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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 > Chrispina's Profile
Chrispina's family
Chrispina
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal for the upcoming year is to contribute more to the women's group savings account. I think this will increase the amount of interest the account earns by the end of the year, and when I take it out, it will be sufficient to cover all of my household expenses. In addition, since I am a member, I will be able to borrow money if I need it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does very well because I can sleep easy knowing that I'm not instilling unethical values in my kids, thanks to them. Plus, there's enough food for my family on our homestead now. I am grateful to the organization as they kept their word and now it has been realized.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We spent $415 building a one-room house for my growing son thanks to GiveDirectly transfers.Due to its complexion, I always felt guilty about sharing a roof with my son; I thought it was immoral. I also spent $35 on some kitchen utensils since I didn't have sufficient of them. I figured it was a good idea to buy two goats with my $80 because they breed quickly and do well in this area. Lastly, I use the remaining money to buy food for my children as compared to the past, when I worked irregular jobs that paid poorly, I'm glad that my kids now have enough food.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($377 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received the message from GiveDirectly was a moment I had been eagerly anticipating. On that particular day, I had gone to visit my mother, and as a result, my phone had been turned off. It was only around 5pm when I finally charged my phone that I saw the notification. That moment I read the message, a rush of happiness and excitement flooded over me. I had longed for the opportunity to make a specific investment, livestock business was a real deal for me and I knew this was the day I had been waiting for. This investment is one that I believed would benefit me and secure our family's future and since I didn't have this particular asset before, and acquiring them would be a step forward in my life. This moment was more than just a financial transaction; it was the realization of a dream, a chance to improve my circumstances.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving assistance from GiveDirectly, my life has taken a turn for the better. It has given me the opportunity to focus on farming, something I couldn't do effectively before due to the burden of unpaid bills and financial stress. One of the most significant improvements has been in our food security. We now have an abundance of food, a stark contrast to the past when putting food on the table was a daily struggle. This surplus has allowed me to take breaks and rest when needed, which has positively impacted my overall health. In the past, I used to constantly worry about where the next meal would come from and had to exhaust myself searching for money to buy food. This daily grind was both physically and emotionally draining. Now, with the support from GiveDirectly, I can better focus on my farming activities, knowing that my family's basic needs are covered. The relief from financial stress has also allowed me to plan for the future, invest in my farm, and think about long-term improvements to our living conditions. I am incredibly grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has provided, which has transformed my financial situation and also my overall well-being.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Firstly, I invested $130 in acquiring four goats. Goats are valuable assets in my community, and I saw them as a means of financial security and a source of income in the future. Their ability to reproduce would ensure a steady increase in their numbers, providing ongoing support for my family. I also allocated $200 towards gathering the necessary materials for building a house. This included purchasing iron sheets and tree posts. A safe and comfortable home is essential for our well-being, and I was determined to use this opportunity to improve our living conditions. Education is a priority for my family, so I used $40 to cover school fees for my three children who are currently attending primary school. I believe that education is a pathway to a brighter future for them. Additionally, I wisely saved $120 from the transfers, which will be used to ensure the completion of our house as we are waiting for the contructors to everything in order . Having savings for this purpose gives me peace of mind, knowing that our shelter will be secure. Finally, $60 was used to purchase food for my family. This was especially crucial because our previous income sources, such as selling aloe vera and sisal, were labor-intensive and generated limited income. With this food provision, we no longer have to worry about going hungry, and it has alleviated the financial strain on our family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The state of my house has not given me joy for a long time because it's one-roomed. Sharing a room with my 4 children has a lot of challenges and I feel lacking privacy as a parent. I hoped to receive this money and offset my household's menace. I, therefore, plan to spend $300 of my transfers to add one room which will be occupied by the children. This will provide us with enough space and also restore my lost dignity. On the other hand, I plan to invest in livestock keeping and my focus is on goats since they are drought resistant. To make it a reality, I intend to buy 10 goats for $300. The remaining amount will help me to cater for other needs like; school fees, new uniforms, and decent beddings. What a happy life to achieve this!
What is the happiest part of your day?
In July this year, our maize on the farm was ready and this means my family could have enough food. This alone was a blessing to me because I am now able to save whatever I get from my casual jobs. The money helps me to support my children in school and they are no longer sent home frequently. The food in my store will sustain us in the next 3 months which is a great sigh of relief to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income is what has made my life much tougher. This is because we depend on subsistence farming which is always affected by drought. This has pushed us to put focus on other casual jobs like charcoal burning and aloe vera extraction. The income from these activities is hardly enough to sustain our needs. In a month, when we combine efforts with my husband, we make utmost $60. Budgeting for this money, between buying food and paying school fees is the hardest task and the education for my children is what is affected most. As a mother, it's so painful watching them desperately at home, a situation that has robbed away my joy.