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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 > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
38
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($313 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my priority is to completely clear the remaining land debt, allowing me to shift my focus to productive farming on that land. I have a plan to implement crop rotation, cultivating both maize and vegetables. This strategy serves both commercial and domestic purposes, with the ultimate goal of enhancing my income. This increased income will play a crucial role in ensuring that I can readily meet the educational expenses of my two children, who will be joining Form One next year for their secondary education. This approach not only enhances our financial stability but also secures a brighter future for my family's education and overall well-being.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The organization's distinctive method of directly sending money to the recipient's account is truly commendable. This approach guarantees that the funds reach those who are genuinely in need, resulting in a remarkable impact on our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three years ago, we invested in a one-acre plot of land located in Kaptombes. However, there remained an outstanding balance of $450 on the payment. With the recent arrival of the third transfer, we strategically decided to allocate $300 from it to reduce the remaining debt. This decision was driven by the landowner's requirement that the debt be settled before we could begin farming on the land. Despite the small amount, I consider this a step forward, and I am satisfied that we are getting closer to paying off the debt. This particular piece of land holds considerable promise due to its proximity to a river. This geographical advantage enables us to engage in irrigation farming, a significant improvement over our current farming location, plagued by salty water that hampers crop growth. Utilizing the remaining portion of the transfer, I procured food for my family of six. Given our dependence on farming as our primary income source, which often falls short of covering various expenses such as school fees and other responsibilities, having an adequate food supply is paramount. Ensuring that young children receive consistent meals is of the utmost importance.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($319 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to expand my farming endeavours into a larger operation, with the aim of increasing my income and ensuring that I can easily meet my children's educational expenses. With the receipt of my third transfer, I am confident that I can turn this dream into a reality. Most importantly, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity that has significantly elevated my living standards.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Throughout the entire process, from initial enrollment to the final stages, the organization's operations were executed flawlessly. We were provided with guidance on how to secure our finances, and every interaction was characterized by a sense of dignity and respect. From the very beginning, we felt that our voices mattered and that we were receiving the utmost level of service. My hope is that the organization will continue to keep us in mind in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, my primary objective was to expand my goat-rearing project. The generous lump sum provided me with an ideal opportunity to do so. Utilizing $300 from the transfer, I purchased six goats. Although I had some goats previously, they, unfortunately, perished during the long drought we experienced last year. As a married mother of five children, my husband and I rely on farming to make ends meet. However, our income is barely sufficient to cover expenses such as school fees and other responsibilities. The assistance received from GiveDirectly proved to be a significant relief, as it boosted my financial situation and allowed me to invest more in goat rearing. For this, I am eternally grateful.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($132 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the confirmation message from GiveDirectly that I had received the first transfer was a positive and exciting experience. At the time, I was in a nearby shopping center, and even though I could not share the news with anyone, it added to the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. I later shared the news with my husband when I got home, who was equally thrilled upon hearing about the transfer. After finalizing plans, I collected the entire amount on the third day, marking the beginning of spending. Overall, the experience of receiving the first transfer was a moment of happiness and provided me with a sense of relief and hope for the future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving the first transfer, the biggest difference in your daily life has been my ability to provide adequate food for my children. The financial support received has allowed me to purchase enough food to meet my family's needs, which had been a challenge before. Additionally, the transfer has enabled me to secure an acre of land, which I am currently preparing for plantation. This new acquisition could potentially provide a source of income and an additional food supply, contributing to an overall improvement in my family's well-being.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Providing enough food for a family of seven has been a significant challenge, and the long-awaited payment that finally landed in my account was a moment of relief and happiness. The first $60 of the transfer was used to purchase a sack of maize, which provided much-needed food for my family. Although I would have preferred to buy more, other pressing needs had to be addressed. Looking towards the future, I used $70 of the transfer to lease an acre of land for maize plantation, which will not only help in food production but also generate additional income upon selling the surplus produce. The remaining amount also enabled me to pay for my two sons' eighth-grade registration fees of $30 each, allowing them to settle in and study well for their final exams. I am grateful for the support received from GiveDirectly and remain hopeful that the subsequent transfers will continue to be helpful.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means a lot to me. First, the money will assist me to buy food for my family. I plan to buy maize, beans, and other household good for 200 dollars. This will ensure that my children have three full meals and also improve their nutrition. In addition to this, I plan to do farming. Through the money, I will be able to hire land and grow maize and tomatoes at 800 dollars. Through this, I will get some food and also money from the sales. This is important because I will be able to provide and make investments such as buying goats and continuing with farming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past six months, the aspect that brought me joy is Christmas. I was very happy during Christmas since we sold a goat and celebrated with my family. It was the happiest moment in the whole year even with the challenges that I'm facing such as lack of food and water.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Drought is the main challenge I'm facing. It has been many years since we have had strong rains and this has greatly affected us. I have to walk for long distances in search of water which is very hard. In addition to this, I'm faced with hunger since our farms and animals are not as productive as they usually are when we have good rains. My children have to stay without food or go with two meals in a day which is not enough for the family.