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 > Dickson's Profile
Dickson's family
Dickson
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($462 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am glad that I was able to accomplish all the plans I had before receiving the transfer. At the moment I have a new goal to purchase a motorcycle for income-generating activities. I feel financially relieved having met the most pressing needs with the transfers. I burn charcoal for sale and since most of my household needs were met by the transfers had met most of my household needs, I will be able to save some money from it for purchasing the motorcycle.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It is amazing how our village which was marked by shanty houses has improved. Currently, the village is shining with iron sheets all over. All these could have not been possible if it was not for the support we received from Give Directly. The money that was given directly to us without any strings attached aided in the improvement of our living conditions. On the other hand, I do not have any complaints nor have I heard of any from the village members.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought 5 goats for 25000 KES with the second transfer. They are the best source of income, especially in our area due to the climatic conditions. We usually experience long droughts and goats are the best livestock to survive in such. If all goes well then I am hopeful that in the future I can comfortably sell some whenever in need of cash to sort household needs. I recently got married but I had not paid the dowry for my spouse. It is the pride of every man to be fully part of his wife's family and this only happens once she is appreciated by paying for her dowry. I, therefore, used 25000 KES to aid in the dowry payment process.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My phone was off since it was charging because of low power. At around 7 am, I decided to switch it on. I received two consecutive messages on it, after checking I noticed that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so happy about receiving my transfer. This is because it marked the reunion with my wife who was forced to return to her parental home after I failed to pay the dowry fee.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Reuniting with my wife after bringing her back home was the biggest difference. For more than 2 months I had missed my wife after she was forced to return to her parental home due to the unpaid dowry. I am so grateful for the transfer which has made all this possible. I was stranded since I did not have any money to pay the dowry.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to pay part of the dowry payment for my wife who had been taken away by her parents due to the unpaid dowry balance. I also used KES 15,000 to boost my livestock rearing by purchasing 3 more goats, this is a future investment for the education of my kids once God blessed me with Them. With the remaining amount, I used it to purchase household utensils, purchased clothes, and food.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I can buy my motorcycle and use it to ferry charcoal to the market. Currently, I don't have a motorbike and I have to borrow from colleges at KES 500 per day. The profit I get I have to pay for the motorbike and fuel also. This makes me end up getting fewer returns of KES 3000 per trip. I am assured of good returns of KES 6500 per trip with my new bike, this will help me cater to my need and invest the rest profit in goat farming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was able to buy a goat with the little profit I get from my motorbike job. Last month the goat gave birth to twins which assures me a good investment for my future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a stable source of income has challenged me. I am unable to provide basic needs for my family. This made my wife run away from me because I my situation is worse.