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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Completed
Newsfeed > Samuel's Profile
Samuel's family
Samuel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($370 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My primary goal is to expand my shop business. I plan to transition from retail to wholesale, and eventually, become a supplier. This ambition drives me, and I am committed to setting aside a portion of my earnings to make this dream a reality. With determination, I believe I can achieve this milestone and secure a more stable future for myself and my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly was exceptional in providing genuine care and support during their home visits. Their staff members were incredibly friendly and kind. Their level of service surpassed any previous experiences I have had, and I truly appreciate their dedication.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over 7 months, my house had been vulnerable without doors, leaving my belongings and family at risk. When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to prioritize safety and security. With $200, I purchased and installed three strong doors for my house. Now, I feel relieved and content knowing that my possessions are protected, and my family can sleep soundly without worrying about intruders. It's a simple change, but it has made a significant difference in our daily lives, bringing peace of mind and a sense of security that we were lacking before. In addition to securing my home, I invested $200 in my small shop business. By expanding my stock, I've been able to cater to a wider range of customer needs, attracting more clients and increasing my revenue. My shop is my sole source of income, so every improvement directly impacts our livelihood. With a more diverse stock, customers hardly leave without finding what they need, leading to more sales and a brighter future for my family. With the remaining funds, I ensured that my family's basic needs were met by purchasing food, allowing us to sustain ourselves while also saving the profits generated from the shop for future expenses.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($370 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the clock struck three in the afternoon, I was lounging at home, having taken a rare day off from work to unwind. Just then, a notification on my phone jolted me from my leisurely state, and my heart raced as I discovered that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, and a surge of hope coursed through me as I realized that I could finally turn my long-held dream into reality: opening a retail shop business that I had yearned for. The weight of financial uncertainty lifted, and with the newfound opportunity, my future seemed brighter than ever before.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been nothing short of transformative. The retail shop I established with the support of these transfers has become the cornerstone of this change. Now, I can provide for my family without constantly seeking assistance from family and friends, as I did before. The restoration of my self-esteem is immeasurable; I feel like a true provider for my family, a man who can confidently meet their needs. In the past, it was a source of immense stress, struggling to provide even the most basic necessities like food. I often felt like I had let my family down. However, with the profits I now earn from the shop, I can pay all my bills on time without straining or struggling. I'm no longer seen as a struggling member of the community; I've managed to move beyond merely surviving and have become a thriving member of the village. I can't express my gratitude enough to this organization for the incredible impact they've had on my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I took a bold step with the recent unconditional cash transfer, investing around $400 in starting a retail shop business. Previously, I had been stuck in low-paying jobs that barely allowed me to provide for my family of three. As the breadwinner, the responsibility weighed heavily on me, especially since my wife had been tirelessly searching for employment without success. There were times when my children had to stay at home due to unpaid bills, and some nights we went to bed hungry, which was incredibly frustrating as a father. Alongside setting up the shop, I also wisely saved $100 for any unexpected emergencies that might arise in my new venture. Now, I can see the profits rolling in, and I've been able to take care of my family without the constant struggle we endured before. With the remaining $50, I purchased essential food items that will sustain us for a while. It's such a relief to have this financial stability, knowing that I can provide not only for our immediate needs but also invest in a more secure future. The transformation from struggling to thriving has been truly remarkable, and I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity that the unconditional cash transfer has given me and my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Considering the nature of my current work, I find myself struggling and I feel this is not the type of job I intended to do after school. I have desired to own a shop business within our village because there is no shop around. This will guarantee me a high profit since I will serve a huge population. In addition, it will keep my wife busy as she operates the shop in my absence. To ensure this comes to reality, I plan to spend $550 on this project. On the other hand, I will use the remaining amount to repair my house to a good state. This will change our livelihood for the better, a transformation that I have wished for long.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last 6 months, one thing that I consider to have stood out as my source of joy is the good relationship with my wife. Despite the many challenges including low income, I am so grateful for the patience and understanding she has maintained. This has been my source of positive energy towards work and I always find myself ready for any kind of job. What a wonderful time in my life!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable job! Doing a casual job in our area means involving oneself in magnesium extraction, charcoal work, or as a laborer on construction sites. All these activities are energy-intensive and time-consuming yet their income is low, usually $80 per month. Looking at this income, it's hardly enough to cater to all our basic needs and this means foregoing other necessities. Considering my age, I never expected myself to work in these sites but I am forced to perform them to make ends meet. What a life! I, therefore, consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge.