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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.
Stages:
 
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:
63
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($518 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is very different from how it was because I have achieved my dream though not all but a larger number. This was made possible with the transfers received. I now own livestock, I am farming both for domestic and commercial purposes, and I have been able to purchase utensils and foodstuff for my household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I did love the work that GD did in my community. I had never imagined myself owning livestock but now I do. It made many people dream again. Keep up with the splendid work of touching the lives and hearts of many.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent some amount to pay school fees for my children. This was a priority because they had been sent home for school fees. I went ahead and added the number of livestock that I had by purchasing nine goats. This will act as a security in case I face financial emergencies. My house needed repairs and I saw the need to repair it given that I had the money at hand. The remaining amount was used on utensils and foodstuffs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($529 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest for me I would say is that I have been able to buy the cow which of course will generate milk in plenty in the near future. I also made sure that my grandchild's fee balances weer all cleared so he now has the opportunity to carry on with his studies with minimal interference. Finally, I feel that the financial burden I have been experiencing in the past was significantly reduced because I no longer strain excessively in getting some of the resources such as water supply which has so far proved to be an elusive commodity in this locality.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy when I got the cash from the organization. On that day, We were just sitting in the house with my family reminiscing how the day had been for us and then all of us there was a message notification on the phone, so I when I checked I saw that it was a message from Give Directly indicating that I had received fifty-five thousand shillings. To be honest, I must say that I wads very happy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used the money to buy one cow which was sold to me at a cost of Kes 25000. The main reason as to why I bought the cow was because I expect it to give birth in the future and once it does that, then I will be able to get a good supply of milk. Apart from that, I also paid school fees for my grandchild who had arrears that I had to offset in good time in order for him to be allowed to continue with his studies. I also used a portion of the money to offset some of my debts I owed to my creditors, so I opted to use the transfers to offset the debts. The rest went into buying food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Subsistence farming is my main source of livelihood but it is not sustainable because of inconsistent rainfall. To supplement this, I burn charcoal but still it is not enough. Having a stable source of income is something that I have always desired to achieve. In this regard, I will purchase two dairy cows that will mean a constant milk supply in my village. Besides, I will renovate my house which has a leaking roof and damaged walls.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a Christian, I believe that God has an answer to all worries. This has made me dedicate my time to Him and I always pray for my family in the evening. This helps to reduce my stress because I have hope for better days, something which makes me extremely happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My Son got sick over 20 years ago, a condition that has made him run mad. I spent all my financial resources to seek medical care but I did not succeed. This situation stressed me a lot that I fell into depression, which has resulted into hypertension. Since then, I have not gotten back to shape and I am struggling too much to provide for my family.