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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Collins's Profile
Collins's family
Collins
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($526 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before we were enrolled by Give Directly, my father struggled a lot to pay school fees for me and my five siblings in school. We are at different levels of education with some in college, some in high school and primary school which means a lot of money that was not easy for my father to raise. With the transfer, we were able to clear our fee for the year which means that we will now comfortably stay in school full time without being sent home for delayed fee payments. We have also made some investments that will help make things easier in future such as purchasing a dairy cow that will later produce milk that can be sold for family income and improving on farming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the amount that is given by Give Directly is a reasonable amount that if spent wisely can really change someone's life and lift them from poverty. I am impressed by the organization for thinking deeply and arriving at that figure which I think is still reasonable in this economy.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Most of the second transfer was used to pay my college fees and school fees for my siblings in high school. Some of it was used in farming by hiring labourers to prepare the farm and for buying of seeds and fertilizer used during plantation. I gave some of the money to my father as the head of the family for his own use then spent the remaining amount on foodstuff and personal needs such as clothing.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is obtaining assets such as two goats which in the near future will be very helpful. The assets will help me to cater to emergencies that may arise such as hospital bills. secondly, I appreciate the fact that I am in college at the moment studying without any fear of being sent home for arrears because part of the college fees was settled with GiveDirectly's transfers.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received money from GiveDirectly in the morning . I felt very happy because getting financial assistance like I did it is always an honor and relief since it happens in rare occasions. Thereafter we sat as a family and planned on how best to use the money through factoring pressing needs first .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Paying school fees for five children at ago has been a great challenge in my family hence I spent part of my first transfer to pay school fees for my brother who is in a boarding primary school and my college fees as well . I bought school stationery , clothes and food for my family's consumption . I also acquired two goats with the remaining amount .
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My brother is finishing his secondary school examination this week. When he comes home, what better to keep him busy and give him a sense of responsibility than looking after a dairy cow? This is going to cost about $300 from the first transfer. I will also use some amount to buy food for my siblings and some for my up keep in college come January semester.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When my parents divorced, they divided the children between themselves. Three of my young siblings are with my mother. When they come over to visit, the reunion is overwhelming. This makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since my parents divorced 6 years ago, growing up in a dysfunctional family set up has taken a toll on me. Besides psychological torture and dwindled academic performance, my heart has been consumed with bitterness so much so that I do not enjoy being at home.