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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Furaha's Profile
Furaha's family
Furaha
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Furaha's next check-in.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 29 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My plan for the coming year is to invest in livestock using the cash transfers I receive. I believe that by purchasing livestock, I can create a sustainable source of income for my family. Once these animals reproduce, I intend to sell them, generating additional funds that will allow me to comfortably provide for my children's basic needs. I believe that by ensuring my children have access to a good education, their future will be secure, and they will also be able to support us in return. I'm grateful for the support and opportunities that Givedirectly transfers have provided us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It had been ages since we bought our children clothes. Thanks to the monthly cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to buy them new clothes and shoes worth $34 for the New Year celebration. With five children to care for, it was a relief to finally afford brand new clothing for them, rather than relying on second-hand items as we had always done in the past. My husband's earnings as a casual laborer have always been unpredictable, so having this financial support has been a blessing. After ushering in the new year, I spent $34 on school fees and other school requirements for the four who are currently in school. Unfortunately, I fell ill during the month and had to spend $15 on my treatment. Without the assistance from GiveDirectly, I'm not sure how I would have managed. Additionally, I used $14 to purchase household necessities, ensuring our basic needs were met. Finally, I decided to join a merry-go-round group, where I'll contribute $5 from the monthly transfers. This will help me accumulate more savings over time, and in case a need arises, I will have some cash. I'm grateful for the support and opportunities that GiveDirectly has provided to me and my family.
 
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I currently have one goat that I purchased with the transfer, and it brings me immense joy. I'm eagerly waiting for it to give birth and multiply so that I can expand my herd. My plan is to invest in buying more goats, as they hold the potential for future growth and prosperity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother of five children, with three of them currently attending school. Upon receiving my transfers, I allocated $12 to cover my children's school fees. In August 2023, I joined a merry-go-round and contributed $10 towards it, aiming to save for acquiring more goats and constructing a better house for my family. With the remaining $12, I purchased food for my family, which brought immense joy to all of us.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 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?
I repaired the bed for my children so that they could sleep well as their bed had already been spoiled. Their mattress is old and worn out and I know they need a new one. I have an informal savings group to which I have been having and I hope to use the money at the end of the year to get them a new mattress. I also would like to buy a solar powered lamp. Solar powered lamps are easy to use especially because they rely on the sun.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In April I had accumulate a large fee balance acroos my different children. I paid $10 for my child in class 5,. $8 for my child in class 4 and for the one in class 1 I spent $5 to clear the fee balance. I also used $5 for food. In May I paid a repair man to fix my children's bed. I bought flour worth $10, I cleared exam fees at $1.15 I also saved $5. I used my cash in June to uy provisions such as food and cooking oil at $2100. I also settled fees for one of the children at $5.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 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?
As it is true that all that has a beginning always has its end, I know that GiveDictly's program will soon come to an end. Therefore, I have a goal of prioritizing some investments. Since the most viable venture in our region is livestock keeping, I aim to buy additional two goats this year. When they increase in number after a given period, I shall be able to have some source of income. It will be simple for me to start raising cows after selling some goats. In addition, I want to build a kitchen so that my kids may have a place to hang out when they become older in addition to using it for cooking.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother of five children, three of whom are school-going. I do not have a job except that I depend on the transfers from give directly. He is the only husband who does house construction which is also rare and difficult to get to support our family. Consequently, supporting our family's increasing needs has been overwhelming to him. After I received my recent transfer, I prioritized buying food because had run out of food. Therefore, I spent $9 on food since my husband's wages had delayed. I also spent $15 on school fees and bought school stationeries for $10. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for its monthly transfers.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate Givedirectly calling us once they have sent the money. It ensures that one is conscious of how she spends the money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the transfer to pay school fees for my three children in grades four, three, and Kindergarten. I am a stay-at-home mother taking care of my home and children. I depend on my husband who works as a casual laborer to pay my bills. This money has enabled me to support my husband with some of the house bills.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I first saw the message I was not sure where it came from because it indicated Segovia technology but I had not heard of such a name. Still, I suspected that it might have been from GiveDirectly. I, therefore, asked a neighbor if he had received such a text message, and he confirmed to me that it indeed came from GiveDirectly. It was such a happy moment and I thanked God for the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily is the joy and peace I have for having paid for my children's school fees. I do casual work once in a while, but we mostly rely on my spouse who is a domestic worker. His income can not sustain all of our needs and besides, he is paid on monthly basis. By the time the children were sent back for tuition fee he had not received his salary. I had tried to borrow from some of my friends but non was in a position to assist because they were also facing tough economic situation. I am glad the money came on time, and they were able to go back to school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three of my children who are in primary school had been sent back home because they owed the school a tuition fee arrears of KES 3000. Their father who is responsible for their school fees had not received his salary and I also had no money. When I received the first transfer, I paid the whole of it in school so that I could clear the arrears they owed the school. I am happy the balance was cleared, and they can now fully concentrate on their studies.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My greatest want has been school fees. I managed to take to school three of my children while the last born is yet to join because we do not have enough money to pay the admission fees. The last time my children had new school uniforms is when they were joining the school. They put on rugged and patched school attires which make me embarrassed as a parent. The transfers will help in me in clearing the 5 000KES fee arrears accumulated over years. I will spend 4 500 to dress the children with new school uniforms. My plan is to save 2000KES towards realization of the above mentioned needs as the rest is spent in providing food for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I used to take care of my fathers goats when I was young and it was my desire to have my own. On getting married, financial constraints could not allow us to get one. I could sit and watch covetiously as my neighbours watch over their goats. A relative gave me his goats to look after as he was faced by a challenge of missing grassing yard in where he stays. He gave me a she-goat when the time came to take them. Two weeks ago I was very happy when the goat gave birth to twins. I am optimistic come next year, I will also be owning several goats.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With 8 000 KES as the monthly salary, my husband has been sending home about 1000 every week which when subjected to the family needs, it only goes to purchasing food stuffs. It is very rare to find someone in my family with a new attire. In fact the last time we had new clothes was during the new celebration. The children have to put on second hand uniforms given as donations from friends. It has reduced my dignity as a mother. In addition, we are faced by hunger as we take only breakfast and skip lunch on daily basis.