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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 > Erick's Profile
Erick's family
Erick
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
48200 KES ($465 USD)
access_time almost 7 years ago
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What did you spend your third transfer on?
When I received my third transfer, I spent on a cow and a solar panel and I am happy that as we talk, I light with solar.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer because, initially, I lived in a grass-thatched house and it was terribly leaky but when I received my second-transfer, I constructed an iron-roofed house which is leaky-free. Again, I no longer light with paraffin, but now I light with solar, which have saved me from spending on expensive and unhealthy paraffin. Finally, I have acquired more wealth (cows and goat) which has increased my safety net.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, what Give Directly does well is giving out money more peacefully with no quarrels involved-no one squabbles over it but what Give Directly doesn't do well is failing to investigate those who misused it.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time almost 7 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to build a new house since I had a leaking roof. I also start cereal business to earn a living.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is my new house.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
10000 KES ($97 USD)
access_time 7 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying iron sheets and timber that I used on building my own home outside my father's compound. I now enjoy the peace and freedom that comes with living in my own space.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received my money while at my aunts place, Heavens know what I felt at that moment because I had been looking forward to it.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 7 years ago
 
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
My plan is to build a new bigger iron roofed house since the current one is thatched and leaks during rainy seasons,I also intend to invest in large scale farming of rice which hopefully I can sell after harvest and use the proceeds to buy cows and set up a small business for my wife.
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
The achievement I'm proudest of is having saved money from rice farming and used it to pay dowry for my wife and also bought three goats.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship I'm facing currently is the fact that my wife left few weeks ago just because I would not provide for the family due to lack of proper source of income.Being alone with the children is not easy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning when I'm normally in my farm cultivating and attending to my farm.I'm a full time farmer as this is my only source of livelihood.