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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 > Evans's Profile
Evans's family
Evans
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Bee keeping
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($279 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?
In the next few years, my main goal is to buy a motorcycle. I have a specific reason for this - it's going to be a game-changer for my business plans. I aspire to become a goat broker, and having a motorbike will be super helpful. With it, I can easily transport goats from the villages to the town for selling. This way, I can kickstart my business and make it more efficient. The motorcycle is like my key to unlocking opportunities in the goat-selling business, making things smoother and more profitable.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I'm satisfied with everything GiveDirectly did for me. I don't have any recommendations or suggestions for improvement. They have done everything okay, and I appreciate their assistance in a straightforward and effective manner.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, I got $450 from GiveDirectly. Instead of spending it right away, I decided to invest in something valuable for my future. I used all the money to buy seven goats. Goats do well in my area, and they are like a long-term investment. Since I'm not married yet, having these goats could also help me in the future when I need to gather resources for a dowry. It feels good to make a smart choice with the money I received.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I plan to diversify my income by venturing into the motorcycle taxi business alongside my current beekeeping activities. Managing over 40 beehives poses its challenges, particularly the extended time each hive takes to be harvested, producing a relatively small quantity of slightly more than 5kgs. Given the slow return, having an additional income source becomes imperative, especially as I am still living alone. I anticipate harvesting and selling honey from at least 10 of the hives I've set up early next year. The proceeds from this venture will serve as the initial deposit for a new motorbike, providing a daily income to support my daily sustenance.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GiveDirectly did well was that fact that they demonstrated excellence in delivering unconditional funds, upholding their commitment with no requirement for repayment. Throughout the process, we were treated with respect and as valued recipients, experiencing a level of service that exceeded expectations. I am deeply grateful for the support provided to us during a time of considerable challenge.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the support from GiveDirectly, I resided in an aged grass-thatched hut for over five years, aspiring to upgrade to a better dwelling but lacking the financial means for construction materials. Despite dedicated efforts in beekeeping, the returns were insufficient as simultaneous harvesting from all the hives was not feasible. Utilizing part of the first transfer, I acquired construction materials, and the second transfer, amounting to $146, was dedicated to additional materials, completing the construction of my new house. During the transportation of these materials home, a $15 transport cost was incurred. Aiming to enhance my living conditions further, I invested $90 in a bed and new bedding, replacing rags and animal hides, leading to improved sleep quality and overall comfort. Additionally, $43 went towards a sack of maize for food, $86 for household goods, including furniture, toiletries, and utensils. The remaining $70 was saved for emergencies and ongoing beehive construction, and I express gratitude for the positive changes and improved living standards these funds have brought into my life.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($125 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving a text message on my screen notifying me of a deposit from GiveDirectly filled me with an indescribable sense of joy. I was at home, busy with various tasks, when my phone buzzed. Upon checking the message, I learned that Segovia Technologies had transferred a considerable sum of money into my account. Keeping the wonderful news to myself for security reasons, I was profoundly affected by the assistance that came our way. Its impact on our lives has been substantial, and for that, I am deeply grateful for the support that brought happiness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The financial aid I received has brought about the most notable difference in my everyday life is the ability to acquire a goat. Previously, due to financial limitations, embarking on such a project was out of reach. The profound gratitude I feel for this opportunity is immeasurable, as it has greatly enhanced the quality of my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the arrival of my transfer, I deliberated on utilizing the funds to obtain a goat, a prudent choice that not only secures the money but also offers an appreciating investment. As a result, I invested $38 in acquiring a goat and spent $92 funds towards purchasing building materials, aimed at constructing a more durable house to replace the grass thatched one I had been residing in. Financial limitations had previously posed obstacles to achieving this. My livelihood primarily relies on casual labor, harvesting honey, and vending charcoal. Being single, my financial responsibilities are solely my own. I am sincerely thankful that I am now the owner of a goat, marking a meaningful step forward.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since it has been really difficult to get money both for food and other basic needs, I intend to use the first transfer that I will get to purchase maize, beans and other household products that I lack. For the second transfers I intend to buy building materials which I will add to the few I have managed to purchase over the years. I intend to use about $200 of the transfers to accomplish this. For the remaining amount I intend to purchase a cow which will cost be about $200. For the remaining amount together with the third transfers I intend to purchase 10 goats at $40 each. Whatever will remain I intend to plant coffee trees in my grandfather's farm which will be an investment for my future. The transfers will assist me plan my life better for the future and will be a great boost for my personal development and growth.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the past six months came from the harvest of honey from my beehives. I managed to get $30 in the month of April from the sale of the honey which greatly delighted me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge at the moment is the lack of food. The prolonged droughts which has taken over three years together with increased cost of living has made it difficult to get food in my table. This is very challenging because I depend on casual work and whenever I don't get something to do I end up going hungry without eating. This has made my life really hard.