GDLive Newsfeed
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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Sarah's Profile
Sarah's family
Sarah
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($370 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal is to further expand my husband's sewing business by investing in additional stock. As our primary source of income, the business must flourish, ensuring financial stability for our family. With the help of any extra funds we receive, I plan to purchase more materials and equipment, enabling my husband to take on more orders and grow his business. This expansion will not only support our family financially but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of our household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly excels at being a life-changing organization by providing direct monetary assistance to individuals and families in need. This support has a tangible and immediate impact on people's lives, allowing them to address pressing needs such as housing, education, and business investments.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I was facing a financial challenge. My son had been accepted into a water engineering course at college, and the required fees were beyond our means. With $500 from the transfer, I made the crucial decision to use it towards his college expenses. Despite the fee being $700, this contribution was invaluable as it allowed us to enroll him in the institution. My husband, a tailor by profession, simply couldn't cover the cost all at once. This financial assistance provided us with the breathing room we needed to gather additional funds to sustain his education. With the remaining amount, I prioritized ensuring our family's basic needs were met. I purchased essential food items to alleviate some of the financial strain we were facing. This act of assistance from GiveDirectly not only helped secure my son's education but also provided relief for our immediate needs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($338 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home taking an afternoon nap with my 5 children around 3pm when a message arrived. Checking my phone, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. Overwhelmed with joy, I was ecstatic as this was an unprecedented event in my life. Among my 6 children, 5 are in primary school, and one desires to join college in another town. I am currently unemployed, while my husband works as a tailor away from home but frequently visits us. Immediately, I called my husband to share the good news, and he too was delighted, expressing his eagerness to come home over the weekend to celebrate together. We reside in a two-roomed house, which is insufficient for all of us, especially since all the children share one room. This arrangement becomes uncomfortable for them as they grow older and seek privacy. Unfortunately, my husband's limited earnings are inadequate to build an additional room for our children, causing us mental distress as we anticipate the need for separate sleeping quarters for them. My initial idea was to expand our house with an extra room, allowing the boys and girls to sleep separately. This adjustment would afford them the privacy and independence they require for personal activities.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am thrilled that my children are now sleeping in separate rooms and enjoying their privacy. Initially, it was difficult because the boys had to leave the room for the girls to dress, and vice versa. Additionally, the outstanding school fees caused me significant distress, leading to my children being sent home frequently and occasionally missing exams. With these balances cleared, my children can attend school without the fear of being sent home. My husband can now focus his earnings on paying current fees and providing us with basic needs, rather than worrying about house extensions. I am grateful that my children are now settled in school, and I pray that the Lord blesses GiveDirectly for rescuing us from many of the problems we were facing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I live with my 5 children, while my husband, who works as a tailor in another town, frequently visits us. Our current dwelling is a two-roomed house, which proves insufficient for our needs, especially since all the children share one room. As they grow older and desire privacy, this living arrangement becomes increasingly uncomfortable for them. Unfortunately, my husband's earnings are limited, preventing us from constructing an additional room for our children. This situation causes us significant mental distress as we anticipate the need for separate sleeping quarters in the near future. To address this challenge, I allocated $350 to extend an extra room in our house, providing the privacy our children require. This alleviated a considerable burden from our shoulders, allowing us to breathe peacefully and relax our minds. Additionally, I spent $50 to purchase mattresses since they were sleeping on worn-out mats on the floor, which was distressing to witness. Now, our children are delighted to sleep on comfortable mattresses, enjoying restful nights. Furthermore, I used $150 to clear school fees debts for my children accumulated from previous terms and to enable one of my daughters to obtain her certificates and pursue her college education. She is now relieved that she can comfortably explore courses and attend college, having obtained her necessary documents.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of ten members with eight being children. My husband does casual jobs at the coastal towns earning approximately $100 per month which caters for food and school fees . I do subsistence farming but this has been affected by drought . The family income is low such that my children have a fees balance of $300 . This has made them miss classes sometimes. The family lives in a two room house with iron sheets roof which is not enough to accommodate the entire family. It also lacks beddings. I will use $500 to add one room and also buy three beds and mattresses for the family. I will also use $400 to clear school fees balances and also make a prepayment. My desire is to see the children settle at school and improve in their performance.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a mother of eight and a happy woman. I got my eighth baby girl in July this year without any complications. The baby girl brought joy in my life since my respect and dignity in the village increases whenever the family increases in number.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband does casual jobs at the coastal towns earning very little income and I do subsistence farming her at home. Farming is not doing well due to persistent drought . The income from the husband caters for food and school fees though not enough. Sometimes my children miss classes due to lack of school fees. This has affected their performances.