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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Nicholus's Profile
Nicholus's family
Nicholus
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($319 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm in my final month of college, as I previously stated, and my goal is to become a plant operator. I believe this has the potential to allow me to be independent economically and support my small family, which consists of my wife and son. I'm confident that I will help my generation have a better future with the drive and knowledge I'll gain from college.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to what I saw, GiveDirectly did a very commendable job in my entire village. The whole process, from the enrollment phase to the day we received the cash, was fairly smooth. Each one of us received the same amount of money without discriminating against anyone, including the most vulnerable ones. To me, this will remain the best organization worldwide, so they need not change anything, even in the neighbouring village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I enrolled in college a few months ago to pursue a certificate in plant operation. I spent over $430 as a result because I had a balance that needed to be paid. I am confident that after receiving my papers, I will be suitable for employment. Despite this, I continue to work as a boda boda taxi and attend school as well because my wife and son still depend on me. I can now see some relief after such a difficult time thanks to this support. Even if I was hopeless before, I am quite certain that by investing in school, I am getting much closer to establishing my destiny. Since food insecurity has been a persistent issue as a result of the extended drought in my region, I had to purchase food with the remaining cash.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($339 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As of now, I am satisfied and fulfilled with my accomplishments. Looking ahead to the upcoming year and beyond, I plan to establish a business that will enhance my financial situation. I firmly believe that this goal can be attained by completing college, finding employment, and facilitating the process of raising capital. I am incredibly grateful for the support that has helped raise my standard of living.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in our lives. Furthermore, the enrollment process was transparent, and we all received the promised unrestricted cash. We appreciate the financial assistance, which we were not required to repay. So far, I haven't noticed any operational inefficiencies in the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always had a burning desire to further my education to raise my standard of living. Unfortunately, because of my financial situation and the fact that I had previously worked as a motorcycle rider, I was unable to achieve this goal. I am currently married with one child. However, after getting the transfer, I chose to set aside $400 to go back to school to major in plant engineering. I also set aside $50 to cover the necessities for my family. My long-awaited dream of going to college has finally come true in such a short time, and I am so happy and relieved about it. The future seems to be bright and promising.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($160 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
We were told when and how much we could expect to receive from GiveDirectly during the enrollment period. When I received a message on the same date evening confirming receipt of the same amount, I was thrilled and confident it was from GiveDirectly. It was 4:00 p.m. and I was in the village. I had to return home to notify my spouse and children of the transfer's receipt. They were overjoyed when they heard the news because we had a lot to do together.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The availability of piped water at my doorstep is the biggest difference in my daily life. Even though we don't get a consistent supply because of the scorching sun, which has caused the water level in the source dam to drop, I am glad I bought storage containers to fetch and reserve water, thus cushioning us when there is a limited supply. I am pleased that my family's hygiene is improving as a result of the available washing water, and I look forward to further improvement once the latrine is completed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a young family with one child who is about a year and a half old. Washing a lot of clothes with the scarce water has been extremely difficult for my spouse, who spends a significant amount of time walking to and from the river with only a single pot of water. Connecting piped water to our doorstep was a priority during enrollment because it would reduce the cost of purchasing or transporting water daily from the river. I am glad that when we received the first transfer, we spent $100 on pipes and fittings and later paid a labor cost of $10 during installation and a county government registration fee of $15. Despite the fact that there has not been a consistent supply due to the severe drought, I am glad I also purchased some storage facilities that hold at least 1000 liters when full. I will pay $2 per month when the supply is consistent and negotiable if there is a period without a water supply. I also dug a pit latrine worth $70, which I am yet to finish, and used the remainder to repair a motorcycle that I had been using as a source of income for my family. When my bike is not working, I rely on subsistence farming to provide for my family, which includes selling fruits from my farm as well as eggs collected from my current brood of 30 chickens.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I intend to enroll in a driving school, which will cost me about $200. This would provide me the opportunity to apply for driving jobs and better take care of my family. Additionally, I would purchase a cow for roughly $250. As a result, my family will have availability of milk, and the cost buying milk of my son will go down since I spend about $1 dollar a day on milk. With the remaining funds, I intend to buy water pipes so that I can cultivate fruits, which need a lot of water because our terrain is dry and rarely gets rain.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I've been thrilled for the past six months because I don't owe any money, which is a big relief. Every day I work hard to provide for my son and am relieved that I can get by without borrowing money. This keeps me hope since I can be able to plan myself well even when the transfers come.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was passionate about studying to become a plant operator once I had finished my school education.  The problem I have, though, is that I don't have the money to pay the fees because it will cost me roughly $1200 to finish. I currently work as a motorcycle rider for boda boda and earn around $3 each day.  This money is insufficient to pay for my son's nanny and buy food because Felicity, my wife, is still enrolled in school.