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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 > Furaha's Profile
Furaha's family
Furaha
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($378 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If our motorbike transport venture proves successful, I aim to diversify our investments to secure our family's future and prevent reverting to our previous state. I have an idea to establish a small kiosk at our home, offering fruits and vegetables to our neighbors, thus creating an additional source of income for our family of four.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am deeply thankful for the no-strings-attached cash transfer from Give Directly, which has bolstered our confidence and strengthened our bonds with the community. Being able to interact openly and with self-assurance after a period of strained relationships due to debts has been incredibly fulfilling. This transformation wouldn't have been feasible without the support from Give Directly's generous transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got my second payment from Give Directly, which turned out to be the final one, I knew I had to strategize carefully to ensure a sustainable source of income for my family. I wanted to make sure we could meet our daily needs without falling into a cycle of debt. With this goal in mind, I invested $490 in a used motorbike to kickstart a transportation business, with my husband overseeing its operations. I also spent the remaining $60 to purchase two young goats, which will allow me to engage in goat farming while staying at home
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($390 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
In the midst of a bustling hotel business, attending to my guests and ensuring their utmost satisfaction, I suddenly heard the familiar sound of a notification. Curiosity piqued, I excused myself momentarily and retreated to the cozy corner where I often found solace during rare moments of respite. As I gazed at the illuminated screen of my phone, a message unfolded before my eyes, carrying with it a wave of unexpected joy. It was a message that held the promise of a long-awaited dream finally coming to fruition. The message spoke of a tailoring machine, a magical contraption that would breathe life into my creative aspirations. Memories flooded my mind, tracing back to the days when I had diligently honed my skills at the polytechnic, delving into the art of clothes designing. But alas, the practicality of owning a tailoring machine had always eluded me, weighed down by the burden of limited finances. Yet, in that very moment, the tides of fate seemed to shift. A surge of anticipation and hope surged through my veins, igniting a spark that had been dormant for far too long. With a tailoring machine at my disposal, I could bring my artistic visions to life. The barriers that once confined my dreams were crumbling, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embark on a journey of creativity and entrepreneurship. With a grateful heart, I paused to reflect on the path that led me to this moment.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Now equipped with a tailoring machine and unexpected goats, I found myself in a much better place than I had ever imagined. It was a remarkable turn of events that filled me with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the future. With the tailoring machine at my disposal, I had the means to turn my skills and creativity into a source of income. I could design and sew beautiful clothes, bringing joy to customers and financial stability to my family. It was a dream come true, as I could now channel my passion into a viable business venture. But the surprises didn't end there. The acquisition of goats, which I hadn't foreseen, brought additional opportunities for financial growth. I realized that these goats could provide a steady income stream through their offspring or by selling their milk. This transformation had a profound impact on my well-being. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that my efforts would directly contribute to the betterment of my family's life. The financial burdens that once weighed me down were gradually lifting, replaced by a newfound. optimism and determination.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a tailoring machine for $200. But there was a problem, we lived in a small room with my family of five. So, I decided to make things better. I set out to build two more rooms, which cost me another $200. It was a lot of money, but I knew it would be worth it. To add to the transfers, I bought a goat for $50. I figured I could sell its young ones or use its milk to make some extra money. It was a smart investment that would help us in the long run. Comfort was also important to us. With $50 left, I bought a new mattress. It would make our sleep much better and give us more energy for the day ahead. Plus, everyone deserves a good night's rest. Lastly, I had to think about food. I spent $50 to buy enough food for my family. It was important to keep our bellies full and stay healthy. All these decisions were about improving our lives, one step at a time. It wasn't easy managing the money, but I did my best. And with each purchase, I could see a brighter future for my family, I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the brilliant thought of helping the needy, We were on the path to a better life, and I was determined to make it happen.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
What a blessing to welcome GiveDirectly to our village! This came to me as a miracle because, for a long time, I have remained jobless despite having skills in dress-making. Due to the lack of money, I currently decided to do casual jobs to support myself. As a trained tailor, I have felt so painful to find myself not utilizing my skills. With this money, I intend to purchase a sewing machine which will cost me utmost of $200. This will enable me to have an opportunity to fully utilize my skills since I will rent a small room as my working place. A big portion of this transfer will help me to construct a decent house because the current one is grass-thatched and it's half-open at the roof. This will cost me $500 to make it come true. The remaining amount will help me to buy a new modern bed and a mattress since we currently spend our nights on the floor. Achieving these will mean a better livelihood and hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Early in April this year, I was lucky to find a job as a waiter in a certain local cafe in our nearby town. This was a huge blessing to me because I have lived for 2 years without a job. Although the income from this job is low, ($1.5) per day, I am so happy to have this work. I am currently able to buy food in case my husband fails to send us money. In addition, my children are getting at least two meals a day and I am so optimistic about improving our health status. Hence, this job has been the greatest source of joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My source of income! Currently, I work as a waiter in a small hotel in our nearby town center. This work earns me $1.5 per day, an income that can not fully cater to our household's needs. This has pushed me to mostly depend on my husband who is a casual laborer. His monthly salary is usually $100, an income that goes into supporting our extended family of 10. This burden has made us live a life of misery and I can not afford to have a decent house. In addition, my children are also weak health-wise because we normally forfeit meals or survive on one in a day. Thus, I consider the lack of a stable source of income as my biggest challenge.