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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Newsfeed > Lilian's Profile
Lilian's family
Lilian
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Lilian's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($310 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For the coming years and beyond, my goal is to diversify and expand my kiosk business by incorporating cereals like beans and maize into my product offerings. I see this as a valuable opportunity, considering that many of my fellow villagers currently have to travel long distances to purchase these essential commodities since none are offering them. I am excited about the potential to serve my neighbours while growing my business by providing these items locally, saving them from the inconvenience of long walks.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is doing an excellent job by offering us unconditional cash transfers tailored to our individual needs. The direct deposit into our accounts ensures timely and convenient access to the funds, eliminating the risk of delays or discrepancies that may arise when intermediaries are involved. However, I do wish that the transfers could be provided in two installments instead of three, as this would grant us the opportunity to make more significant investments with the funds received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am delighted to share that I've made a significant investment of $400 in purchasing pipes to draw water from Lake Baringo, enhancing irrigation practices on my farm. This decision was prompted by the necessity to improve water management and boost overall irrigation efficiency. Previously, my farm suffered from low productivity due to limited access to water, leading to frequent disruptions and reduced yields as I struggled to borrow equipment. There were instances when the equipment would be taken back before we could complete our work, resulting in negative impacts on our crop yields. However, the installation of the pipes has effectively addressed these challenges, allowing me to irrigate my crops more efficiently. Already, I am seeing promising results, particularly with the thriving tomatoes I recently planted under the improved irrigation system. This investment fills me with happiness and optimism for a bountiful harvest, which, combined with the income from my village kiosk business, will enable me to provide more comfortably for my family of three. With the remaining amount, I purchased food to sustain my family, and I am truly grateful for the support provided by the transfer.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($131 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I returned from tending to our home garden with my three children, our neighbors excitedly mentioned they had received funds from GiveDirectly. Curiously, I checked my phone, but no message had appeared. I Patiently waited until the following morning, yet still no notification arrived. It wasn't until I verified my balance that I discovered an additional $200—a sudden rush of joy flooded through me. Eagerly, I awaited my husband's return from the farm, and when I shared the news with him later that evening, his face lit up with happiness. We embraced the moment, grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, as it meant our plans could now move forward with renewed confidence.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The support from Givedirectly has been transformative for our family. It's brought an incredible sense of peace and renewed hope for our dream of acquiring a generator and irrigation pipes. Before, the sight of our unplanted land was disheartening, but now, thanks to this support, we're on the path to making our project a reality and securing our future.The contrast is stark: from the sadness of watching our land lay barren to the growing possibility we now witness. Givedirectly has ignited this journey toward fulfilling our aspirations and ensuring sustainability. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity, and our gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this significant difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving $200 from Give directly was a game-changer for us. With our three kids in mind, I set aside $20 for a surprise, treating them to new clothes. Their smiles were priceless, making the support from GiveDirectly truly memorable. The remaining $180 became our lifeline for a bigger dream: transforming our barren one-acre land into a flourishing farm. We urgently needed a generator and pipes for irrigation, vital tools to kick start our agricultural project. The total cost stood at $80, leaving us with a crucial balance to achieve our goal. Struggling before to borrow tools brought constant inconveniences. Sometimes, they'd be taken back before we finished, impacting our crop yields negatively. With subsistence farming as our primary income source, a small shop alongside my husband raising 10 goats isn't enough to sustain our family's needs. With irrigation, our vision of a sustainable future feels within reach. The prospect of cultivating our land, free from uncertainties, holds the promise of stability. It's not just about growing crops; it's about securing a thriving future for our family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the transfers means so much for me. I have always longed to do farming but have lacked money to purchase a generator for plumbing water into the farm. With the transfers I intend to purchase a generator which will cost me about $500 of the transfers. I also intend to purchase two long pipes which will cost me about $550 of the transfers. This will greatly transform my life since I will be do farming on season and off season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness over the past 6 months has come from farming. I managed to plant 1 hectare of maize which gave me 20 bags. Despite that challenges I went through to grow the crops, the harvest I got really delighted me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My greatest challenge is a lack of money and capital to do farming. Currently we depend on leasing land and doing irrigation which requires a lot of money which I don't have. This makes it difficult for me since I struggle so much to be able to grow and harvest food from the farm.