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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > David's Profile
David's family
David
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I plan to grow and expand my business from a retail shop to a wholesale one. I want to use the returns to educate my five children, all of whom are in school. I believe education is crucial for a better life, something I couldn't complete myself I only finished elementary school and couldn't continue due to lack of fees. I don't want my children to face the same struggles I did.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate the support from GiveDirectly, especially because of its unconditionality and the fact that not paying it back. The education provided by the officers was great; they explained clearly about the source of the finance, which helped me join without any doubts, and ensured I understood everything about the organization and the support before I was enrolled. moreover, the enrollment was not forceful I was given the chance to decide. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this approach.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the transfer, getting money was always tough. But things started looking up when I received my second transfer; I opened a general shop for my wife. Our stock had gotten low because we gave out goods on credit and used some at home, but I decided we wouldn't do that anymore to keep our business healthy. Then, when my third transfer came in, I restocked our shop with items worth $100. I also spent another $100 on my goat-buying and selling business, which has been doing well; I buy goats for about $50 and sell them for almost $60. This business fits perfectly with our shop, giving us a steady flow of income. My wife takes care of the shop, while I handle the goats. Additionally, I paid $150 for my son's school fees for the next term believing in early preparations. I put another $100 into buying two goats adding to my existing herd, a move that's always been a backup for us, especially when we need extra cash for things like school fees where we could sell. This whole journey from financial struggles to finding some stability has been possible thanks to the support from GiveDirectly. I'm so grateful for the support. It has completely changed our lives for the better. Thank you, GiveDirectly.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($308 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?
I aspire to purchase a business vehicle to secure a stable source of income in the future. To make this dream a reality, I intend to sell some of my assets, such as goats, and also consider borrowing from the sacco. I am confident in my ability to achieve this goal, and it fills me with hope.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The compound sensitization meetings were carried out with fairness and without any bias, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Personally, I observed no noticeable issues with the program's functioning, leading me to conclude that there are no areas in need of improvement.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the transfer, my wife decided to establish a retail shop to supplement our income. We primarily rely on farming, but it barely covers all our needs, especially with school fees and responsibilities for our five children. Upon receiving our second transfer, we jointly decided to allocate the funds to start the retail shop. We invested $300 in the shop, paid $100 for our children's school fees, and used the remaining $50 to purchase food supplies. I am thrilled that we won't face financial struggles anymore; this is truly a dream come true. The previous challenges due to financial constraints are now eased, with my wife managing the shop, allowing me to focus on farming. I am sincerely grateful for this positive change.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($131 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At approximately 3:00 p.m., I was occupied removing the frames from my roof with the intention of replacing the entire roof due to the frames being infested with ants and the old iron sheets being rusted and aesthetically unpleasing. These materials were deteriorating due to their age. While enduring the intense heat on top of the roof, I contemplated the option of obtaining iron sheets on credit to complete the project, as I had exceeded the budget originally allocated for it. Suddenly, my phone peeped, prompting me to swiftly retrieve it from my pocket to check the message. I was elated to discover that it was an Mpesa message confirming the receipt of a GD transfer. In response to this positive development, I descended from the roof and shared the joyful news with my children, who were playing outside. Their collective happiness mirrored my own, knowing that our roof renovation would soon be a reality, thanks to the timely transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life has significantly improved compared to the past, and a sense of tranquillity envelops me, knowing that my children now have an ample supply of food. The happiness radiating from their brighter faces is evident, reflecting the positive impact on their well-being. The transformation extends to my house, which now exudes a more respectable appearance, particularly due to the improvement made to the roof. I can confidently welcome my peers with pride, free from the previous sense of shame that lingered due to the state of my home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer arrived at a critical juncture when I was deliberating on which hardware store might extend credit to me for the purchase of iron sheets. I had dismantled my entire house roof to replace it, I had depleted the funds I had initially allocated for this project. Living in a house without a roof, especially with the unpredictable weather that could bring rain, was not a viable option. Utilizing $150 from the transfer, I procured the necessary iron sheets and covered the labor costs. The transformation of the house is remarkable; it now appears much more respectable and aesthetically pleasing than before, when it bore the worn appearance of improperly placed, rusted iron sheets and infested frames. I used the remaining amount to acquire dry maize to sustain my family of seven, considering it is a staple food in our region. Unfortunately, the maize crop I had planted at the beginning of the year succumbed to the drought we experienced. The burden of overworking and the juggling act of selling goats and charcoal to sustain my family's livelihood had been a source of considerable stress. The relief that the transfer brought, providing a financial cushion and securing a reliable food source, resonated deeply. Thank you, GD.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Education is key to a better life in the future. I have 2 kids in secondary school. Currently, I owe about $250 in fees areas. And also when they open school in January next year, I need to set aside about $200 more for their fees. I believe my children will have a better future when educated. Business do well and ensure a sustainable income. I plan to start a goat selling business. Buying from farmers and selling during market days. It fetches good profits. I need about $500 to start the business. The profits will be used to pay school fees for my children and also sustain us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It's always a joy when I sell a goat or two. One costs about $100. That price is good, it can support my family needs for sometime. I am happy because I have almost 30 goats. It's gives me reason to keep pushing to rear more goats.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We live in a dry place. The last time we had good rains was 3 years ago. It means we depend on fetching water from the nearest borehole, which is about 10 kilometers away. It's hard fetching enough water for domestic use. This has affected our ability to focus on other things such as farming. We spend a lot of time fetching water. Alternatively we hire a taxi motorcycle to fetch water. It's quite expensive, for one trip of water, that's 80 litres, it costs about $1.50. That's not enough for our household. Water shortage has made our lives difficult.