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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 > Jumwa's Profile
Jumwa's family
Jumwa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($361 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My biggest dream is to provide a better home for my daughters. Right now, we're all cramped into our small, run-down house, and it's not a healthy or comfortable place for them to grow up. So, I've been working these odd jobs and saving every penny aiming to increase the amount I set aside from GiveDireclty for the same purpose. One day soon, I hope to see the joy in their eyes when we step into our new home, a place where they can thrive and be safe. That's what keeps me going, knowing that with a little bit of money and a lot of determination, I can give my daughters the bright future they deserve.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I really wouldn't change a thing about GiveDirectly. Their way of helping is so simple and fair. They gave us money and let us decide how to use it. In our community, most of us raise animals or run small businesses. Since we got the money, I've seen a lot of positive changes. People have grown their herds, and businesses are thriving. The best part is, we can pay for our children's education and have enough to put food on the table. Nobody tells us what to do; we have the power to make our own choices. GiveDirectly has truly made a difference in our lives, and we're grateful for their support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point for my family. With the money, I fulfilled my dream of buying a dairy cow for $180. This cow has been a blessing. Not only does she provide us with fresh milk every day, but I also sell the surplus to neighbors, boosting our income. This investment has brought us a step closer to financial stability. Another thing that warmed my heart was buying a comfortable mattress for my five daughters. For years, they had been sleeping on empty boxes and sacks, and it hurt me to see them endure that discomfort. With $55, I purchased a cozy mattress, and the joy it brought to their faces is priceless. Now, they sleep soundly and wake up refreshed, ready to take on the day. The rest of the money, I've decided to save diligently. My goal is to build a new, spacious house for my daughters. Right now, we all squeeze into my two-room mud wall house, and it's becoming increasingly cramped as they grow. I want to provide them with a safe and comfortable place to call home. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I'm making strides towards a brighter future for my family, one step at a time.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($388 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was washing dishes and doing some house cleaning when I heard a faint message tone from my phone. Confused, as I couldn't read, I asked my daughter to interpret the message for me. With excitement in her eyes, she told me that we had received the first promised transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart leaped with joy, and tears welled up in my eyes. The weight of financial struggle that had burdened our family for so long felt lifted at that moment. I couldn't believe that help had finally arrived, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. This unexpected blessing meant a brighter future for my children and me, and I knew that this small act of kindness would make a profound difference in our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The cash has transformed my family's life in ways I could never have imagined. No longer burdened by the constant struggle to put food on the table, we can now afford to eat nutritious meals regularly. The newfound financial stability has allowed me to invest in goat-keeping, an opportunity I had never thought possible. This venture not only generates income but also serves as a security for our future. The sense of empowerment and hope that the cash transfer has brought into our lives is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful for the positive change it has sparked for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfers from GiveDirectly was like a ray of hope shining upon my family's life. With the money, I decided to make wise investments for our future. First, I bought five healthy goats for $195. I had heard that goats multiply quickly, and I saw this as an opportunity to secure a stable source of income for my family. As the goats breed and grow, we'll have more to sell or trade, providing us with a steady income to sustain our needs. The second priority was to ensure my children's well-being and education. My heart ached to see them sleep on a broken bed, so I used $50 to buy them a comfortable new one. Their smiles and joy made every penny spent worthwhile. Additionally, I used the remaining amount to pay for their education. My eldest child, in college, required $80 in fees, my child in secondary school needed $30, and my three younger ones in primary school needed $70 which I also paid. It brought me immense satisfaction knowing they could now pursue their dreams without financial obstacles. Since I was solely relying on charcoal burning, I saw it prudent to save the remaining amount for the family's upkeep. The generosity of GiveDirectly not only transformed our present but also gave us a promising path toward a brighter future. For the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful, knowing that my children would have better opportunities than I ever had.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have four children one at secondary and three at primary school respectively. The one at secondary has a fees balance of $370 and the three at primary have a collective fee balance of $150. I used to do casual jobs but I had health complications three years ago. The doctor banned me from working and I only rely on my husband who works as a charcoal burner earning approximately $50 per month. This caters to food only. I will use $550 to clear the school fees for my children so that they can settle at school and improve their performance. I will also use $500 to buy ten goats as an investment. This will help me pay school fees for my children in the future. I had lost hope of my children going to school but with the Give Directly program I am happy once again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My first born son did his KCSE last year 2022 and got a mean grade of C-. On March this year, he got sponsorship and joined one of the colleges in Nyamira County. I do not know exactly the name of the course and the school since the names spell in english and I did not go to school but I am very happy for the sponsorship.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been suffering from ulcers for three years now. This has affected me such that I cannot engage myself in any work. This has caused my children to have accumulated school fee balances. I feel bad sometimes seeing my children out of school due to lack of school fees.