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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Janet's Profile
Janet's family
Janet
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($355 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As of next year, I have a hopeful vision to venture into the grocery business, a new path I am eager to tread to support my family of six. I intend to use $60 as capital to kickstart this venture, a small but significant step toward financial stability. Additionally, I plan to utilize my existing savings to ensure the success of this endeavor. Being a single parent, it is been a daily struggle to make ends meet, and I am determined to change that narrative. The prospect of this grocery business brings me happiness and relief, knowing that it could lead to a more secure and stable future for my family. I'm ready to work hard, manage the challenges, and invest my savings wisely to turn this dream into a reality, providing a better life for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Personally, I was deeply concerned about my children's education, knowing the financial strain it could put on a single parent like me who relies on farming for our livelihood. The transfers came as a much-needed lifeline, alleviating my worries and providing the support necessary for my children's education. I am grateful beyond words for the impact it has had on our lives. As a single parent, I have always been determined to provide the best for my children, but the transfers have been an eye-opener and a savior. They have shown me that, even in challenging circumstances, positive change is possible. This assistance has not only transformed my family's life but has uplifted the entire community, and for that, I am immensely thankful. My only wish is that GiveDirectly could replicate this success in other areas, bringing hope and change to more families like mine. I hope that the core principles and dedication that have characterized their work remain unchanged, continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving my transfers was a turning point in my life. I made a conscious decision to invest in my daughter's education by saving $350 in a bank account. It is for her admission to grade 10 next year, a milestone I have eagerly anticipated. I also allocated $30 to purchase chickens, as they thrive in our region, and $90 for goats, knowing they breed rapidly, ensuring a future source of income. The remainder of the money went into providing food for our household. My family of six relies on maize farming as our primary source of livelihood, and this additional support has allowed us to cover school fees for my children, a burden that used to weigh heavily on my shoulders. The transfers have eased our financial struggles, bringing stability and hope back into our lives. Looking forward, I am excited about the potential income we can generate from selling the goats, eggs, and chickens once they breed and mature. As a single parent, every opportunity to secure additional income is a step towards ensuring a better future for my loved ones. The transfers have given us the chance to not only meet our immediate needs but to invest in a brighter, more secure tomorrow.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At around 3 PM, while engrossed in my house chores, the sound of my phone ringing jolted me with excitement. As I checked my messages, my heart swelled with joy and gratitude, for I had finally received the long-awaited unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Knowing that they were true to their word made me immensely happy. The weight of financial burdens lifted as I envisioned a brighter future for my family, especially for my daughter, who was in her final year of primary school. With tears of relief and hope, I knew this generous support would not only clear her school arrears but also open doors to endless possibilities ahead.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Ever since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, my life has undergone a transformation like never before. The introduction of goats into my household has been the most significant change. With these resilient creatures reproducing twice a year, I can already envision a bright future ahead. As their numbers grow, I plan to sell some of them, providing a sustainable source of income for my family's needs. Gone are the days of stress and worry when I had to borrow money from neighbors just to ensure my children's well-being. Now, I stand tall, empowered, and able to secure a better life for my loved ones, all thanks to the support of GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a single mother of three, making ends meet was a constant struggle with my meager earnings from charcoal-making. When the transfer came through, I knew exactly how to allocate the money to improve our lives. First and foremost, I cleared the $160 arrear for my daughter in eighth grade, a burden that had been weighing heavily on my mind. The relief I felt was immeasurable, knowing that my daughter's education could continue uninterrupted. Next, I decided to invest in our future. I used KES 3000 to buy a goat, an idea that came to me as a stroke of brilliance. With proper care and attention, the goat's offspring would multiply, and I could sell some to raise funds for my children's school fees in the coming years. I also used $100 to purchase a new mattress. Sleeping on an old, worn-out one had caused me constant pain and discomfort, affecting my ability to work efficiently during the day. The new mattress brought immediate relief, and I could finally sleep peacefully at night. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food, which turned out to be a blessing, lasting us almost three weeks. With this safety net and a plan for the future, I felt a newfound sense of security and optimism, ready to take on the challenges of life with renewed strength and determination.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members with three being children. My first born is in class eight at Vitengeni primary. Indo casual jobs earning approximately $30 per month which caters for food and school fees. The daughter at Vitengeni has a school fees balance of $180 . I give firewood to the school in exchange for the school fees. She is in class eight and will join form one next year . I will use $700 to clear the school fees balance and save the rest so that I pay school fees for her when she join form one. I will also use $150 to buy three goats as an investment. I really appreciate the program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On April 2023, I sold seven bags of charcoal and earned $28 . I used the money to pay school fees for the two children at Vitengeni and Kahingoni primary. They stayed at school for the whole term thus improved their performances. That made me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable job is the challenge I am currently facing. I am a single mother of three children and I do casual jobs earning approximately $30 which caters for food and school fees. I have a son who is in class three at Kahingoni primary and he has fees balance of $10. He has been out of class due to school fees. The first born is at Vitengeni primary and I give firewood to the school in exchange for school fees.