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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 > Sidi's Profile
Sidi's family
Sidi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
38
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($474 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had no new goals when I received this transfer as the goal was to complete the projects that I had started with the money from the first transfer. I wanted to complete the house that is sizeable enough to be used as a kitchen and where people can sleep as well. The other part of the transfer was to go to the day-to-day activities and expenditure, especially buying water because we have to travel very far to fetch water ourselves.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, in my opinion, is doing everything right and well especially the assistance it gave to me. I am so grateful and I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Completing the house is the thing that took most of my transfer because I spent a total of KES20000 for the remaining materials and labor charges. I prioritized this because I wanted a house that could serve as both a kitchen and somewhere to sleep too since there was not much money to construct two houses or separate ones for the kitchen and somewhere to sleep. The one I built is, therefore, a good size for both. This makes me so happy and grateful, as it was something that I had wanted for so long. I also kept aside KES10000 for my school children to get transport to and from school when it is time for holidays or half-term breaks because whenever they have to travel, money is needed and I neither want them to be stranded at school nor at home. Their education is an investment too because I know they will be able to take care of me in my old age.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I vividly remember I was at my maternal home where I had gone to seek assistance because of my illness. I heard the message alert on my phone. I was with my brother who confirmed that I had received the transfer. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer that would change the life of my family for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a better life free from frustrations after clearing the school fee arrears of my 2 children who are in form 4. They are currently focusing on their studies without any interruption due to fees. I am optimistic that they will score better grades.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to clear the school fee arrears of my 2 children who are in form 4. This is because they were often sent home because of fee balances something that frustrated me as a parent. Being their final year in secondary school, my desire has been for them to concentrate on their studies so that they may score the best grades. In addition, I bought 4 more goats for KES 11,000 to boost my goats rearing a reliable source of income for the family. I also purchased a door for my house since I was living in it without a door something that was risky at night. The remaining amount assist me in purchasing sufficient food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means good education to my three children. I have two children in high school . They are in form 3 and have a school balance of Ksh.16000. I have no job I do only subsistence farming and my husband is a caretaker at Delivarence church in Mariakani and he earns only Ksh.5000 per month. He cannot afford paying the school fees. Getting the money will ensure that I clear the balance and pay all the school fees for the fourth which is Ksh.33000 for all the two children. I will use the remaining amount to buy a door for my house and change my house from muddy to a permanent one.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest Part is in the morning when I prepare and send off my children to school. Am happy when I see them going to school every morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I lost my first and second children in 1987 and 1989 respectively. I thought that was the end of my life because loosing a child at that young age is something very hard to bear. That is the biggest hardship I faced in life.