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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Swamiha's Profile
Swamiha's family
Swamiha
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($345 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With a newfound stability in our home, my aspirations turned towards personal growth and entrepreneurship.Recognizing the untapped potential in our village, I decided to embark on a journey of studying beauty and therapy. The absence of local salons and the inconvenience people faced in traveling for hairdressing services convinced me that establishing a beauty business could thrive in our community.Looking beyond my studies, I envisioned a venture into the retail sector. Observing the market dynamics in my village, I saw a gap for a clothing business. Anticipating high demand due to the absence of such enterprises in the area, I set my sights on creating a unique and marketable clothing business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
With our home securely built, the focus shifted to other aspirations, particularly education.Grateful for the financial stability GiveDirectly brought, I now seek funds solely for educational pursuits. The once-pressing need for shelter and basic amenities has been met, allowing room for personal growth and development.In expressing gratitude, my advice is a testament to the profound change possible when financial assistance is utilized wisely. Encouraging continued education on financial management ensures that others can similarly benefit in the long run. The appreciation for GiveDirectly extends beyond the immediate impact, emphasizing the enduring importance of education for a sustainable and improved future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving a recent windfall of cash, I resolved to transform our lives. I invested $500 to construct a three-roomed bedroom, foreseeing the need for space as my two-year-old child would inevitably grow.In our previous struggles, we relied on the meager earnings from casual labor on others' farms and my husband's income as a plumber. Our combined daily income of $8 was far from enough to meet our basic needs. With the newfound funds, I allocated $50 to ensure our immediate sustenance, securing essential food supplies.The transformative power of this investment became evident as our homestead flourished with abundance. Now, with a sturdy home and plenty of food, we have transcended the hardships of our past. The decision to allocate resources wisely has brought happiness and a newfound enjoyment of life to our family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($363 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At precisely 3:20 in the afternoon, as I toiled away in the fields ploughing, a notification buzzed on my phone, revealing the long-awaited unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy engulfed me as I realized the transformative impact this unexpected financial support would have on my life. With a heart full of gratitude, I envisioned the walls of my new home rising steadily, providing ample space for my family of four. The initial struggles with a small house were now overshadowed by the promise of completion and comfort. The weight of financial worries lifted, replaced by the anticipation of a brighter future, all thanks to the generosity of GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has undeniably transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. The most profound change is our living situation. Previously, my family of four crammed into a small house that doubled as a kitchen. The limitations of this cramped space not only affected our daily activities but also took a toll on my children's health due to the constant exposure to kitchen smoke. Now, thanks to the financial support, I have been able to build a spacious three-bedroom house. This home not only comfortably accommodates my family but also includes a separate room for visitors, eliminating the health hazards associated with cooking in confined spaces. As a mother, the joy and pride I feel are immeasurable. No longer do I face the challenges that have haunted me since the early days of my marriage. The newfound stability has not only improved our physical well-being but has also created a nurturing environment for my family to thrive, fostering dreams and aspirations that were once stifled by the constraints of our previous living conditions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The entirety of my first cash transfer, a generous sum of $550, was dedicated to a purpose that had lingered in my dreams for years. I invested in essential construction materials such as iron sheets, nails, timber, and the labor charges necessary to complete the construction of my house. This dwelling had been a lingering aspiration, a vision of space and comfort for my family that I couldn't afford to realize until now. Being a farmer, my income is often unpredictable and, at times, insufficient to meet the needs of my family of four. My spouse, a dedicated plumber, contributes to our daily sustenance, earning around $10, though not on a daily basis. The previous house, modest and cramped, could no longer suffice for the four of us. With the newfound funds, the dream of a more spacious and comfortable dwelling is becoming a reality. The echo of hammers and the scent of fresh timber fill the air as the construction progresses. Each nail driven and every timber placed is a step closer to providing my family with a home that befits their warmth and unity. This cash transfer isn't just about constructing walls; it's about building a haven where we can grow and thrive together. It's a testament to the power of unexpected financial assistance to transform dreams into tangible, lasting realities.  
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
This year, my husband managed to buy a piece of land in our nearby town center. The intention of buying this land was to have a place where we could initiate a business to depend on. Since we didn't have money, our dream has yet to materialize. The coming of GiveDirectly is a huge blessing to me because I am quite sure this will come into reality. My ambition is to spend the first transfer ($550) to construct a working room where I can establish a shop business. The second transfer ($550) will act as a starting capital for the business. This will guarantee me a reliable source of income and also a place to spend my time wisely. What a happy life to achieve this!
What is the happiest part of your day?
The good health that I have experienced in the last 6 months is what I consider to have brought joy to my life. This is because considering the nature of our source of income, it could be more stressful if combined with sickness in the family. For this reason, I feel so grateful to God for the gift of good health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a seasonal plumber and his monthly income is around $90. This income is very minimal considering that I am jobless and we depend on this payment for everything. Balancing between saving and spending is another challenge because it becomes stressful. After all, I have never managed to save. As a wife, I have felt like a burden to my husband because I lack any income as a supplement to his little income. Since we have a son, I am so worried about our future and this is what has given me stress.