engage in other farming activities. I want to express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for their support in making these goals possible.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly done an incredible job, bringing about a remarkable transformation and balance in our village. Families who once struggled to afford education fees have built new homes, and others have invested in livestock, which continues to provide for them. The improvements in hygiene and sanitation, thanks to the construction of latrines and the purchase of water tanks, have been a significant benefit to our community. Personally, I can't think of any specific recommendations for change; I am just hopeful that we might receive further support in the future to continue this positive trajectory.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the third cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was not feeling well and had a lot to manage on my farm. I had ripe maize plantations ready for harvesting, so I had to allocate $100 to hire labor and transport the harvest back home. Additionally, I used $200 to pay school fees for my two children, who are currently in secondary school, ensuring they continue to enjoy ample study time in school. Given my health condition, I spent $50 on seeking medical treatment, and I am relieved that I received the right medication and am now in better health. With the remaining money, I purchased bedding for my children, who had been sleeping on old rags, and some essential household goods for my family of seven, ensuring we had a comfortable and well-equipped home.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($322 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?
In the upcoming year, my goal is to embark on a goat rearing venture. Previously, I had a few goats, but circumstances compelled me to sell them to cover the medical costs of my ailing child. Currently, I lack the necessary funds, but I have faith that a solution will present itself through divine intervention.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The activities carried out by GiveDirectly were enlightening. The program officers demonstrated great proficiency in explaining the program's details and providing us with guidance on the requirements. Additionally, they created an inclusive environment where we felt comfortable expressing our opinions. Throughout the sensitization meetings, we were treated with the utmost respect and fairness, without any form of bias. Based on my observations, I believe the program operations are free from any significant issues.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am filled with gratitude as I finally see a ray of hope after enduring a challenging period. The heavy burden of school fees was lifted off my shoulders when I received the transfer. As a farmer and housewife, and with my husband working as a teacher, we have the responsibility of seven children who are all in school. Managing the school fees has been an uphill battle, particularly after my husband took out a loan to cover our daughter's medical expenses during her hospitalization. To cope with the financial strain, we had to make the difficult decision to sell our goats. Fortunately, the timely support from GiveDirectly arrived when we needed it the most. With the assistance received, I was able to spend $250 towards the school fees of my two children. Additionally, I used $50 to purchase fertilizer for our farming activities, and another $70 to acquire a sack of maize. Finally, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase seats and bedding. The support we received came at the perfect moment of need, and I will forever be grateful for it.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($132 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I experienced a lot of difficulties, so when I received the money, it brought me great joy. While I was alone on my farm, I received an exciting message that caught me off-guard. Initially, I suspected it was a random message from a service provider because I wasn't anticipating any positive news that day. Since I needed to purchase seeds for my land, I was grateful to God for the unexpected provision. Although I could not withdraw the money that day, I went to the nearby shopping center the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life has undergone significant changes since I received the transfer from GiveDirectly. The improvements have been felt across various aspects of my life, including our general welfare and farming activities. With the funds, I was able to purchase enough food supplies for my family, which has eased the burden of hunger. Additionally, I was able to equip my children with the necessary school supplies as they embarked on their studies. These changes have brought a sense of relief and stability to my daily routine.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the initial transfer in a number of ways to meet the needs of my family and to invest in my future. I spent $36 on dried maize grains for food, which I planned to use with my family of nine. In addition, I spent $14 on corn seeds, which I subsequently planted on the field I was preparing on the day I got the transfer. I am relieved that the farm is doing well with the arrival of rain, which I believe will aid in germination and development. I also paid $100 in school fees as an investment in my children's education. In addition, as kids were returning to school, I spent $10 on school supplies for them. In addition to these charges, I spent $10 on kitchenware to better your family's living conditions and paid off a $50 loan, and spent $5 on transportation.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since we lack food, I plan to purchase a sack of maize at $60 dollars. This will ensure that my children don't go hungry to school. I also plan to repair my two houses which have been destroyed by wind in the past. Through this we shall live in a safe house because at the moment we fear that when strong winds come we may be left without a roof and a place to stay. The remaining amount will be used to settle my sons school fees and also buy a few goats.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness came from being able to come home from hospital with my daughter Mercy despite the fact that she is not fully healed. I'm glad that the rest of the household members have good health. This delights me always.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In may 2022/my daughter Mercy developed a complication in her right leg which became swollen and we had to take her to several hospitals for medical assistance. However, since then she hasn't been able to recover and she has been forced to stay out of school. Her condition brought about alot of challenges for me since I was forced to sell most of my goats to cater for her medical needs. This led to a lack of school fees for my children. My two elderly children, Allan and Hilux have been sent home severally for tuition fees which I do not have. In addition to this, I don't have food for my family since I depend on occasional casual labor. I feel so stressed up because of the things that are happening in my home.