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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 > Sharon's Profile
Sharon's family
Sharon
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($512 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before GiveDirectly came, we were staying at my parent's in-law house. As a result, they could dictate us on how they expected us to live in their house which was very demoralizing to me. I had the challenge of raising money to meet this dream of owning a home because my income catered mainly for my family's needs and overrode the savings factor. I am glad through GiveDirectly's transfers I now own a decent house that my family can put their heads in. Therefore, my savings which I intended to use in building this house, I have spent on furthering my studies. I have enrolled in a teaching course at the university. I am hopeful for am increment in my salary after completing this course.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well through giving a standard amount of money to the beneficiaries in my society because this enhanced equality amongst the village members. The fact that the money was unconditional gave the beneficiaries freedom of spending their money without worrying of repaying it at a later time.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the larger part of my second transfer to complete building a timbers house that I had commenced it's construction with the first bunch of money . I am very happy since I have my own house ,for instance , my parent's in law will no longer come to dictate us anymore like they used to when we were staying in their house. I bought a solar and battery worth 10,000 KES. The remaining amount I bought food for my family's consumption.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Seeing the new house that is currently unfolding in our home, courtesy of GiveDirectly, is the biggest difference in my daily life. It would have taken up to five years of struggle to raise funds little by little so as to build the house. Thank you for the funds.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the funds from GiveDirectly at around 3 AM; and I was happy to see the notification message.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The first transfer that GiveDirectly sent me enabled us to buy building materials for a house. We have been living in a thatched one that is old. Our parents had given it to us when we got married. We are building a wooden one with iron roofing. We are happy and grateful for this because we never thought we will build one this soon.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a lot to me.We do not have a cow and have always had to buy milk for our young children and this strains us financially.With it,I will be able to buy a cow
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning.This is the time when I wake up ready to focus on my duties for the day.Waking up healthy is not guaranteed therefore I thank God and are happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I completed my Secondary education in 2014 and passed the national examination with a grade that was eligible for a college/University course.However,my parents could not raise college fees and I ended up not furthering my education.This to me is the biggest hardship i have faced in my life