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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 > Jumwa's Profile
Jumwa's family
Jumwa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
50
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($502 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been longing to sleep in a better house for years but then I did not have the required materials for the construction of the house. Therefore after receiving my transfers, I settled in renovating my house. I am now a happy parent because Inmabed to renovate it and I do not have to worry about the rains and I can also harvest the rainwater for my family. To add on this I am now sleeping comfortably on a new mattress whereby previously I was using the old which was not comfortable and led to some backpains. The two achievements make the difference in my life that I can proudly talk of.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did its work in a unique way in such a way that the beneficiaries were given money. This made us plan effectively on the projects according to our priorities. Also by needy household was enrolled without being biased and this made the exercise to be so fair to everyone I did not hear any complaints from the village.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees for my two sons who are in college and one in secondary school. I also bought some chicken as my living asset worthy of 2000. In addition to that, I bought some building materials such as iron sheets which cost Kes 16000. This was for the purpose of renovation of my house which had some grass-thatched roofing. It was always leaking whenever it could rain and we could always seek shelter from neighbors which were stressful. To add on that I then paid the laborer KES 8000 as his labor charge. The remaining amount of money bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The transfer has enabled me to clear school fees for my children. I am glad that they are comfortable taking their studies like the rest of the children. Seeing them learning without any difficulties gives me peace and even an opportunity to prepare for the next payment. I am now in the process of starting a poultry project as an investment in my homestead. I am pretty sure that through this project, I will be able to supply chicken and earn more income. At least I will be self-employed and having a good source of income.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw an Mpesa message early in the morning. As I read through the contents of the message, I could not hold the joy that felt in my heart. I had never in my life received a lumpsum amount of money. This was actually a dream come true. I immediately started planning on a budget to work on.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 6000 of my first transfer on purchasing three goats which I am currently keeping in my homestead. My expectation is to see them reproduce and increase in number. Within a short period of time, I will be able to sell them and use the money to accomplish our family goals. Apart from buying goats, I also paid KES 11000 to clear my children's school fees. As we speak, they are in school. My joy has always been seeing them learning without any interruptions which is the best gift that I got from GiveDirectly. I am finally spending the remaining amount of money to cater for my household needs and other basic needs. In any case, Some funds remaining my next plan is to start a poultry project. This is a venture that to me will be a long term source of income.
 
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being illiterate, I have wished to educate my children so that they may have a bright future. I have not fulfilled this desire due to inadequate finances. Receiving this money means fulfillment of my longing since I am planning to spend 500 USD on clearing their school fees. Currently, two of my children are in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually relax and get to meet my children after they come back from school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Inadequate finances to facilitate the educational needs of my children has been my biggest hardship in my life. Currently, my children have not been able to report back to school due to the huge fee arrears. Staying with them at home while their colleagues are in school has robbed my joy in life. I am delighted to learn about the transfer I am about to receive.