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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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Joseph's Profile
Joseph's family
Joseph
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
55
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($518 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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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 in that I have bought a water tank for storing water for domestic use. I used to walk for a long distance to collect water and this was so tiresome and time-consuming. I had wished to buy a tank but it was not possible before because I did not have money. I also build a storehouse. This will enable me to store feeds for my cows. I used to store in an open field and it could not last for long before becoming rotten.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by giving out money to poor people to improve their standard. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well because they fulfill all their promises.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spend my second transfer to buy iron sheets and built a storehouse for storing feeds for my cow. I also built a Poultry house, cultivated my farm and planted Napier grass, I paid school fees for my children in various school and the rest of the money I used it to complete building the house that I had started using the previous transfer.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to achieve some of my plans that I had not been able to for so long. First, GiveDirectlys transfer enabled me to build a cowshed and to plant some livestock feeds on my farm. With these, my livestock will always have enough feeds and a clean place to stay in. Also, I was able to clear paying school fees arrears for my children hence they are doing well in their studies. All these would not have been possible had it not have been for GiveDiveDirectlys financial support.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I realized that GiveDirectly had sent me money in the morning after waking up. I became so happy as I knew that I would be able to achieve my plans. We celebrated the good news as a family on that day by eating meat.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
My children's education has always been my priority since I always wish them the best in life. Because of this, I used part of my first transfer to clear school fees arrears for my two children in college. Also, I bought some materials to use in building a cowshed and a store to use in storing livestock feeds and also paid for its labor. I used the remaining amount on farming. I bought some Boma Rhodes seeds and nappier grass and hired a tractor to till my farm.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I receive the money,my first priority is cementing the living room floor.The second thing is paying school fees for my children.I have 7 children in school currently;3 in primary school,2 in secondary and 2 in college.For the remaining money I will top up from my own pocket to build rental houses in a small piece of land that I own near the shopping centre.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up early enough to milk the cows on time so that I can go to school.I am a primary school teacher and a class teacher to the candidate class as well.I therefore have to arrive at school very early.I arrive at work just before 7am and work till 6 pm. I am passionate of my profession and therefore the moment I enjoy most is when I am in school educating the children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am going through several hardships ,one of them being the school fees burden. However the biggest hardship I have is a problem with my spine.In 2008 I was involved in a motorcycle accident which left me with serious injuries and the motorcycle rider dead. This accident left me with a spine problem which I often go for check up and treatment. This has been costly to me and moreso a worry to me.This has also limited my working ability since I cannot do very physical jobs.