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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 > Rehema's Profile
Rehema's family
Rehema
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($529 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Previously, I was staying in a small squeezed one-bedroom house. With a big family of eight members, I was worried about sleeping in one room with my children who are growing up especially the eldest who is fourteen years old. I am relieved after building a spacious house that fits my family members. We enjoy privacy in our new house and my dignity as a woman has been brought back. On the other hand, after cultivating a three-acre parcel of land with the money, my children's education is now guaranteed and I will no longer borrow food from my neighbors which had been shameful. I can remember vividly the countless times that my children could get home from school and had nothing to eat. Now that we expect a good harvest, I intend to start a cereal business that will also be my source of income. I am personally greatful from the bottom of my heart .
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly uplifted our village's living standards through giving donation in form of money which had no conditions on its expenditures . Therefore most of the beneficiaries invested on accounts that would have a positive impact in their for a long period of time that included building new houses , buying livestock , and starting business. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to buy building materials such as timbers , iron sheets and paid laborers who facilitated the construction of my new house . I am proud and happy that with this new house privacy would be maintained unlike before when we had to stay in a small one room house . I paid school fees for my four children who are in primary school . The remaining amount I used to cultivate a three acre of land in my farm.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having goats is the biggest difference and gift that I have received in my life. I settled on rearing goats because they reproduce twice a year and their offsprings mature faster compared to any other domestic animals. I am so sure they will multiply and increase in number within a short period of time. I plan to sell some in our local markets and send my children to school. Apart from that, I will exchange some with a dairy cow. The cow will provide milk for both consumption and economic purposes I plan to sell the surplus and earn additional income from it. I thank GiveDirectly for making a positive impact on my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received an Mpesa confirmation message at around 6 am. I wish you could see the smile I made when I was reading it. I was so excited. Immediately I started planning what I was going to spend the money on. It is one of the best moments of my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a few pieces of iron sheets so that I can renovate my house. I later paid school fees for my children who have been staying home for a while due to the huge fee arrears. Some had even dropped out of school because they had been constantly sent home and the felt embarrassed and demoralized at the same time. I then bought some goats. I opted for them because they reproduce faster compared to any other livestock. I then hired a tractor to plough my farm so that at least this season I could increase my harvest. I spent the remaining amount to buy food and other household items for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to realise my life time dream of building a decent shelter that is spacious enough to fit my family of eight. Due to financial constraints, I have not been able to repair nor construct a spacious house and as a result,three of my eldest children are forced to seek shelter from relatives on a daily basis.Due to the cold at night more so when it rains,the younger ones have been subjected to persistent coughs,flu's and at one time my youngest suffered from pneumonia. When I receive this money I will construct a bigger house for us and with the rest invest in livestock for keeping.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am relaxing with my children as we share supper. For the better part of the day,I am away from home tending to my business of burning charcoal for selling.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest challenge that I face. The charcoal trade business thatI rely on to fend for my family does not generate sufficient income to enable me feed my six children consistently,pay for their schooling and worst of all construct a decent shelter.