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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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Newsfeed > Zawadi's Profile
Zawadi's family
Zawadi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
39
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($364 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was determined to ensure that long after the Give Directly initiative concluded, its positive impact on my household would remain evident. With this in mind, I allocated $100 towards the purchase of three goats, marking the beginning of my investment endeavors. I dedicated $250 towards a plot of land I've been discussing to acquire, setting the foundation to build my family's first home. The remaining $100 went to settling school fee balances, ensuring my children experienced a hassle-free academic environment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly has excelled in effective program management, which has significantly contributed to upholding integrity within villages and families. This approach has fostered a sense of collaboration, facilitated business growth, and promoted peaceful relationships among individuals within the villages.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Next year, I aim to venture into farming, beginning with maize and beans. Having amassed valuable experience working on other people's farms, I'm confident that this knowledge will be instrumental in launching my own agricultural enterprise.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($388 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving a transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to invest it to improve my family's life. The first thing I did was purchase a cow for $170. I saw it as a long-term investment in milk production for sale. With the cow, I could provide my family with a sustainable source of income. It was a great feeling knowing that we would have a steady stream of income to rely on. Thereafter, I decided to address the dire sleeping conditions we had been enduring for far too long. I spent $140 on two modern standard beds and an additional $120 on two mattresses. My children and I had been sleeping on the floor using empty sacks due to poverty, which was not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. Now, thanks to the cash transfer, we could sleep well and comfortably. The transformation was remarkable, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. Additionally, I allocated $70 to pay for my children's school fees. Education is important to me, and I wanted to ensure that my children had access to the opportunities it could bring. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy some food for my family. It was a relief not having to rely solely on casual work, which often left us exhausted. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I was able to provide for my family's immediate needs and invest in a better future for us all.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The cash transfer has transformed my life in profound ways. Before, my family and I struggled to find a comfortable place to rest our weary bodies, often resorting to sleeping on the hard, unforgiving floor. However, with the newfound financial support, we were able to purchase comfortable beds that provided us with a sense of peace and restfulness we had never experienced before. Now, each night, we lay our heads on soft pillows and drift off into a deep, rejuvenating sleep, waking up refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. The simple act of sleeping well has revitalized our spirits and given us renewed hope for a brighter future.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was washing clothing for my nine children when I got a message tone on my phone as the sun was almost setting. Since I do not know how to read and write, I called my helper to the interpretation of the message. What a message it was on that fine evening! She informed me that I had received the first transfer of $550 into my account. My heart leaped in happiness and thanksgiving since I had been hearing of the good news of GiveDirectly from the neighboring villages not sure if it would reach my home.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
What a challenge to live in an area where the main economic activity is charcoal work! This activity has caused deforestation and we are affected the most since rains are scarce and unpredictable. This has caused prolonged droughts and we are no longer relying on farm work. This has pushed me to dig out the remains of trees to make charcoal that I sell to earn money for food. In a month, I make utmost $20. Considering this little income, I am unable to save any coin for our future and my children's education is what has been affected most. In most cases, they are out of school due to a lack of fees. In addition, we usually skip meals and this has greatly affected our health. As a mother, I feel so painful to desperately watch my children at home. This has devoured my hope in life and I consider financial constraints as my biggest challenge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In April this year, we received short rains and I decided to focus and put my energy on farming. Currently, I have some maize on my 3-acre piece of land which are flourishing well. This has restored hope for a better future since I am so optimistic of good harvest this season. What a miracle! As a farmer, I consider this blessing of rains as what has brought joy in my life.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a widow, I have all the responsibilities of making sure my family of 3 is safe and is enjoying a better life. This has been my greatest desire and I have tried my best to ensure I own a 2-roomed iron roofed house. Despite all my efforts, we are still spending our nights on the floor and this has never given me joy as a mother. I am planning to change this life once I receive this money by buying 2 modern beds and mattresses. This will ensure my family is enjoying their nights and it will directly boost their energy in school since they have been feeling a lot of pain sleeping on the floor. This will cost me $300 to make it a reality. On the other hand, I will spend $300 to buy 6 goats which will act as my long-term investment plan to help my children's education in the future. The remaining amount will help me cater to other household needs like food and school fees for the children. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.