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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Lucy's Profile
Lucy's family
Lucy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
58
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($374 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have four children, and ensuring they get an education has always been my dream. But the burden of accumulated school fees arrears had been weighing on my shoulders for far too long. Thanks to GiveDirectly's cash transfer, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. My eldest child is in college, and with $100, I paid his fees. My second child is in secondary school, and I used another $100 to cover her expenses. As for my two little ones in primary school, I managed to pay $20 each for their fees. It brought tears of joy to my eyes seeing them settle back in school, learning and dreaming of a brighter future. With a portion of the remaining money, I decided to invest in our future. I bought three goats for $120, knowing they could provide us with an income down the line. It's a step towards the financial stability I've been longing for. Finally, I used the rest of the cash to do something special for my family. I bought some much-needed clothes for the kids and stocked up on food. This allowed me to take a break from the tiring work of charcoal burning and put nutritious meals on the table. The relief and happiness I feel are beyond words. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my children's education is secure, and we have hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was one of the lucky recipients of GiveDirectly's financial assistance, and I must say, this organization is truly remarkable. Their support didn't just help me; it empowered our entire community. The way they handled their operations was seamless, and there were no shortcomings in their approach. GiveDirectly has not only made a difference in my life but has also given me hope for a brighter future. Their commitment to helping unconditionally is evident, and I'm incredibly grateful for the positive impact they've had on our community.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal, if I ever come into some money, is to ensure that I provide my children with the best education possible. I aspire to offer them a solid educational foundation, one that will serve as a valuable inheritance, enabling them to stand on their own feet and thrive in the future. Education, to me, is the greatest gift I can bestow upon them, empowering them to chase their dreams and become self-reliant individuals in the years ahead.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($388 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the unconditional cash transfers, my life took a hopeful turn. Being a widow and relying on charcoal sales was a constant struggle, especially when it came to paying for my children's education. However, the transfer provided a much-needed lifeline. With the money, I prioritized my children's education by paying their school fees. My eldest, studying in college, required $150, while my second child in secondary school needed $100 while my younger two children in primary school, required $90, ensuring they all remained in school, opening doors for a brighter future. Recognizing the importance of building a sustainable future, I invested by purchasing two goats for $60. Goats are known for their rapid reproduction, giving me the potential to sell their offspring for additional income if the need arises. This investment provided me with a sense of security and the opportunity to generate income in the long run. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family, alleviating some of the constant worry about putting meals on the table. With the combination of improved education prospects and a small investment, I am filled with gratitude for the positive impact that the unconditional cash transfer has made on our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. I witnessed the immediate impact it had on my family's well-being. With the financial burden lifted, my children can now attend school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Education has become their gateway to a better future. Moreover, the cash transfer empowered me to embark on a livestock-keeping investment, a venture that promises long-term security for my family. Now, with each passing day, I can see a brighter path unfolding before us, one that was made possible by the generosity and support of GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions as I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was knee-deep in the fields, tending to my crops when my phone buzzed. Exhausted and curious, with my limited literacy skills I entrusted my helper to read the message for me, hoping it was the long-awaited confirmation. When she confirmed that the promised cash had indeed arrived, a surge of joy flooded through me. It was an overwhelming feeling, knowing that I had received a substantial amount of money all at once. It brought hope and possibilities, igniting a spark of optimism within me for a brighter future.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial problems is the challenge I am currently facing. I am a widow living with four children. They are all schooling. Two at college, one at secondary and one at primary school. Raising school fees and buying food for this family is a challenge given the fact that I have no job only relying on casual work.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It has been long since we received rain in our village. On March this year we received a lot of rain and my agricultural products are doing well. I planted maize and beans on my two acres of land. This will help me have food for my family and only struggle with the school fees.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My husband died ten years ago and left me with a burden of bringing up the family alone. I have four children who are all schooling. Two in college, one at secondary and one at primary school. I do casual jobs earning approximately $40 per month which caters for food and school fees. The two at college have fees balance of $400 , the one at secondary has a fees balance of $100 and the one at primary has fees balance of $50. I am really struggling in life. I will use $600 to clear school fees for the children so that they can settle at school and improve on their performances. I will also use $ 400 to buy eight goats as an investment. This will help me raise money for my primary school child once he joins secondary school.