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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 > Rukia's Profile
Rukia's family
Rukia
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
48
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($373 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?
As I look forward to the coming year and beyond, my key focus remains on my farming activities. Tending to the land and nurturing my crops has always been my passion, and I believe it holds the key to a fulfilling and sustainable future. With dedication and hard work, I hope to not only improve the productivity of my farm but also explore innovative techniques to make it more environmentally friendly. Beyond the immediate future, I envision my farm becoming a source of prosperity not only for myself but also for the community around me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am incredibly grateful for what GiveDirectly has done for my family. The unconditional money they provided has been a lifeline, allowing me to fulfill my dreams for my children's education. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I can now afford to send my children to secondary school. Without their help, my children wouldn't have had the chance to pursue higher education and build a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the last transfer, the first thing I did was buy an ample supply of food, addressing a major concern that had haunted our household for far too long. No longer would we have to endure days without proper meals, which had taken a toll on our health and well-being. With our stomachs filled and our energy restored, I shifted my focus to the land we owned. Utilizing $200, I invested in preparing the four acres of land I had. For too long, I toiled with my bare hands to cultivate, limiting the area I could farm and resulting in disappointing harvests. But now, with the financial means, I have acquired the necessary tools and equipment, ensuring that I can fully utilize my land and secure the promise of bountiful harvests in the future. Additionally,I knew that our safety and shelter were also paramount. With weak walls that could collapse at any time, both my house and my children's required urgent renovations. Allocating $150, I bought bags of cement and bricks to strengthen the structures and make them safer for everyone. As a responsible mother, I also ensured that my children's education was not compromised. I paid the school fees of $50 for my four children in grades two, six, and four. I believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. With a family of nine, including my spouse, who works as a casual laborer while I depend on farming activities, the unconditional cash transfer brought relief and hope for my entire family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($432 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
After eating my evening meal, I was about to leave for prayers at 8 o'clock when my daughter brought my phone to me from the charging station. A message appeared as soon as I turned it on. When I opened it to see what it was about, I was delighted to see that it was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart melted with joy and gratitude at getting such a sizable sum of money all at once, knowing that some of the things I had been unable to do because of a lack of funds would be taken care of.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am appreciative of GiveDirectly for the assistance it provided. Things were initially heading in the wrong direction since I was unable to feed my children and pay their school fees at the same time. Owing to the transfer, we used to go up to two days a week without meals. Unlike before, my family now has access to food. My kids are back in school once more after utilizing the GiveDirectly transfer to cover their tuition costs. I'm appreciative of that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a mother of 13 children has not been an easy path to provide for them. With my ailing spouse, I turned out to be the sole breadwinner of the family. Since I depended on peasant farming, I had to change to casual labor because, for the last three years, we have not seen rain in our area. Out of the 13 children, six completed elementary school but I could not afford to take them to secondary school; thus they ventured into casual labor to fend for themselves. Three of the remaining seven children are in secondary school while four are in primary school. When I received the transfer, I opted to settle the accrued fee arrears for my children which made them miss out on the end-year examination last year. I paid $300 for the secondary school children and $100 for the primary school children. Since hunger was a bigger challenge, I used $75 to buy a 90kg sack of maize and $25 for a 25kg sack of rice. I did this so that my children could have access to food at home. For the remaining amount, I saved it for family emergencies.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have many responsibilities as a mother and with this money, I intend to ensure my children's education is fully supported. This means a big share of my transfer $500 will sort my 3 children's fee arrears to enable them to have ample time in class once schools open, hence, better performance. In addition, I will spend $10 to start vending vegetables within the village, a job that will earn me income to continue supporting them in school. The remaining amount will help me to repair my children's house because its current status is not worthy for them. Also, I will construct a toilet to avoid going to the bush, a situation that will promote good hygiene for my environment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My new permanent house! In November last year, I was able to occupy my house which I had constructed for almost 2 years now. Although it's not fully complete, I am equally happy to have a house that I can call home for my family as well as to welcome visitors. Therefore, I consider this house as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Subsistence farming which is my main source of livelihood has been greatly affected by the prolonged drought. To make ends meet, my husband takes up plumbing jobs around the village whenever there is a need. Since it is inconsistent, I cannot account for his income but on a good day, he gets up to $5. This amount is not sufficient to meet the needs of a family of 10 hence we struggle to get food and school fees. My family is facing a financial crisis which stands out to be my main challenge.