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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Amos's Profile
Amos's family
Amos
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($406 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?
It is my hope that after one and a half years, I shall have completed my studies and be a certified professional in construction and building, thus allowing me to be resourceful in both my professional life and my family. I also believe that the calves and dairy cow I acquired would have grown and become a source of income, as well as saving me money on milk purchases.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has helped me financially so that I can pursue my aspirations and put my life in order. It would not have been this way with other organizations, because GiveDirectly understands how to reach out to the less fortunate and give them the opportunity to grows into their own managers by allowing each of us to focus on our own priorities. I have addressed my priorities, and I am confident that the individuals with whom we benefited together have done the same, leaving no one in the same position as before the GiveDirectly transfers. I was pleased with the entire procedure that took us swiftly, and I am confident that other communities that have not yet been visited will have a similar experience. Thank you for GiveDirectly restoring our lost hope.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a happy man, free from the arrears I had from my former high school, Through the transfers, I managed to pay $10 to access my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results slip and the certificate. I feel so encouraged to pursue my dream of being an engineer in building and construction, already, I have set aside $20 for the course which I look forward to starting in September this year 2023 in a nearby technical training institution. at the moment, I am a teacher in a nearby primary school and the worst nightmare I have been facing every day is appearing in the school compound with the same outfit. students would make fun of it, but I appreciate GiveDirectly for coming through to my rescue. I changed my wardrobe and added more to it to make me feel so professional every time I get to the school gate. Students might mock it, but I am grateful to GiveDirectly for coming to my rescue. It only cost me $4 to change my closet and add to it to make me appear so professional every time I walk through the school's entryway. Finally, I bought a pair of male calves at $26 as an investment in with the expectation that if I am unable to pay my school fees, I will sell them and utilize the proceeds to secure my education.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($439 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I work as a teacher at Thirika Primary School. It seemed like 5.30 p.m.a normal Mthey on that 23rd day of January. I had just gotten done with class,nal class and it was 5.30pm. I was holding my phone when the message popped onto the screen. I was beyond joyous! I still pinch myself to see if this truly happened to me. I'm eternally grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now hold my head high in my village. Just about all my neighbors in the vicinity have cows. I was the odd one out. GiveDirectly has allowed me, through their transfers, to ensure that I could also get one, allowing me to gain income from its milk as well as have some left over for domestic use. They also allowed me to solve a problem I had been having sleepless nights over. Without your certificates, you cannot pursue gainful employment since you have no proof of your education. GiveDirectly allowed me to be able to claim back my KCSE certificate and possibly have better opportunities open up for me, as opposed to those I missed out on prior due to a lack of proper papers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The funds from GiveDirectly were a possible, one-time blessing! I therefore made it a point to ensure that I utilized the funds in ways that would have the most impact on my life. Soon after receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly, I spent $220 on a high-quality female cow. I could ensure some extra income from the sale of her milk if she was in my procession. I then sought to finally be free of the burden of my $240 high school arrears. I went on to pass the exam and collect my KCSE certificate. With the balance, I thought to upgrade my current appearance by getting a new wardrobe. I bought a few new clothes to help me match my new-found joy on the outside as much as it showed on the inside!
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money is a big boost to me, if there is one person who is a big beneficiary of the transfer, it is me. I am on the verge of realizing my dreams and aspirations of becoming a trained teacher, which has been my goal. I intend to use the money to clear the fees arrears of my secondary education, my form 4 certificate was not released to me because I had the fee arreas to pay for my college fees to be trained as a teacher. I intend to use $700 to pay for college fees. The feeling is so good, the idea of joining college, at last, is phenomenal. Indeed no situation is permanent, I see a transformation in my life coming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On October I got a job as untrained teacher at Tirita primary school. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. I was moved beyond words, I rejoiced because I secured the opportunity that I have always wanted. It puts me on the path to becoming a teacher at last.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I face a myriad of challenges, top on the list is lack of money to be able to better my life. Coming by money nowadays is a big deal. The ends do not meet and there is no easy day. I lag behind because of it, when I try to engage in farming I cannot afford the inputs, and even buying clothes is a tall order. Money is a big enabler, it is almost everything. For now I only struggle to get disposable income to purchase foodstuff but on any development front it is not possible.