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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 > Joan's Profile
Joan's family
Joan
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has dramatically improved after receiving the transfer. Precisely, I am much relieved of the otherwise usual tedious casual jobs that I used to handle to gain income for feeding, educating, and providing for my children. As a single mother and parent to my children yet I have no formal job or a reliable source of income, life has been almost unbearable. Thanks GiveDirectly for the support because nowadays I tend to retire bed feeling less tired but more satisfied since my children are eating well and have ample study time. Currently, I am taking care of our cow that provides us with milk for consumption and sale of any surpluses; a practice that is less tiresome.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by not discriminating against or favoring anyone in the village. Instead, GiveDirectly enrolls all the needy and legit residents of a village. This ensures peace and satisfaction prevail in the village. I find nothing that the organization does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used 30, 000 shillings of my second transfer on buying a dairy cow since it had become costly for us to purchase milk daily. We usually consume milk each day either on its raw status or by preparing tea. As a relatively large family, we used to spend almost a dollar daily on milk. Besides, I utilized 15, 000 shillings on paying school fees and clearing arrears for my three children who are at secondary schools to have ample study time. They used to miss classes when sent home to collect pending fees. I spent the remainder on buying more food for my family since we had no stock in our store.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 12pm while in the farm when I heard neighbors joyfully acknowledging receipt of GD transfers and had left the phone charging in my house. I in turn immediately send my son to check the transfers who confirmed that I had received the money and we immediately ended the day's work. That same we went to the nearest MoMo agents but were unsuccessful because there was no more money until the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building house for my teenage boys who are now considered grown ups. For the past three years, I had started saving towards building a house for them but it always ended up in payment of school fees and household needs. I am also happy because I have bought two goats which are now a source of milk and this has helped reduced milk buying costs. I'm also glad that I have settled school fees for my kids which was quite difficult before because I used to rely on maize, beans and casual labor. Initially, I used to stress up on school fees but now I am more relaxed than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 of my transfer on building a 24 Iron roofed house semi permanent house because my teenage son's didn't have a house to live in. I also spent KES 7000 on two goats because they will be source of milk in the near future.I also spent KES 10,000 on latest school uniforms and home clothing contrary to before when I used to put on second hand clothes. I also spent KES 6000 on payment of school fees for my kids in primary and high school because I am a single mom and it's been a struggle for me to pay school fees.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow who depends on farming for an income.My first priority once I receive this money is to accomplish unfinished two roomed house and renovate my leaking kitchen, I will buy 14 pieces of iron sheets at the cost of 500 shillings each.Am planning also to have a long term investment projects and I intend to buy 6 goats at 30000 shillings each which will translate to 18000 shillings.This will be a great income to cater for my household needs like food,medical and also pay school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day begins as early as 6 am. I start with my daily house chores before I proceed to my farm either weeding or digging. I felt so tired of these manual jobs, I only find my happiness in the evening when I return home to rest and meet my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have face is a lack of income. I rely on farming eg maize plantation at my two-acre farm. It is not productive enough due to the prolonged drought we are facing in our region. I can only harvest 3 bags in a good season which will only sustain us for 3 months in a year, for the good part of the year I will have to buy food. It has been hard to cater for my family especially providing food and paying school fees to my two children at the secondary level.