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 > Umazi's Profile
Umazi's family
Umazi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
41
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has improved since I started receiving my transfer, I will able to educate my kid without any problem using my livestock. In addition, I was able to fulfill my desire to own a plastic tank with a capacity of 5000lts to store enough water for my family when it comes to drought season using my first transfer. I also constructed a 3 roomed house for myself since the one I had was very small and I use to sharing with my chore wife.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly has done well for sending us cash transfer which has transformed our lives in many ways.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer to purchase one dairy cow. This is my long-term investment for my family, I intend to sell the offspring to educate my children once they multiply. I also purchased ox-plough which will help me in preparing my farm before planting. I saved the remaining amount for my child who will be joining secondary school next month. I will spend it shopping and pay part of her school fees.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ringing in the afternoon, a notification of an incoming message. When I checked the contents of the message, I was excited and felt happy since I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for coming through to help me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Through the transfer, I purchased a water tank to help me store a larger volume of water for domestic use. At times we are hit by a drought making water scarce and having to walk over long distance in search of it. Its also expensive to buy at such times from the other people. Having the water tank is the biggest difference in my daily life because I am assured of storing water to help me in such times as well as sell thus earning an income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 29500 of my first transfer on buying a water tank. We have been hit by a drought several times which forces us to walk over long distances to fetch water. I am glad that this tank will help me to store a larger volume of water for my domestic use during such times. I also bought a tap and cement to build a raised platform for the tank. In addition to this, I also bought a heifer at KES 12000 which I am keeping in my homestead. With time as it reproduce, I will be getting milk to sell as well as for my family's consumption. I spent the remaining amount to pay for my children's school fees.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continuous availability of water in my compound. I'm planning to use 200 dollars to buy a water storage tank. The drought in my area has led to water shortage forcing me to walk for more than 20km to get water. The storage tank will serve me especially after harvesting water during the rain seasons. I will use 180 dollars to buy two young donkeys @ 90 dollars each. The donkeys will help me in carrying water in case the storage tank runs dry. I'll then use 200 dollars to renovate my house (leaking roof).
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. After all the day hustles, this the time I use to take rest whether I have managed to put a meal on the table or not.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is shortage of water for domestic use. It really stresses me watching my kids sleep hungry simply because there is no water to prepare a meal with.