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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Sharlet's Profile
Sharlet's family
Sharlet
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main focus is on building a brighter future for myself and my family through entrepreneurship. My aspiration is to start a retail shop, a dream that is not too far off as my current business is picking up and showing promising signs of success. With each profitable venture, I am determined to diligently save and reinvest those earnings into my retail shop venture. I believe that by carefully nurturing my business and making wise decisions, I can create a thriving retail store that caters to the needs of our community. This endeavor is not just about financial gain; it is about achieving independence and creating a legacy that can support my loved ones for years to come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The organization has been an absolute lifesaver for me. With their unconditional cash transfer, I now have a source of income that I couldn't have imagined before. Without their support, I would still be struggling, not knowing where to turn for help. But with the financial assistance they provided, I can take care of my family's immediate needs and even consider opportunities to invest in my future. GiveDirectly has truly done a remarkable job of helping people like me gain financial stability and hope for a better tomorrow. I am incredibly grateful for their generosity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to take a significant step towards financial independence. Using part of my second transfer, I decided to invest in a business selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and chapatis. I already had stalls that I had built with the first transfer, so this new venture was the perfect addition. I spent around $120 to kickstart the business, ensuring I had a wide variety of products to attract customers. This decision filled me with excitement and determination, as I knew it could provide a stable income for my family and me. On the other hand, Education was a priority, and I used $100 from the transfer to pay for my son's kindergarten fees. I firmly believed in giving my children the best opportunities, and providing them with a good education was paramount. Additionally, I invested in our self-esteem and well-being by purchasing new clothes for myself and my two children. The old torn garments had affected our confidence, but now we could hold our heads high and face the world with renewed self-assurance. Lastly, I made sure to purchase enough food to sustain my four family members. Although my spouse worked as a mechanic, his income was not always steady. The unconditional cash transfer provided us with the means to meet our basic needs and allowed us to look forward to a more stable and secure future, with the business venture offering a potential source of stability.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($425 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day I received my transfer, I was down financially. I had not done any casual job to expect any wage. There was only a little flour that I could use for a single meal with my household members. I did not know that I would receive any cash. When I was in the kitchen attending to my household chores, I suddenly received a Mpesa alert. Because I could not hold back my joy, I hurriedly called and informed my husband about that fortune moment since he was not around because he works away from home. When he received the good news, he was equally happy about it. I just concluded that my hour of elevation had come and I would venture into business with a portion of that transfer. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Previously, my family was always struggling financially since my husband was the sole breadwinner. However, his income was insufficient for my family's educational and nutritional needs. Occasionally, we could not have food due to such hard times. Unfortunately, I had postponed enrolling my firstborn daughter in school last year because of our enormous struggles. I am glad that currently, I have been able to stock food. In addition, my daughter got admission to school courtesy of the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Owing to the current drought and famine ravaging the country, I prioritized spending $200 on food. Foodstuff acquired could take my family for over two months. My family is relatively small, with just four members. In addition, I spent $140 on building small kiosks for business. I had desired to start a business, but this could not work out because we were always financially challenged. Once it is complete, I shall begin selling vegetables in it. I am optimistic it will be an alternative source of income. As a result, I shall be able to realize additional income. It will enable me to venture into other opportunities, such as raising livestock.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members with two being children. My husband works at Mariakani as a mechanic earning approximately $200 per month. I do subsistence farming though it is four years now without rain in our village. This has affected agriculture in our area. The money from the husband caters for food only though it is not enough for the whole month. Sometimes the family goes without food. I will use $600 to buy 20 goats as an investment. This will help me pay school fees for my children when they join secondary school. I will also use $400 to start a business of selling omena in the village. The market is good and no one provides such a commodity in the village. I intend to make a profit of $60 every month. I appreciate Givedirectly for the program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family last had delicious food like chapati and rice last year 1st January. On 1st January 2023 , my husband brought shopping for the new year festival. The family enjoyed chapati and rice plus drinks. That made me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a mechanic at Mariakani and I do subsistence farming. He earns $200 per month which mostly caters for food and rent at the house he lives at Mariakani. It is four years now without getting any harvest due to lack of rain. The drought has caused famine such that my family takes one meal per day. My children have grown weak something that has affected me psychologically.