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 > Sidi's Profile
Sidi's family
Sidi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($466 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As at now I do not have a clear goal which I can venture into when I get money because I have a culture of planning for what is in my hands. If I get money today I will have to sit down and figure out the proper way on how use the money. Planning prior is good but sometimes it gives me unnecessary stress that is why I usually plan after getting the money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very thankful for GiveDirectly. The organization did something I hadn’t seen in my life and for sure it will not only remain in my heart but also in the hearts of the whole community members. GiveDirectly has no faults, from the time the officers came for sensitization till the time we received the transfers everything ran in a chronological order that is desirable and unquestionable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, the first thing I did was buying a bed and a mattress for KES 10400.00. This was a priority because I have been sleeping on the floor for a quite some time due to lack of money to buy even a traditional bed and a mat. For all that time I used to place boxes on the floor and sleep on them as bedding. Since I have six children who are in school, I paid KES 22000.00 school fees for them. KES 20000.00 was for my 2 secondary school children and the KES 2000.00 was for my four primary school children. I also bought some clothes for the family and used the rest for food up-to-date.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house relaxing after arriving home from fetching water which is a two hours walk from my home. I heard a message alert on my phone, I was with my helper who confirmed that I had received my transfer. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer that would guarantee my kid's education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the I am happy and grateful for the transfer that has enabled my kids to continue with their studies. In addition, I am able to meet the basic needs of the family especially food of my kids without much struggle. Before, my kids and I could go to bed without any food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a jobless widow with 7 children who are still schooling, providing for their educational needs has been a tough situation for me. I have desired to provide them with quality education like other kids in society. After receiving the transfer, I prioritize clearing their school fees. I spent KES 45,000 invest in my kid's educational needs, two are in secondary school and 5 in primary school. They transfer come at a time when all my kids were sent home due to fees arrears and I had no coin to support them. Currently, my kids are concentrating on their studies after paying their fees in full. I also saved KES 5000 l am planning to boost my livestock rearing once the drought season that we are experiencing ended. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing sufficient food and water for the family since we are experiencing a long drought season and famine in our area.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self employment for me. My husband was the bread winner of my family, since his passing on, I have been working as a casual labourer. Cutting down trees to burn charcoal.The money I get from the work I do, is not enough to sustain my family of seven. Once I get the money, I will start a business of selling second hands clothes in the locality. This will ensure I get money to buy family essentials on a daily basis.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day. I get to have a rest after a long day cutting down trees to burn charcoal. I also get time to chat with my children after they come from school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Sustaining a family of seven is a struggle for me. I struggle to pay school fees for my children and also providing food for them. It makes me feel sad seeing my children skipping meals or skipping school due to lack of money.