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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 > Targok's Profile
Targok's family
Targok
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
60
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($302 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?
In the coming years, my focus will be dedicated to maximizing the potential of my land, which lies adjacent to the river. I intend to meticulously execute all farming activities, ensuring timely planting, utilizing proper farm inputs, and implementing thorough irrigation practices. By providing the ideal conditions for my crops, I aim to significantly increase my harvest. This abundance will guarantee that my family does not face any shortages and enjoys a consistent supply of food.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The substantial sum provided by GD has undeniably elevated us from the clutches of poverty. It ensured that our family never went to bed hungry as we did before the transfer, as we wisely utilized it to purchase essential food supplies. Moreover, I invested in a more secure financial future by acquiring 10 goats, confident that their multiplication would serve as a valuable asset when needed. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to GD for this transformational opportunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer has made a significant difference in the life of my disabled daughter, who stays at home. Previously, the house in which she lived was unfinished, lacking proper flooring and privacy. With $275, I purchased cementing materials, and five iron sheets for partitioning to two rooms and covered the labour costs, transforming her home into a more comfortable space. This has greatly improved my daughter's well-being, shielding her from dust-related respiratory issues. I also invested $60 in a new five-seater set to replace our old plastic chairs, enhancing the coziness of our living room. Additionally, I bought a dress for myself worth $20, not only to feel good but also as a token to remember GiveDirectly's positive impact. I used the remaining amount to buy food, ensuring our family of four had ample nourishment and complementing the grains harvested from our quarter-acre land. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GD for making these improvements possible.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($311 USD)
access_time 7 months 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 and beyond, my aspiration is to acquire a dairy cow to ensure a regular supply of milk for my family's daily consumption. To realize this objective, I intend to allocate my third transfer towards this endeavor. I hold a positive outlook that this dream will materialize, and I believe my future will shine brighter with the combination of hard work and dedication.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The aid provided by GiveDirectly has significantly contributed to enhancing our lives. We received a clear understanding of the program's goals and were empowered to decide how to utilize the funds. From my perspective, the organization's support has played a crucial role in elevating the quality of life for individuals within my community. Additionally, they provided us with guidance on security measures. However, I believe that further research should be conducted before determining an individual's eligibility.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving financial support from GiveDirectly felt like a true blessing. It provided a valuable opportunity for me to utilize the funds judiciously. My husband and I rely on farming for our livelihood, at the moment I have two who are still under my care as the rest are grown. With this in mind, I decided to invest in goats that could serve as an emergency income source. To achieve this, I spent $120 for purchasing goats. Additionally, I directed $200 towards fencing, a step that would facilitate easier cultivation of crops. This had been a challenging endeavor in the past due to financial limitations, exacerbated by harsh weather conditions that limit our farm's income potential. Finally, I used the remaining funds to acquire essential food supplies. The assistance we received has significantly elevated our living standards and granted us a level of financial autonomy, for which we will forever be thankful.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($143 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The only source I was anticipating money was through Givedirectly; the transfer that we had been promised, as I had leased a part of land for cultivation and promised the owner that I would pay him at a specific period. Therefore, when I received a message that afternoon while in the farm where I always am and confirmed that I had received the transfer as promised, I nearly danced and knew right away that I will take care of the lease payment issue. I was jubilant!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Both of my farms are away from our home and are not in a place where if I wanted to grow crops and irrigate them, it may not be possible. Therefore, when Givedirectly visited and promised us that they will send us some money, I talked to and requested a village mate to lease me a portion off his farm that is closer to where there is supply of water and I am glad that he was kind enough to do so. When I received the transfer I paid for the lease when I already started cultivating it, now I do not need to worry about my crops dying because of lack of rain as I can now irrigate it with the nearby water supply!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to the draught that devastated our area, there is currently an inadequate supply of food and the price of food has increased as a result of this. I bought groceries for my family with more than half of the $200 transfer that I received. I also paid about $65 to lease some land inside the village and to purchase and sow millet on the farm. Compared to other crops, millet has been seen to be more drought-resistant. My daughter and my wife both use medication, so I used the remainder of the transfer to buy some for them as they are required to take the drugs on daily basis.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Food availability is a problem in our household. We intend to buy maize, sugar, cooking oil and other household necessities. If we spend $100, this will provide us food for one month. Additionally we'll buy some clothes and shoes for family members. It will cost $100. My husband needs monthly medication costing $5 a month. I will buy medication enough for 3 months to reduce worries on where to get his next medication. For future security we plan to buy more livestock. One cow at a cost of $400. This can be milked, meaning we'll have milk for both domestic consumption and sell. If I can sell at least 2 litres a day, I'll get $1.50. This will then help us as a family to buy food daily. In addition, we'll add 5 more goats. It's easier raising goats here and they grow faster. This will provide us with income security in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have 20 goats and 6 cows, this provides income for our family. It brings us joy, since we sell sustainance.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity has been the biggest burden to us. Three years ago is the last time we had good rains. The persistent drought has prevented us from planting our farms leading to lack of food. This has affected our ability to feed our family. The drought has also led to slow breeding of our livestock. Last year we lost 5 goats due to drought. This meant less stock to sell to buy food for our family. It's difficult buying food with the reducing stock. One bag of maize costs $63. This means we'll have to sell at least 2 goats for a bag. It has affected our ability to provide stable food for our children.