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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Wilson's Profile
Wilson's family
Wilson
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Janitor/porter (works for others)
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
FSD / Urban Youth
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Wilson's next check-in.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($40 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been depending on a small income from construction work which has been my main source of income. As a result of small income, I have always sort for help from friends and family members to keep our lives moving in the house. This was very ashaming as some thought I was not ready for family life. I am glad GD transfers have transformed my life. I do not seek for help anymore and I am financially independent. I also have a small saving which is a very big step in my life I know things will get better soon.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I have a small poultry which I started with part of these transfers from GD. I feel it can get better since I still get money from GD. This is why I have decided to boost the poultry project with part of my monthly transfers. I will be buying chicken feeds and at least two chicken per month to boost the number I already have now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying my rent. I had not paid my rent because I used all I had to take my children to school by buying for them school requirements such as books they needed when reporting back to school. The rest of the transfer I used on buying food. I felt it was wise to boost the little stock of food I had left in the house with the remaining amount.
 
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($39 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the transfers, I did not have any business. I used to rely on income from casual work and jobs at construction sites to meet my daily needs. Since the jobs were very inconsistent, I would end up having a lot of debts just to keep my life going. Life was not very favourable for me. When I started receiving these transfers, I used part of it to buy chicken on a monthly basis to start a poultry project. Right now the project is doing well and as a result, I have been able to use the profits from the business to pay back all my debts. Through the little profits I get from the project, I have been able to buy myself new clothes and I no longer struggle to meet my needs as before.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My next goal is to save and use the savings in buying a motorcycle. I would want to have a more stable source of income which can help me sustain my family needs well. For me, I see the motorcycle as the best business idea which can help me achieve my goals.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying for my house rent. I had not paid rent and it was already time for payment. I did not want the landlord to come knocking on my door because of the rent arrears. The rest of the transfer I used on buying chicken feeds for my poultry project. I had run out of the feeds at the time when I received the transfer.
 
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($48 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my life is different from how it was in that, I feel more responsible. I was able to boost my wife's business which is doing well. I also manage to take care of my emergencies with ease. Recently, my wife was sick and I was able to take care of this situation with the transfer. I am grateful because maybe I could have taken a loan or bother my friends to lend me money.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal is to buy a motorcycle. I want to start ferrying people and goods in order to get income. I like this business because from a friend's experience and story, I see the business to be lucrative. Nowadays, I collect garbage and we do it as a group. The income is not enough to take care of my needs and this is why I am determined to have my own business where I will be assured of money every day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife had been unwell and so when I received my transfer, I used a large portion of my transfer on purchasing medicine and paying her medical bill. I also did shopping in the house. She had been operating her business but when she felt ill, she was not able to run the business anymore. I am glad that she is recovering quickly. Hopefully, she will be able to go back and do what she loves which is running her business.
 
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($49 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to buy a motorcycle and venture into motorcycle business. I will use the income from the poultry project and also get financial support from my spouse to buy the motorcycle. This will be a source of income to meet my family basic needs and pay school fees for my children in future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life is different in that I have started a poultry project. This is a regular source of income to buy food for my family and pay rent. In the past I used to depend on the little money I got from casual jobs to meet my family basic needs and at times my family could sleep hungry when I did not get money to buy food. Currently, I no longer struggle to buy food for my family since the income from the sale of eggs is enough to buy food for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my most recent transfer to buy more chicken. When I received my first transfer, I ventured in to poultry farming but some of the chicken died due to disease outbreak hence led to low egg production. I thus used my recent transfer to buy more chicken and this has led to more income from the sale of eggs. I also used the remaining amount to buy poultry feeds and pay rent.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
I was so happy when I received my first transfer. During enrollment, I did not believe that I will get the money since I have never seen an organisation that gives out money for free. Thank you Give Directly for the cash transfers since I have invested in poultry farming and have a regular source of income.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I want to empower my wife to start a business of selling bread. Atleast when we both have an income, we will not lack rent or any neccesisties needed in the house. Secondly, I want to keep some livestock. I can start a chicken farm. I see great potential in business. there are alot of products I can get from it and be able to get good money. Lastly, I can pay house rent when I have difficulties. This will help me cater for other needs that may arise at home.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is housing, I get worried when the month is about to come to an end and I do not have rent. I would not want my house to be locked.
What are your greatest ambitions?
I would want to be healthy, live a stress free like. I would want to own even three motorbikes and employe others, this way I will have empowered them also. I want to ensure my family does not lack anything and to be able to take care of my father. He has really supported me and my family.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
I wake up in the morning, prepare myself for work, take breakfast and leave for work. I work from 8:00am to 6:00 pm. Later I go catch up with my friends and at night I go back home to rest. In my free time, I vist my friends or relax at home.