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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 > Fatuma's Profile
Fatuma's family
Fatuma
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
52
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($514 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is now different because I now own a permanent rental house which I constructed through my transfers from GiveDirectly. The previous one was a seasonal one hence I could not get some good money because the tenants were not comfortable with the condition of the house. Some were even relocating by the end of every month. This was a big loss to me as the landlady because I was not able to cater to my daily needs since the money that I was getting was too little. But ever since I renovated it, I have been getting some good rents from my tenants because I even increased the rents due to the good condition of the house. I am now able to meet my family basic needs without any difficulties.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has really been of great help to us in my village. We now have permanent iron roofed housed unlike before when they were grass thatched leaking houses. They were in a very poor condition but for now, everything has totally changed. Secondly, in my village, no one owned livestock, but when we received our transfers, the majority of us are now owning livestock. Also, our children are now studying comfortably without any disturbances unlike before when some were even dropping out of school because of fees arrears. I do not see anything Give Directly is not doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a large portion of my second transfer on buying some building materials like cement, bricks, sand and metal doors. This was for the renovation of my rental house which I had started building it through my first transfers. The previous one was temporary its walls were made of mad and had some cracks as well. I am now a happy landlady because I am getting some good rent because the tenants have increased in number because of the condition of the house. With the remaining amount of money, I bought some sufficient foodstuffs for my family that would take us to the next harvesting season. Previously we used to take a single meal or go without and our health status was not good at all.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that the transfer has enabled me to acquire new beddings, a new wooden bed and a mattress,and replaced the old and worn out bedding which could not offer a comfortable sleep. At least I now enjoy a comfortable sleep unlike before, courtesy of GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the transfer notification in the morning. I called for my helper at daybreak who confirmed to me that the message was from GiveDirectly. I had finally received my first transfer from them. I was happy for the money and thankful to God and to GiveDirectly for the financial assistance.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying building materials for the construction of a grocery shop. I have been selling vegetables and fruits in town which has been my only source of income, though I had rented the premise. Having my own shop will relieve me of the monthly rent expenses. In addition, I also purchased new beddings which include a new wooden bed and mattress to replace the old beddings which were worn out. At least I can now afford a comfortable sleep unlike before. I also spent a portion of the transfer to provide daily foodstuffs for my family and also paying school fees for my children for them to continue with their studies.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For so many years, the only source of income I have had has been selling palm wine to residents within my village and outside. However, this commodity has been prohibited because of its negative effects when taken in large quantities. My wish therefore is to use my GD cash transfers to switch to a different business that is legal and has positive impact in the community. After much thought, I settled on starting a shop business because of my sales skills, this will earn me enough money to pay school fees for my son in primary school, purchase food as well as take care of my sick elder brother's medical expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the best part of my day as I get to spend time with my son and catch up on his life both at home and school. This is because I do not get to see him in the morning as I have to wake up as early as 4am to look for fresh palm wine that I can sell to my clients every day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Despite it being a love of many men in my community, palm wine does not fetch very good profits because its supply exceeds the demand. This has made it extremely difficult for me to meet all my family's needs such as food, education and medication for my elder brother who is both mentally ill and epileptic. With no husband to support me, life gets very tough at times when I hardly make any money. I'm grateful for Give Directly though because now I will be more financially stable.