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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 > Henry's Profile
Henry's family
Henry
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
43
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I used my transfer to start a grocery business for my wife. This has brought a lot of change in our financial life. I do not struggle as I used to so that my family needs are met. My family depended on my income which could not sustain all our needs. I would have to borrow in most cases which was also a very big burden to me. I would hardly have extra to spend on my family. I was operating on a fixed budget which was not going on well with me. Since my wife started the business, we have always had an extra income on a daily basis which has really helped us handle some of the needs on a regular basis. I don't feel like I used to feel when I was overwhelmed with needs. Secondly, the fact that I do not buy kerosene on a daily basis is a very big relief for me. My children have sufficient light to do their homework till very late and the risk we had from smoke emissions from kerosene lamp too is no more. My daily expenditure has reduced because of GD transfers.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was personally very pleased with how GD carried out sensitization on the project. All those who did not get the transfer have no one to blame but themselves. The information was well passed which killed all the rumours we had earlier. This was a good idea to help the community. The whole process was well done and I do not feel there is anything GD could have done better.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my transfer on paying school fees arrears for my son who had been sent home. He had stayed home for three days as I was still looking for the money to pay. He was in his last year of secondary school and I was not very comfortable when he was at home while others were studying in school. This is why when I received my transfer, I opted to first clear the arrears so that he could go back to school and study like his peers. I am glad he passed his examinations as a result of paying the arrears in time. I also used the transfer to start a grocery business for my wife. She did not have any economic engagement and the whole family depended on my small income from my teaching job. The income was not enough to meet all our needs hence we needed another way to boost it. The business has come in very helpful in terms of meeting our needs through daily profits. The remaining part of my transfer I used to pay a deposit for a solar system which I have completed the monthly payments by now. I was tired of buying kerosene on a daily basis and in most cases it would not serve my children well when doing their homework. I felt I needed to do better by buying a solar system.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of money to pay my college fees. I have to drop out and this has made me not to realize my dream of becoming a teacher.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when when sharing development stories with my colleagues. It gives me hope in life.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my son is going to complete his secondary school education because I am going to pay all his school fees arrears. I am also going to have a new source of income since I have plans of starting a business.