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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 > Chelagat's Profile
Chelagat's family
Chelagat
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
66
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($300 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming years, my primary focus will be on agricultural endeavors. With the advantage of owning a two-acre piece of land situated alongside a river, my aim is to enhance its productivity. I intend to invest in a generator, a crucial tool that will facilitate efficient water pumping and irrigation. This strategic move will allow me to cultivate both maize and beans, not just for sustenance but with a keen eye on commercial gains. By ensuring a steady supply of food for my family of five, I aspire to meet our daily nutritional needs. Moreover, the surplus harvest will serve a dual purpose: providing financial support for my children's education while contributing to the local market. This holistic approach not only secures our immediate needs but also paves the way for a brighter future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate GD for providing the transfer without any restrictions. This freedom allowed us to address urgent needs effectively. I am particularly grateful because the transfer came to our rescue during a period of drought, enabling us to secure food for our family when hunger loomed large. Additionally, I am proud to say that the transfer made me the owner of a cow. This remarkable animal not only provides milk for our household but also serves as a source of income through commercial sales. This newfound asset has brought a sense of pride and stability to our lives, all thanks to the support from GD.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Embracing cattle rearing as my passion, I faced severe setbacks when I lost 30 cows to drought within just two years. The financial strain pushed me to sell the remaining cattle to fund my children's education. However, the third transfer reignited my dream. With the entire sum of $450, further supplemented to $530, I invested in a cross-breed cow and its calf. This strategic decision not only ensures a daily supply of milk for my family, alleviating the burden of purchasing it, but also generates additional income. I now sell surplus milk to my neighbor, earning $1 daily. Furthermore, in my heart, I hold the dream of the cow multiplying, bringing forth offspring that I can sell in the future. These sales will play a pivotal role in securing my children's education, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. This prospect fills me with hope and determination, motivating me to care for these animals with unwavering dedication.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($311 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to enclose my entire plot of land with a fence to facilitate the expansion of my farming activities. I am confident that this endeavor would enhance our financial situation, subsequently contributing significantly to covering my children's school fees. To transform this dream into a reality, I intend to utilize my third transfer specifically for the purpose of fencing.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support provided by GiveDirectly played a significant role in enhancing our living conditions. We were thoroughly briefed on the program's objectives and granted the freedom to decide how to utilize the funds. From my perspective, the organization's aid has played a vital role in elevating the quality of life for individuals within my community. The absence of strings attached allowed individuals to allocate the money to their specific needs. To date, I have not identified any shortcomings or areas that require correction.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving funds from GiveDirectly was like the realization of a long-held dream. I rely on animal trading for my livelihood, and my wife is a farmer. Our family comprises seven children. Among my aspirations was to fence my land, a vision I had nurtured in order to cultivate comfortably without animals encroaching. However, financial limitations hindered this ambition, given that my earnings barely covered our basic needs. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was finally able to erect the desired fence around my land. I spent$220 for this purpose. Following that, I invested $150 in acquiring three goats. The remaining funds were directed towards securing food supplies, lifting the weight of uncertainty about our next meal off my shoulders. The impact of this cash transfer on my life has been profound, and my gratitude towards GiveDirectly's generosity knows no bounds. It facilitated the fulfillment of my dreams and improved the quality of life for both me and my children.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($143 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At around 3:00 pm, while busy tending to my maize on the farm, I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My family was with me during that moment, and I didn't waste any time in sharing the news with them after confirming it. Filled with excitement, we headed home to begin discussing and making plans for how we would spend the funds, as there were many things we needed even though we could not collect the money right away but had to wait till the following morning.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my daily life since receiving the initial transfer has been the ability to purchase an adequate supply of food for my family. Previously, we faced immense challenges in securing enough food as my small business yielded minimal profits, leaving us unable to meet all our household expenses. However, after receiving the transfer, the relief of waking up each day without the worry of how my family will be fed has made the most notable impact on my daily routine.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the first payment of $200 from GiveDirectly, I decided to spend it to benefit my family. I spent the majority of the money, $152, to purchase essential food items. I bought a sack of dry maize grains, 20kg of beans, and sugar, ensuring that my family of three would have an ample food supply. This provision is crucial for our well-being and will hopefully sustain us for about a month before we need to restock. In addition,I spent $30 to clear the hospital bill for my son, who was unwell at the time. This amount covered the expenses for medication and the necessary check-ups. I am grateful that my son has now recovered and is in good health. The remaining $18 went to transportation costs, enabling us to travel to and from the hospital as well as make frequent visits to the nearby shopping center for various needs. Through these expenditures, I prioritized the immediate needs of my family, addressing both health concerns and essential provisions, ultimately bringing a sense of relief and contentment to our lives. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the generous support, and looking forward to initiating new projects using the subsequent transfers.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since I lost my cows due to drought, I plan to use the transfers to manage future unexpected droughts. I will use about $750 of the transfers to erect a fence across my farm. This will ensure that my livestock has enough controlled grazing. In addition, I plan to grow grass which will be used in extreme drought conditions to feed the livestock. For the amount that will remain, I plan to purchase food and other household products. These transfers will change our lives for sure.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness has come from two weeks ago. This joy has come as a result of the rains. We've not had such rains for the past two years and its coming has brought happiness not only to me but my entire household. At least we don't have to worry about water shortage. I'm very happy and thankful to God.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I'm faced with at the moment is the lack of food. We've not had rain for the past 2 years which has led to prolonged drought. Because of this, I have lost 30 cows which were my only source of income. The loss of my cows has made life very difficult for me and my family since we cannot afford food and we are forced to take one or two meals each day.