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:
47
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($434 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?
I want to devote all of my time, energy, and resources to building a good, spacious home that can accommodate my entire family. We have to cram everyone inside the tiny house to sleep. Additionally, there are no partitions in the house, so whenever friends and neighbors come over, they can see all of my bedding. This disturbs my sense of calm, and I feel embarrassed that I am unable to protect my privacy even from my young children. I'll be able to regain my dignity and privacy by building a larger home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate that Give Directly sent us money so that we could improve our lives and put an end to poverty in our community. Another key factor in ensuring that we make wise financial decisions is the unconditionality of the funds. I'm overjoyed to have received the cash because it has already improved my life. I urge the organization to continue with the same act and help needy people from poverty stricken villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For a very long time, I've had the desire to begin investing in livestock farming. I didn't hesitate to spend $300 on a herd of goats after receiving my second transfer because they breed more quickly than other kinds of livestock. I'm glad that raising livestock will give me a different way to make money because my current job selling charcoal is very time-consuming and pays very little, so I can't support the entire family. Currently in third grade, my third child owes the school a sizable sum of money in unpaid school fees. His studies have been disrupted as a result of him being frequently sent home to pay school fees. I paid my son's $200 tuition in an effort to motivate him to finish school, pay attention, and raise his grades. I then used the money that was left over to buy food for my family. The drought, which has made food extremely expensive, has made the past few months difficult. We purchase all of our food from stores, which forces us to purchase food in small quantities solely for our daily survival. I am extremely grateful for the financial boost from the transfer money that helped me improve the quality of my together with my family members.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While just sitting conversing with my family members, I heard my phone’s message tone from the house. I sent my child to pick it so that I can know what message had been sent. Upon opening the message, directly my eyes saw the word Mpesa. I was curious to know where the money message was from and I felt so happy knowing that the promised transfer from GiveDirectly was successful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The act of settling the school fees for my college and primary school children is the major difference that I can testify of GiveDirectly. If it were not for this organization, all my children could be just idling at home due to lack of school fees. I am very grateful for this organization and I pray for it to prosper more. Currently I can confidently relax because my mind is now settled, no longer being disturbed as before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having been struggling with school fees for my children, this transfer came right on time. I have five children; 2 are in college while 3 are in primary school. After withdrawing the money, I took KES 40000.00 and paid for the 2 college children so that they can focus on their studies without fee stress. Thereafter, I tool KES 6000.00 and paid for the primary school children to curb the movements of being sent back home on regular basis. After settling the school fees issue I bought some food for the family and kept the remaining for their upkeep.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a sustainable income to my household. I am planning to spend KES 30,000 to start a food kiosk at Midoina trading center. I am a house wife and my husband and I depend on charcoal production which gives returns of KES 2600 per month. The income is not sufficient for all basic needs and as a result all the money goes to buying food and water. This has made me to struggle to put food on the table as well as buying water. In fact my family is always on debts. The remaining transfer will help me to buy five indigenous goats so as to create an asset that will assist me when need occur.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last week I received information from the village elder that Givedirectly will enroll us in the community. Those who are successful will be given cash transfers so that they use it on their household needs. At first I thought it was not true until yesterday when we had a community baraza. This is because I have been hearing about the organization in my neighbouring villages not knowing that one day it will reach my community. This news brought me joy and happiness because I knew if I receive the money my dream of starting the food kiosk business will come true.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is food insecurity due to lack of a reliable income. The charcoal production job is energy draining and due to the prolonged drought it is hard to get big logs that can produce high quality charcoal. Due to this, I have been struggling to provide for my children. All the earnings go to purchasing food stuff and water.