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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 > Joel's Profile
Joel's family
Joel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
72
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes i am now able to pay school fees for my children who are in highschool and primary,one is a candidate this year and the other a candidate next year They do well in school and i am hopeful they will pass
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
N/A
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid school fees 30,000 for two children and 20 thousand bought a cow which i intent to get milk from and sell surplus for other daily expenses
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the farm tending to some crops when one of my neighbors came and informed me that GiveDirectly had started sending the promised money to people. I quickly rushed back home and after my helper confirmed the receipt, I became so happy and requested him to get ready so that he would help me cash it out the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was living a life full of stress as I had loans from different people and my son needed his fees cleared so that he would be allowed to sit for his end of semester examinations. I had no other way of clearing his fee arrears and I was contemplating selling a piece of land. Currently, I live a stress-free life since I was able to clear his school fees for this year without selling any of my assets. My family is grateful to GiveDirectly for the timely support that helped us transform our lives for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Construction of an iron-roofed house was my priority when planning on how I would spend my transfer once I received it. After receiving the transfer, I spent a good amount on purchasing all building materials inclusive of labor. Our current house will serve as a kitchen once we move into our newly completed house. Using the remaining amount, I bought food, clothes and other household necessities for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to pay school fees for my child in university. To give him a good life in the future, I desire to educate him to the highest level. He currently, needs about KES 30, 000 in order to be allowed to sit an exam. I will then use the rest of the money to improve my home . I will paint my roof to protect it from rusting. I will also add another room and rebuild a sheep pen. This money will bring a lot of stability to my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is during the day. I enjoy spending time to pay attention to my farm. I look after chicken , sheep and cows. It makes me happy to see them healthy and productive, assuaring me of an income to spend on the household needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
School fees for my child worries me a lot. I retired from working as a mason, cutting out all the KES 15000 income I used to earn per month.Therefore I rely on subsistence farming and livestock keeping. The income is about KES 100 per day, only enough for food.