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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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
51
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main aspiration is to acquire a dairy cow. This isn't just about owning livestock; it's about securing a means to provide for my family. With the cow, I envision a dual-purpose advantage: not only will it supply milk for selling, generating income to pay for my children's education, but it will also enhance our household's health by providing fresh, nutritious milk for domestic consumption. I believe that investing in this cow isn't just an investment in a single animal; it's an investment in the well-being and future of my children. I'm motivated to make this happen, knowing it will contribute to their education and health, creating a more promising future for us all.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly made a significant impact on my life by sending me unconditional cash. With their thoughtful approach to providing direct financial assistance, I was able to address immediate needs and plan for a more secure future. I now have a comfortable bed to sleep in, a house that provides shelter and stability for my family, and, perhaps most importantly, my children are able to attend school without the burden of financial constraints. GiveDirectly's decision to entrust me with the autonomy to decide how to best utilize the funds has resulted in tangible improvements in the quality of life for me and my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the recent transfer was a blessing that came at a crucial moment for me and my family. The first priority was securing a safer shelter for my loved ones. I immediately allocated a significant portion, around $228.8, to purchase essential building materials. My previous house had become a cause for constant worry, as it was old and on the brink of collapse. The thought of my four children sleeping away from home, seeking refuge at a relative's place due to a lack of space and safety concerns, weighed heavily on me. As a parent, it pained me not to have my children under one roof; their safety was always a concern. Now, with the construction underway, I am relieved that soon we will all reside safely together under our own roof, and that worry has begun to dissipate. Also, with $50, I bought essential food supplies. It was heartbreaking to see my family go to bed hungry, but now, thankfully, that has changed. With the remaining $171.2, I prioritized education and paid school fees for my two children, one in Form Two and the other in a lower grade. This has been an ongoing challenge, as both my husband and I work as farmers, earning around $5 irregularly. Juggling daily expenses and ensuring our children receive an education has been tough, but the recent support has alleviated a significant burden. The relief of knowing my children can attend school without worrying about fees and that we are on the path to a safer and more stable home is immeasurable.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 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?
The idea of getting some livestock is really growing on me. I mean a few cows, some goats, and especially a dairy cow. The thought of having a steady supply of milk for our household and maybe even a little extra for selling is an exciting prospect, and then there's the farm, the pride and joy of our family. I've been contemplating putting up a chain-link fence around it. Not just for protection but to ensure that the hard work we put into growing crops isn't in vain. These plans aren't just about the present; they're an investment in our future. It's like laying down the foundation for a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. Each step feels like a piece of a puzzle, fitting together to create a better and more sustainable life for us down the road.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In the journey of life, we often encounter unexpected twists and turns. There was a time when having a stable home and ensuring my child's uninterrupted education felt like a distant dream. But then came this blessing, this unexpected wave of change, and school, the constant worry of fees evaporated. My child now walks the halls of education without a cloud of uncertainty. The weight that lifted off my shoulders brought an indescribable relief. In these moments, I find myself reflecting on the power of collective change. It's not just a personal journey; it's a shared one. As we navigate through these transformations, my hope is that GiveDirectly reach others who are silently battling their challenges and may it weave through the fabric of communities, bringing hope and relief where it's needed the most. And as we continue on this collective journey, let our stories echo as beacons of inspiration, proving that even amidst life's unpredictability, positive change is possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly transfers has helped us construct a new two-room house that took $200 to its complexion. This endeavor was more than just a structural upgrade; it shielded us from the persistent leakages that plagued our previous mud house during rainy seasons. Moreover, the new house provided much-needed space for my eight children, contributing to a more comfortable and dignified living environment. We also used $100 in settling my son's secondary school fees. This allocation was a significant relief, as the financial burden associated with his education had been a constant source of stress. Finally, I used $100 to stock up on essential food supplies that ensured that our household's nutritional needs were met and also alleviated the worry that often accompanied uncertainties about our next meal. The remaining $50 was invested in purchasing much-needed shoes and clothes for my children. Beyond the tangible benefits of providing them with necessary attire, this investment contributed to their overall well-being and confidence in their daily lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($140 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I have a clear recollection of being out in the fields, fully immersed in my daily tasks, when I was suddenly notified about my transfer. My phone's vibration caught me off guard, and upon checking, I found a message revealing the arrival of funds from GiveDirectly. It was a heartening piece of news, evoking a surge of positive emotions within me. My joy was boundless, as I realized that I could finally realize my long-held dream of acquiring comfortable bedding. This transfer infused our lives with profound happiness, and for this, our gratitude knows no bounds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most remarkable shift in my everyday life stems from the profound influence of the financial aid I received. This assistance has made it possible for me to realize my aspiration of sleeping on a comfortable mattress, a dream that was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. I will forever hold a profound sense of gratitude for this priceless gift, which has genuinely transformed my life in deeply significant ways.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The timing of the transfer I received from GiveDirectly was truly unexpected, arriving just when I was grappling with the challenges of making ends meet. My husband's decision to remarry and disregard me and our eight children left me in a difficult situation. At present, I rely on caring for my brother-in-law's mother, who compensates me, along with my efforts in farming, to sustain our livelihood. Upon receiving the transfer, I spent $70 to finally acquire a bed and mattress – a cherished luxury, considering I had been sleeping on the floor. Additionally, I invested $90 in essential food supplies and used $35 to cover my son's school fees. The remaining funds were prudently used to secure further food provisions. The profound impact of this assistance on my life fills me with immense joy and gratitude.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means financial freedom. I rely on casual jobs to make ends meet for my family of ten. Four of my children are still schooling, and raising their school fees has been an uphill task. Two of them have missed out on school for a month because I do not have money to take them back and this makes me feel wrong. I would like to establish myself financially by investing in livestock and poultry keeping with the transfers. I am delighted because it has come at the right time when I was almost giving up on life. My children will no longer go school when hungry and it will help them concentrate on their studies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The past two months have been different from the other years because of the rains. Many people have planted their farms which has created work for me. There has been an increase in casual jobs hence my children have been having at least one meal a day. This has brought me happiness and hopefully, the rains will continue so that we can have enough money to take back my son to school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the greatest challenge currently. The prolonged droughts led to insufficient food production and I shifted to livestock keeping from which I sold all of them to cater to the basic needs of my family of ten. My husband and I do casual jobs to earn a living and since it is unreliable, we hardly save any amount. My fear is this year I may fail to harvest, even though it rained I have not planted maize yet since I lacked the money to purchase seeds.