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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 > Emmanuel's Profile
Emmanuel's family
Emmanuel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($277 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into chicken farming as an additional source of income alongside my house construction job. The favorable climate in the area makes it a promising endeavor. To initiate this venture, I estimate a requirement of $450. My strategy involves utilizing the savings accumulated from the house construction job to fund the startup costs of the chicken farming initiative. This approach not only maximizes the resources at hand but also allows me to diversify my income streams, creating a more resilient financial foundation for the future. I am optimistic that the combination of the house construction job and the new chicken farming venture will contribute significantly to my overall income. The goal is not only to meet immediate needs but also to build a sustainable and diversified livelihood. I look forward to the positive changes and increased prosperity that the coming year may bring.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am truly grateful for the life-changing impact of GiveDirectly's unconditional transfers. Personally, I have been able to acquire both food and income, and the positive changes in my life are evident. The assistance has provided a crucial lifeline, addressing immediate needs and contributing to my overall well-being. In my view, the current approach to unconditional transfers has been effective and impactful. I find it to be a valuable and transparent means of support, providing individuals with the flexibility to address their specific needs. I am indebted to GiveDirectly for the positive changes in my life, and I genuinely wish for nothing to change in their approach. The organization's commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals is commendable, and I am grateful for the support received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the transfers has marked a positive turning point in my life, and I made thoughtful decisions to enhance my livelihood. Allocating $150 to purchase goats was a strategic move, considering their thriving conditions in the area. These goats will serve as a constant source of income once they are born, contributing to the economic well-being of my household. Another $30 was wisely invested in beehives, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to diversifying income sources. Harvesting honey from the bee hives adds another layer to the sustainability of my livelihood, creating additional income opportunities. The remaining funds were dedicated to completing my two-room iron-walled house. Construction work has been a significant part of my livelihood, and having a completed house not only improves my living conditions but also represents an investment that can contribute to household food through the earnings from construction activities. I am grateful for the assistance received, as it has brought tangible improvements to my life. The strategic allocations of funds have not only addressed immediate needs but have also set the stage for a more secure and prosperous future.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to expand my beekeeping venture by increasing the number of beehives, aiming to enhance its income potential. To realize this ambition, my plan is to reinvest the profits generated from my beekeeping activities. I firmly believe that through dedication and hard work, I can successfully attain this vision.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The activities at GiveDirectly provided valuable insights. The staff did an excellent job explaining the program details, guiding us on requirements, and encouraging us to express our opinions. The unconditional nature of the transfer presented an opportunity for us to improve our lives. I perceive no issues with the program's operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving financial assistance from GiveDirectly has allowed me to undergo a significant transformation in my living conditions, upgrading from a mud house to one with iron sheets. Spending $224 towards the purchase of building materials was a crucial step in realizing my dream of constructing a decent home, a goal that was previously hindered by financial limitations, as my earnings were primarily dedicated to meeting basic food needs. As a mason, I earned an average of $30 on days when casual work was available, and being single, my financial responsibilities were focused on personal essentials. I invested $52 in a wire mesh to fence a goat pen and allocated $63 for barbed wire to secure my land. The remainder of the funds went towards acquiring essential food items and clothing. The prospect of finally achieving a respectable home brings me great joy, marking the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($139 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer from GiveDirectly remains vivid in my memory. I had been at a school meeting, representing my parents for my siblings, when I overheard a fellow villager mentioning they had received funds from GiveDirectly. Upon checking my phone, I was elated to discover a message notifying me of a $200 transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy engulfed me, leaving me with an inexplicable sense of happiness. The potential it held overwhelmed me, and I instantly started envisioning how I could optimize the funds to chase after my aspirations.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change in my everyday life is my newfound ability to construct a sturdy iron house for myself, a stark departure from the past when I resided in a mud dwelling. This notable improvement is primarily thanks to the financial aid I received. With the backing I obtained, I managed to obtain two goats and initiate a poultry project. I am brimming with deep appreciation for the help extended to me, as it has substantially enhanced my overall standard of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my initial transfer, I recognized that my foremost priority was to construct a suitable dwelling for my family. This opportunity was truly valuable as it's uncommon for me to receive a lump sum of money at once due to the sporadic nature of my work. Working as a mason, there are days when job opportunities are scarce. Therefore, given that I had already acquired other building materials, I spent only $100 toward the house construction. Furthermore, I invested $60 in acquiring two goats and initiated poultry keeping with $11. Subsequently, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase clothing and essential provisions. At present, I am not married, and thus, I live independently.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My plan for the transfers is to first buy food. At the moment I have a dire need for food since I don't have enough food because of lack of work. I plan to spend $50 on the transfers. In addition to this, I plan to build a new house. I will accomplish this by using $200 of the transfers. I love harvesting honey so much and as an investment, I intend to buy 5 beehives at $150 of the transfer. In addition to this, I plan to purchase at least 5 goats which will cost me about $50 each. This together with the beehives will be a great investment that will offer me a good source of money. Thanks to Give Directly transfers I believe my life will change positively.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the past six months came last month (May). I was happy after I harvested honey from my beehives which gave me about $200. With this money, I was able to purchase some iron sheets which I intend to build a house since my house is old and made of mud.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My challenge at the moment is the lack of money. Because of the increased drought, it has been very difficult to get work in our region. I'm a construction worker and at the moment I only get work occasionally. This has also led to a lack of food which makes my life hard since I sometimes have to skip some meals.