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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 > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
25
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($526 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?
Expanding my already existing business is a life changer . I restocked items in my shop both by adding up what was almost drying out and bringing in other new stock which customers have been asking for. I made this a priority since in most cases we had been so much dependent on the outcome as it has been serving both the household requirements, school fees and also part of the savings we are making have been from the shop. Thanks to GiveDirectly for enhancing the sustainability of out main source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion ,GiveDirectly did its work to the highest perfection since there was no any form of discrimination during its work in our area as we have been experiencing with other organization. GiveDirectly didn't do anything wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Before GiveDirectly came, I owned a shop unfortunately it was at the verge of collapsing. This is because I had spent most of the profits from this business to meet our family's needs therefore the stock of the shop reduced tremendously. My second transfer has enabled me to bring it back the business on to its feet and I have now started earning some profits since the number of customers have increased because of the availability of their preferred items.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that my income has doubled after boosting my tailoring business. My clients are able to get their preferred items unlike before when I would close the business because of inadequate stock. This has reciprocated the ease of providing both primary and secondary needs for my family with ease.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money , I was very happy then Immediately informed my husband of the good news of which was celebrated together since we knew I would boost our tailoring business which was in the verge of collapsing .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 45,000 KES of my first transfer to stock my small retail tailoring business . I am glad that the sales have doubled because most of my clients are able to get their preferred items . I bought bedding and a goat . I also bought food for my Christmas festive.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I undertook a tailoring course 3 years ago, but I haven't been able to utilize this skill fully due to lack of adequate finances to purchase a sewing machine and the requisite materials to kick start the business. Receiving this money, therefore, means I will be in a position to finally put it into practice, - the first transfers will be enough to cover all expenses needed there. On the other hand, my husband operates a motorcycle taxi, and his desire is to acquire his own motorbike. The one he currently uses belongs to a friend and most of his daily earning goes to the owner. Accordingly, he will use the other half ($550) to purchase it. Achieving all these will boost our financial status.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Now that it is planting season, I spend most parts of my day in the farm, and I always look forward to the evening when I reunite with my husband over dinner. In addition, it is at this moment when I get a chance to have enough rest. And that makes it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of adequate finances has been the biggest hardship I have faced in life. A few months ago, we had a small shop and because we entirely depended on the profit earned in there to cater for the family's needs, we ended up closing it down as we could no longer sustain it. Again it is because of inadequate finances that 3 years down the line, I haven't been able to utilize my tailoring skills and as a result, I feel my knowledge is fading away slowly, thankfully, Give directly has come to my rescue,-- I will establish a tailoring business at long last. In addition, my husband and I will revive the shop now that capital will no longer be a problem.