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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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Caroline's Profile
Caroline's family
Caroline
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
43
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($465 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am currently planning to start second-hand clothes which will help in school fees payment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well that to give out money in lump sum amounts. I was very impressed with this noble idea because I have received such a lump sum.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single mum and a mother of one. Initially, I used to work as a casual laborer in an Olerai farm belonging to a white settler. In a month I used to get KES 5000 per month a part of which was used in household expenditure and the rest in school fees. When the second transfer came, I had school arrears. Therefore, I used KES 16000 in payment of school fees for my son who is in lower primary school in an academy. Of this KES 4,000 was used in the clearance of last school terms fees and KES 12,000 for the next academic year. Secondly, I spent KES 10,000 on the latest clothing fashion. This is because they are of high quality and can last longer compared to the second-hand clothes that we usually afford. Thirdly, I spent KES 15,000 on three goats. This is because they multiply fast and can be a source of income during a financial crisis. Lastly, I spent KES 8000 on a medical bill for our late brother who passed on and was buried early this month due to Tuberculosis and Meningitis. I have saved the rest for emergencies.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8.00a.m and was in my farm cutting grass for my livestock when I heard some of my family members celebrating since we live in the same compound and when I asked, they told me the promised funds had been delivered.I dashed to my house and checked my phone and confirmed I had also received the same.I was so happy and joined them in celebrating the unexpected good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the additional dairy cow and calf to my existing livestock.It gives me great pleasure that during dry seasons when one doesn't produce milk at least the new one can hence lessen the cost of buying milk from neighbours.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received the first transfer with great plans on my mind.I spent Kshs.30,000 in purchasing a dairy cow with a calf which can produce three litres of milk per day and it's an additional to what I had hence I can sell to earn an extra income so that I can meet other household expenses.With Ksh.6,000,I cleared school fees for my child who is in grade one since I didn't want to be sent from school.Atleast my mind is now settled since I didn't have hope of getting the money soon.With the remaining part of the transfer I saved some for emergencies and also spent rest of it in buying food and buying clothes for my children.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I receive this transfers, I will purchase a dairy cow at KES 25000 . I will use the milk for the household and sell some to earn income .It's from the savings that I will purchase furniture for my house. Additionally, I intend to use KES 2000 to purchase 5more poultry for egg production. Furthermore, it has always been my desire to achieve better education for my children .I will use the rest of the transfers to pay school fees for my son who is in grade one at a nearby Academy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy in the evening for I have already earned for the day and I have purchased food for my son. Therefore he will be strong and able to grasp what he is being taught.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability has been my biggest hardship. I earn KES 5000 from my casual job on a monthly basis. This caters for school fees , KES 4000 a term and KES 1000 for food for the household. This has been a struggle as I have to sell the only milk I get from my cow to earn extra income to attend to other family needs.