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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Margaret's Profile
Margaret's family
Margaret
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($317 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I want to cater to my children's school fees without much struggle because I believe that it will pave the way for a brighter future for them and ease the financial burden I currently face. Already, one of my children has graduated from university, and I have faith that she will help me support the rest of the family after I invested in her education. My main goal is to provide my children with the resources they need to pursue their studies and achieve their dreams. Education is crucial for their success, and I want to give them the best opportunities possible. By supporting their schooling without excessive hardships, I hope to empower them to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Seeing my eldest child graduate from university fills me with pride and hope. It reaffirms my belief in the power of education to transform lives and create a brighter future. I trust that her accomplishments will open doors for her, allowing her to help our family in the future. As a parent, I have a deep sense of responsibility and love for my family. By investing in my children's education, I am making an investment in their future success and well-being. I understand that education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of financial struggle and create new opportunities.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Before receiving the transfers, my children faced significant challenges in continuing their studies due to a lack of money. The financial strain was so severe that they were unable to pursue their education, which was a source of great concern and distress for our family. Additionally, we were burdened with a debt of $800, accumulated from school fees and borrowed money for food. The weight of this debt, combined with the constant struggle to secure enough food for the family, added immense pressure to our daily lives. However, after receiving the transfers, our situation began to change. Having enough food on the table brought a sense of relief, knowing that hunger would no longer be a constant worry. Moreover, I could now focus on paying off the debt gradually and responsibly. The burden of the outstanding school fees and borrowed money was gradually lifting as I committed to making steady payments, without allowing it to interfere with my daily responsibilities and chores. The transfers provided a lifeline for our family, enabling us to overcome immediate financial difficulties and stabilize our situation. I am grateful for the assistance that has eased our struggles and allowed us to work towards a better life. The weight that once held us down is slowly lifting, and I am filled with hope that our determination and the support we received will lead to brighter days ahead.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid $150 school fees for my two children - one in secondary school and another one in grade six. With $100, I invested in farming butternut, a crop that has a better market with higher revenue compared to other types of farming in our area. This decision was strategic, aiming to improve our financial situation. Taking care of my family is essential, so I used $200 to buy food. With six children and an elderly grandma at home, having plenty of food is crucial, and I want to ensure they never go hungry. Before, I used to run a charcoal business, but unfortunately, the government burned it down. This left us with many uncertainties and the challenge of figuring out how to make ends meet. Despite the setbacks, I remained determined to find a way to support my family. Through hard work and resourcefulness, I made use of the transfers to invest in my children's education, farm for a profitable crop, and prioritize their well-being by providing enough food. I am hopeful that these efforts will lead to a better future for my family. It hasn't been easy, but I am determined to overcome challenges and create a stable and prosperous environment for my loved ones.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($335 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Our main house that we stay in has been greatly invaded by termites. It is already at the verge of crumbling down and my initial plan was to repair it and make it better. I however have had to deter my dream of repairing this house and concentrate on paying school fees for my children who are in their secondary level of education. Once my children are out of their secondary school and into their tertiary level then I will be in a position to repair my house and make it more comfortable for me and my family. Right now I am more concerned about seeing my children clear their secondary education. I am happy that one of my daughter s was recently employed by government and she has promised to help me in putting up the structure. I hope that she will be able to do this before the end of this year since I avoided doing the charcoal selling business that I used to do just to concentrate on taking care of her two kids and my mother in law
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does very well by giving us cash and the freedom for people to make informed decisions on how to spend the money. Due to the I have been able to accomplish a lot of things that I would have foregone had I not received a transfer from GiveDirectly
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my most recent transfer of $450, I used $50 to buy food for my family. I also used $100 to pay school fees for my two children who are currently doing their secondary school education. Another $100 was used to till a piece of land that I own-1 acre . This was inclusive of the seeds that were planted in the said farm. 8nalsongot to enroll my children and my spouse with part of the money that remained. Life for us had been made difficult following an almost three years spell of droght. Die to the fact that we rely on farming to make income that helps us sustain the needs of our family, life had become difficult and therefore this support was quite timely for us. I am happy that I have not only planted my farm in time but also been in a position to meet some of the most basic needs like covering myself and my family under National insurance Fund. I will now henceforth find it easy to take care of my mother in law who has been ailing for quite sometime. I have plans however of starting an NHIF cover for her since she earns a monthly stipend from government.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($162 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I can vividly recall that I was at home busy with house chores. Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing loudly, Upon checking I confirmed that I had received money from GiveDirectly. The thought of receiving such a huge of money was so refreshing that forgot that I was tired after a long day in the sun. I was overwhelmed with happiness because I knew that I would be able to achieve my dreams. We then embarked on planning how we would spend our transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to accomplish my dreams in a short period. It is not yet complete but the fact that I was able to easily purchase the household item and foodstuffs gives me hope for a better tomorrow. I am grateful for the support that lifted our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a farmer, married and a mother of Six children. Upon receipt of my initial transfer, I opted to buy furniture and utensils with the entire amount. And used a few coins on foodstuffs. This is because I had no bedding and seats. It was not a priority before due to financial constraints due to school fees and other responsibilities. Receiving money from GiveDirectly has been of great impact on our lives thus we are indebted to them.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
GiveDirectly has brought a great opportunity for me.you see this house? I have lived in it for the past 30 year. It has been infested by termites and whenever it rains it moves threatening to fall on us. I intend to spend $800 of the cash transfers to build myself a better house. The remaining amount I will buy goats at $30 each which I would keep to be able to sustain me into the future. I am not getting any younger, I need something for my old age and grandkids.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness lies on my children. My daughter whom I hold dear to my heart got employed in a school in the close of the year 2021 and she has been of great assistance. She occasionally sends me money which I use to gather for the needs of my mother-in-law and grandchildren. I feel I can afford a smile since I don't have to do the casual work of burning charcoal anymore. I pray that she gets employed by the government since she only earns $100 a month which is not enough to gather for her needs as well as ours.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I'm a second wife to my lovely husband. However, the challenge I am facing is the lack of assistance to pay for my children school fees. Two of my children who completed there secondary school have there certificates withheld and I don't have the ability to pay for them. I am also taking care of my mother-in-law who broke her legs after a fatal fall that fractured her leg. I'm the only one she looks UpTo and it's really tough!