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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 > Wesley's Profile
Wesley's family
Wesley
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 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 from how it would have been had I not received the transfers because I am now a owner of two heifers and a dairy cow. Due to this, my family have enough milk for consumption since the cow I bought has already calved. Also, I have been able to build a spacious house for my family. I had not been able to accomplish this before due to lack of money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by enrolling everyone and fulfilling their promise and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent some amount to pay for my wife's medication. She was sick at that time and I had to prioritize on her health. Also, I bought two heifers using this money. I settled on this since it was much affordable. I believe that they will be calving soon and my milk production will increase hence I will earn more income from milk sales. On the remaining amount, I bought some food for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 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 am more empowered economically than ever before. I have been able to buy a cow and built a new house. I feel so proud of these achievements that I have made within a short time and I can't stop being grateful to GiveDirectly for their immense support.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received my money. It was around 4:00 am. I immediately awoke my wife and she was equally happy. We quickly got down to planning on how we were going to spend the money to bring maximum benefits.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used KES 25000 to build a new house. This was informed by the fact that I had a small house which was a little more uncomfortable for my growing family. I am now a proud owner of a new house. I also used KES 24000 to buy a dairy cow while the remaining amount was used to buy other basic household needs. I had one cow before these transfers and I saw it fit to add another one since it is going to help me a lot in the days to come.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have only one room which serves the purpose of everything;sitting room,kitchen and bedroom.This money will therefore help me to build another house;a one bedroom house.My second plan is buying a dairy cow.The milk I will get from the cow will serve as a source of income.Finally I will start poultry farming with the remaining money.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I go to my farm at around 7am in the morning.I work there till noon.After having lunch I feed my cow then go and fetch water from the nearby river.I then relax around my compound as I see what I can do,for example fence repairs. The happiest part of my day is in the evening because it is usually time to relax after a busy day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising up my family has been a big hardship for me.I only depend on subsistence farming and therefore the income I get from my farm is not enough.I have six children who are all young.My first born is 11 years old.I have not been able to build a bigger house due to lack of money and the family is growing very fast.Providing basic needs is therefore what has been a big challenge for me.