GDLive Newsfeed
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 > Nzingo's Profile
Nzingo's family
Nzingo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
66
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I got the notion to create a shop where I'll be selling quickly-moving goods like food and personal stuff after seeing how well my grocery store is doing. I chose this field of employment since I had significant business leadership experience and there is little competition in our area. I have a plan of making some savings from the grocery that will enable me to realize my ambition of opening a shop. Before the year is through, I want to launch the business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Given that we do not have the same difficulties in life, GiveDirectly performed a good job of providing the money to us in cash. People in our village have varying levels of empowerment, and I have accomplished a lot of what I have always desired. My life has changed for the better, and going forward, I will put in a lot of effort to make sure that I keep moving forward financially to keep things as they are.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I have been operating a grocery store for a living and to provide for my family's needs, I saw it prudent to add more stock to add life to it. When I received the recent transfer, I opted to use $29 in buying more stock for the business. Having a variety of leafy vegetables and fruits in the store attracts more buyers, and the more buyers the higher the profit. As of now, the business is flourishing courtesy of GiveDirectly. This business aids me to provide for my family's needs. I also used $25 to buy a bale of maize flour to ensure food security at home. Since I do not have a young child who is still in school, I used $90 to pay school fees for my grandchildren whom I stay with. For the remaining amount, I saved it for the family's upkeep.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While relaxing at home at around 2 pm, I heard my phone ringing. Since I am illiterate, I requested my helper to check for me who was calling only to inform me it was a message tone. He went through the message and informed me that I had received the first transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with happiness for receiving a massive amount of money in my old age. My happiness grew when I figured out how I was going to change my life for the better by equipping my business which was almost collapsing yet I fully depend on it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The main difference that is vivid is my stable business. Initially, things were not adding up since it was on the verge of collapsing but after the transfer I restocked it. Again the second investment of livestock keeping gives me an assurance of good life ahead courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since my sardine business was collapsing yet it was my only source of income, I gave it priority. When I withdrew the money, I opted to invest more into it by adding enough stock. I used $120 in restocking the business. I did this to ensure that I get enough income from the business because I sell to retailers. After that, I bought three goats for $120. I chose goats over a cow because they have a faster birthrate compared to cows. The goats will serve as an investment too. After all, as they will be increasing I will be in a position to convert them into monetary value because they have ready markets. To appreciate my grandchild who is also my helper, I opted to assist him in the construction of a house. I boosted him with 10 iron sheets which cost $80 to complete the roofing of his house. This act gave me peace of heart after seeing how happy the boy was. For the remaining amount, I decided to buy some food for $20 and saved the rest for the family's upkeep. As of now, I am very happy to see my business progressing well knowing that I have a stable source of income.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I got a road accident seven years ago and lost all my teeth. I can not eat hard food substances like meet. I do not feel comfortable the way I am. I consulted a doctor and told me that I can get plastic teeth that will help me feed hard food at a cost of $500. I could not afford that cost because I did not have money. I will use $500 to go get the plastic teeth and regain my shape. I will also use $300 to buy three goats as an investment. I have a kiosk business now which runs with a capital of $100. I want to use $200 to add stock to the business. I earn a profit of $2 per day and after adding stock, I will get a profit of approximately $5 per day. Thank you for the Give directly program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In my village, there are so many widows and me who pass through depressions. I am a Christian by religion and a strong believer of having hope for life every day. Despite the food challenges that I have, I always feel happy about the gift of life. I do not take it for granted being alive .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow living with my two children. My husband died two years ago and I now have the burden of taking care of the family alone. I rely on subsistence farming only and as for now farming is not doing well due to the lack of rain. This has resulted to famine in my family. So lack of food is the challenge I am facing.