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 > Risper's Profile
Risper's family
Risper
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($391 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am optimistic that my business will expand and allow me to raise my living standards. I am looking forward to having a clothing printer in order to diversify my business ideas and allow me to rely on myself rather than individuals or even looking for employment. I would like to thank GiveDirectly for providing me with the opportunity to advance and build myself to the level that I have reached thus far, and I am also looking forward to a bright future with this pleasant trend.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
That's a fantastic strategy! When following up with recipients, maintaining civility and tenderness is an excellent way to create and maintain strong relationships with those who have benefited from your program. You have shown us respect, and your attention demonstrates professionalism and can aid in the development of trust in your organization. We are pleased with how you handle your procedures and information, and we appreciate that you taught us first before enrolling us. I never had any difficulties dealing with you, and the fact that you are independent perplexes many in our community because we are used to chiefs and village elders doing such things and becoming so biased.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a business that was steadily deteriorating due to a lack of finances to invest in the essential equipment to grow it. When I received the transfers, though, I made a critical decision. I spent $450 to buy a photocopying machine. This investment was critical for increasing my business's profits and increasing the amount of customers I could serve each day. My business transformed after I installed the new photocopier. The equipment became the foundation of my efficiency, allowing me to give prompt and high-quality service to my rising customers. The once-shaky business began to prosper, with additional capacity allowing me to satisfy my clients' expectations and produce bigger profits. My business's success not only provided financial stability for my family, but it also fueled my entrepreneurial drive. Inspired by my accomplishments, I began to look for new paths for growth and novel strategies to improve my financial situation.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($431 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Around five o'clock in the evening, I was serving customers at my cybercafé when I noticed a message on my phone. As I had the phone in my hand, I did not take the time to check on it. Upon checking, I noticed a $550 reflection on the phone's display. Given that I could still clearly recall the information I learned from the GiveDirectly employees who visited us, I came to the conclusion that I had received the initial transfer. My heart was overflowing with gratitude and delight at getting such a sizable sum of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer's primary noticeable difference is the equipment my business now has. Prior to it, the business was not promising due to a severe lack of daily necessities such essential stationery. I lost some clients as a result of this. Right now, I am pleased that after outfitting my enterprise, I have regained the trust of my clients. I can tell with certainty that the transfer helped my business rebound because I have the majority of what customers want.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I am a business lady, I was very grateful to get the transfer of $550. When I withdrew the money, I first paid $55 school fees for my two elementary school children. I did this so that they could be retained in school to do their end-of-term examination. Thereafter, I decided to equip my cyber café and bookshop business. I used $430 to buy a better photocopier, printing papers, books, pens, and other stationery that are frequently used in schools. I did this to ensure that I give out nicer services compared to the other cyber cafés around to get more customers. As of now, I cannot complain about customers since I have created a brand and I offer the best. For the remaining amount, I opted to buy some food to ensure that there is enough stock of food at home.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
In addition to my ECDE teaching skills, I am also a cyber attendant. I have wished to start a cyber cafe in Matanomane town where I can practice my skills but due to financial instability, this has never materialized. With this money, I intend to spend the entire transfer, $1100 to start this project on our family piece of land. Since we already have the land within the town, I will only be required to construct the working room and purchasing of the machines. This will provide me with the opportunity to fully engage myself in an income-generating activity that will be earning me cash, which will give me a sense of ownership. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The support from my husband! Despite being jobless, I am so grateful for the assistance that I am getting from my spouse. This has helped me to sort out any need that might arise in my household. The cooperation I get from him has enhanced the bond that we have as a family and this has given us the meaning of life. Thus, I consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am an ECDE-trained teacher who at the moment has never secured a permanent job. This has forced me to engage myself in our local ECDE schools but since their payments are low, usually $40, it has never been enough to cater to my needs. In the year, 2022, I decided to disengage myself and remain at home since the payment was inconsistent despite being low. This has stressed me a lot because I am currently depending on my husband for everything, a life that I never intended to live. Thus, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge.