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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Kana's Profile
Kana's family
Kana
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
38
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($402 USD)
access_time 1 month ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Procuring three goats from a renowned breed, recognized for their capacity to deliver twins twice a year, symbolizes an investment poised to grow into a substantial flock. This investment holds the promise of generating a reliable income stream to contribute towards supporting my children's education and fulfilling other family needs. Furthermore, I plan to establish a small grocery kiosk alongside my charcoal business, ensuring a consistent source of income to meet our daily expenses. With these plans in motion, I am confident that my children's education is secured, paving the way for a brighter future for our family making me a happy and proud parent
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's method of providing unconditional cash is phenomenal as it tackles various issues faced by different individuals. I wouldn't want it any other way, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to them for their steadfast support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
While at home with my six children—one still breastfeeding and five attending school—my daughter discovered a surprising notification on my phone from GiveDirectly which filled me with immense joy and relief. Being a single parent without a stable job, I rely on selling charcoal to support my family. The money presented an opportunity to complete the construction of our new house that I had started with my previous transfer. I therefore invested $180 to finish building a more comfortable two-bedroom house because the previous one was small and prone to leaking during rainy seasons, posing health risks to my young children. Providing my children with a warm, secure home was a dream come true, bringing tears of gratitude to my eyes considering the rainy seasons ahead. Additionally, I used $120 to purchase three goats of a reputed good breed known for its high likelihood of giving birth to twins twice a year. This investment holds promise for building a substantial flock, which will serve as a future source of income to support my children's education and other family needs. With the remaining funds, my plan is to establish a small kiosk selling groceries which aims to complement my charcoal business, ensuring a more stable income flow to meet our daily family needs. As I watch my children play happily in our soon-to-be-completed home, I am filled with hope and gratitude for the opportunities that lie ahead and a great future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($337 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can still vividly recall that pivotal day when my phone, drained of battery, left me oblivious to the life-altering message awaiting me. Engaged in farm work, I hurriedly made my way to the charging spot as soon as I received word from a relative about their newfound financial support from GiveDirectly. Upon switching on my phone, a wave of elation washed over me as I discovered that I, too, had received an unconditional cash transfer. The realization hit me with profound joy, knowing that I could now afford to pay school fees for my five kids in lower grades. As a single parent, this support meant more than just education; it meant breaking barriers that could have kept my children home. Gratitude swelled in my heart, and I couldn't express enough thanks to the organization that had made it possible for my kids to continue their education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For over seven years, post-divorce, my family of five had been struggling, residing in my father's compound, and facing the constant challenges of financial instability. The absence of a steady job meant that I grasped at any opportunity for employment, leaving me vulnerable to the ridicule of my village peers. The weight of providing for my family was immense, and the laughter echoing around me seemed to amplify my sense of hopelessness. As my children entered their teenage years, the lack of a stable and suitable living environment added to my frustrations. It seemed like an insurmountable task to break free from this cycle of struggle. However, the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly acted as a beacon of hope. The organization not only provided financial assistance but also restored my sense of dignity. With this support, I am on the path to acquiring my own compound and a new home where I can provide a stable and nurturing environment for my family. The gratitude I feel towards the organization is immeasurable. Their assistance has not only changed my life but has also sown the seeds for a fresh start. I am now a happy mother, and I look forward to a future I once thought was beyond reach. I extend my deepest thanks to GiveDirectly, hoping that their generosity continues to bless others as it has blessed me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first priority was my children's education. With $48, I wiped away the stress of unpaid school fees, ensuring that my four kids, with their innocent smiles and dreams, could continue their journey through the lower grades. As a single parent struggling to secure employment, the burden of their education fees weighed heavily on my shoulders. Now, watching them head to school with excitement, I felt a profound sense of relief. Also, the cash transfer allowed me to settle a debt of $18 with a friend who had been kind enough to extend a line of credit for our essential needs. Timely repayment not only eased my conscience but also strengthened the bonds of trust in my community. Furthermore, $80 went towards paying off part of the one-acre farm I had purchased earlier. My dream is to relocate there, escaping the confines of my father's compound and the memories of a past marriage that ended seven years ago. I used part of the funds to buy iron sheets worth $90, a symbolic investment in the construction of a new home on the new plot. The joy of finally being able to build a home for my family is indescribable. The remaining funds were wisely spent on essentials: three chairs, a mattress, and two beds. No longer relegated to sleeping on the floor, my family and I found comfort in our improved living conditions, a testament to the transformative power of unconditional support.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am single mother of five living at my maternal home with the children. It has not been easy raising the family alone given the fact that I do casual jobs which are also not reliable. I make very little income which caters for food and school fees for the children. I live as a squatter at my maternal home because I am not allowed to build a permanent structure since my children are not entitled for any inheritance on this piece of land. I bought a piece of land worth 0.3 acre in the nearby village. I will use $600 to build a two room house on my piece of land and shift there with the children. I will also use $100 to clear school fees balance for the children and make a prepayment. They have a fees balance of $35 which has made them miss school for a whole term. The remaining money will help me start a grocery business in the village and have a sustainable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always struggling raising the family alone. I feel bitter to see the father of my children has neglected his responsibility and not caring about the children. This makes me always unhappy. However in August this year I got $35 from my casual job and decided to make chapati and other delicious food for my family. That was the first time ever to do so for my children so I felt happy seeing children enjoying the food I made for them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am a single mother of five doing casual labor which gives me a very low income. The money caters mostly for food and this has affected my children education. They never attended school the whole of third term due to huge school fees balances.