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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Salama's Profile
Salama's family
Salama
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($524 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The acquisition of a dairy cow with GiveDirectly's transfer is among the biggest difference I have attained. When they reproduce and increase in number, I will sell some and use the money to cater to emergencies in the foreseen future. Secondly , I no longer sleep on the mat at the floor after buying a mattress and a bed hence I now enjoy the benefits of having enough rest at night . Thanks to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by introducing the issuing of phones . Personally,my biggest challenge has been ease in communication since I lacked a phone. Today, with this phone my communication has been easen. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 19,800 KES of my second transfer to buy a pair of oxen . These pair shall be very helpful in cultivating my farm and my neighbor's at a fees after I have been trained them well enough. I bought four pairs of school uniforms and food for my family's consumption. The remaining amount I paid medical bills for my children who were ailing at that time.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I used to do my farming very late because I was spending a lot of time in farm preparation since I was using only hoes which are ineffective with a larger acreage, and rain some times is unpredictable in our region. Thus owning the pair of oxen makes the biggest difference in my daily life because I will now be able to do my farming early for better harvests. I will no longer be hiring from anyone, instead I will be hiring to them at a fee during the planting season.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning and when I checked the contents of the message, I was greatly overjoyed because GiveDirectly had finally sent my first transfer. I thanked them as I began to plan for the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have been doing my farming with tools that were ineffective and inefficient. My farming will now be enhanced because when I received my first transfer, I spent KES 25800 to purchase a pair of oxen. I used to hire from neighbours, which was costly. Having my own pair is advantageous because I am able to plough my farm timely for better harvests. In addition, I also spent KES 12000 to purchase a new bed and a mattress in order to replace the old beddings that I was sleeping on. I also took KES 2000 to clear my children's school fees so that they would be allowed to continue with their studies comfortably. Lastly, I bought some foodstuffs for my family and also paid for other household expenses.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to educate my children with much ease. I will spend the transfers clearing their debt in school and purchase goats that will be financial security for their future educational needs such as school fees, books and uniform.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do my work in the morning and evening when the sun is not too hot. I rest in the afternoon and that is when am most happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is insufficient finances to provide my family's basic needs of food and education. It's been six years since my husband moved to Mombasa but he never comes home nor does he support us in any way. I survive on burning charcoal a trade that is now faced with many legal challenges thus affecting my income greatly.