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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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Newsfeed > Zakayo's Profile
Zakayo's family
Zakayo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($300 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My deepest aspiration is to fulfill my dream of providing the means to raise the fees required for my children to pursue their educational dreams. I firmly believe that education is the key to a brighter future, and I am committed to ensuring that my children have every opportunity to reach their full potential. This journey might come with challenges, but the determination to see my children succeed drives me. As I work diligently to secure their educational expenses, I know that with perseverance and unwavering support, they can follow their passions, achieve their goals, and, in turn, build a better life for themselves.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline for me and my family. It's made a world of difference, especially in ensuring my children's education. With the funds they provided, I've been able to pay school fees for my kids without the constant worry and struggle that used to accompany each new term. This support has not only relieved financial burdens but has also given my children a stable and uninterrupted learning environment, which is invaluable for their future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Utilizing the recent cash transfer has brought me a step closer to realizing my dreams and securing my family's future. I used $300 to purchase five goats, something I had yearned for but couldn't afford on our meager earnings from odd jobs. Both my wife and I rely on these unpredictable sources of income, and saving for the future is often a distant dream. The decision to invest in goats was a well-thought-out one because they reproduce quickly, and in no time, I'll have a growing herd. This is not just a matter of pride but also a safety net for emergencies. If my children ever face expulsion from school due to unpaid fees, I now have a valuable asset that can be sold to settle their arrears. It's a relief to know that I'm finally building a financial cushion for my family's future. With the remaining amount, I was able to address some immediate concerns. I paid $100 in school fees, ensuring my two sons in university and secondary school could continue their education. The burden of tuition fees had often weighed heavily on my mind, and now I have a sense of peace, knowing that I've contributed to their academic journey. The rest of the money was wisely spent on food for my seven children. The provision of nutritious meals has not only lifted our spirits but also improved their health. It's heartwarming to see them grow healthier and stronger, and it reaffirms my belief that this unconditional cash transfer has brought us closer to a brighter, more secure future.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($313 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?
In the years ahead, my focus is on consistently supporting my children's education by ensuring their fees are paid promptly. To achieve this, I plan to enhance my blacksmith business and also explore opportunities for casual work within the village. This dual approach aims to secure a stable income that will allow me to fulfill my commitment to my children's education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I appreciate the most about GD is the lump sum transfer they provide. The substantial amount allows us to undertake significant projects, and I haven't come across any other organization that offers something similar. This approach has led to remarkable transformations in our village, ranging from improved housing to substantial investments
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had reached a point where I had sold off all my goats to raise funds for my children's education—four of them in secondary school and one pursuing tertiary studies. The recent transfer breathed new life into a long-forgotten project that held significant value to me. I kicked off this project by spending $120 to purchase two goats. This initiative ignites a sense of hope in me as I anticipate their gradual multiplication, which I believe will eventually lead to a stable source of wealth. Out of the amount received, I allocated $144 to ensure a consistent food supply for my family. This measure is especially crucial given the limited earnings from my blacksmith occupation, which barely amount to $50 monthly. Additionally, I dedicated $100 to settle my child's outstanding tertiary education fees since she risked missing her exams due to the arrears. Additionally, I invested $66 in acquiring new clothes and utensils for the family. This not only enhances our appearance but also replaces old, unappealing utensils, significantly improving our daily lives. The remaining portion of the transfer was used to settle a food debt with a local shop. This act not only demonstrates my commitment to fulfilling my obligations but also strengthens trust and ensures continued support during times of financial strain.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($129 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just at home relaxing after the days work when I got the notification, and upon checking, it was a message confirming that I had received the transfer that I had been promised. I was so excited about the news and immediately informed my spouse also celebrated of the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My wife and I normally work as hard as we can to make money and provide for our family's needs, including our kids' food and school costs. I would be working on some crafts to sell in the market and utilize the money I made from those sales to take care of these necessities while she went out to work odd jobs and manual labor. We were able to lighten some of our burdens thanks to the transfer we received through Givedirectly. We were able to purchase food, some kitchenware that we had always wanted but could not afford to buy, and pay some school tuition for our kids. I'm overjoyed and appreciative of Givedirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The cost of employing laborers to till and plant my field came to about $72. The weather hasn't been as healthy, but we're hopeful that it will soon be favorable for our crops. This is being grown in an effort to provide food for domestic consumption because the price of food right now is quite high. From the transfer, more than $50 was spent on food for my family of seven. All five of my children are at various levels of their schooling, and I gave $30 to the child who is currently in the university as a portion of her school fees.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfers have come as a great opportunity for me to better my life and that of my household. I have the plan to start a business with the transfers. The business will involve purchasing goats and selling them at the slaughter and therefore, for the first transfers I plan to purchase two goats at $40 each. For the remaining amount, I plan to pay off my children's school fees which is about 100 dollars. For the second and third transfers, I plan to pay school fees and also boost the business which I will have started with the first transfers. This transfers will greatly change my life for the better since I will not depend anymore on occasional labor and I will also provide better for my family. This transfers will bring me dignity in society.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness with each passing day is having good health. In the past six months, we've not had to seek medical assistance and this makes me very delighted and grateful to the almighty. It pleases me to wake up well and be able to do my household chores and casual work for money.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have one major challenge that I'm faced with at the moment and this is the lack of money. I lack enough money to provide for my family's basic needs such as food and also for my 5 children's school fees. I depend fully on casual work which I get occasionally. In addition to this, casual work pays very low since I can only manage to earn 20 dollars each day I get to work. I feel my life is very difficult without enough money.