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 > Charo's Profile
Charo's family
Charo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to purchase a car, which will serve as a vital tool in my quest to earn a living and provide for my family. With this vehicle, I plan to venture into the transportation business, offering my services for hire. It will be a remarkable upgrade from my current situation, opening up new opportunities for financial growth and stability. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and the right investment, this car will become a gateway to success, empowering me to overcome obstacles and achieve the life I've always dreamed of.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The cash transfer was delivered directly into my phone, which was incredibly convenient and efficient. With no strings attached, I was given the freedom to use the funds in a way that best suited my needs and aspirations. This unconditional money transfer has been a true lifeline, allowing me to address immediate concerns and invest in my future without unnecessary restrictions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
First and foremost, I used $180 to clear a debt I owed to a friend. This had been a source of constant worry and stress, but now I could finally breathe freely and regain my peace of mind. With the weight of debt lifted off my shoulders, I could focus on building a brighter future for my family. The next step was investing in a dairy cow, spending around $150 on it. This decision promised a steady supply of milk for domestic use and the potential for commercial purposes. As my dairy business grew, it would offer a reliable income stream and contribute to a stable livelihood for my family. Additionally, I repaired my motorcycle, which had broken down earlier and had been my primary source of income. With it back in working order, I could resume my transportation services and provide for my family's needs. Lastly, I made sure to buy clothes and food for my three family members. Seeing them well-fed and clothed filled my heart with happiness and gratitude.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($402 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day when the transfers were sent, I was at home, but I had left my phone charging in the nearby shop, so when I saw the message in the morning, I was overwhelmed with happiness. I pictured myself paying the arrears on the land on which we have been living for a while now without paying the full amount.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am now a landowner with no debt, and this alone has made all the difference. In addition, we will be able to move into a house that's bigger than what we are now living in and convert this to a kitchen in no time. I am now able to sell several types of alcohol, something I was unable to do when I first established this business, and I am grateful to givedirectly for providing me with this chance to progress in my business. I'm also looking forward to expanding my herd of cattle and goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid $25 to pay off a debt I had on the land we were already inhabiting, and it felt great to know that the land now belongs to me and my family without the risk of being evicted at any moment by the owner. We had a one-roomed mud home on the same land that was too small to even invite a family member or a guest, so we used the transfers to buy all the supplies needed to build a four-roomed house with a balcony. Even if the house we intend to build is still built of mud, we will be content as a family since we will have enough room and at least a respectable house with steel roofing. I've put aside $12 to buy a female calf and rear it until it's old enough to breed and produce milk, which we will sell and earn us some money to pay our expenses.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
It was all a smile to us when we heard about the arrival of GiveDirectly in our village. The happiness was a result of having the hope of realizing my dreams with the help of the transfers. With this money, I intend to spend $400 to ensure I complete my house which is at its superstructure level. This will guarantee us an opportunity to live in a decent house as compared to the one we currently occupy, which is temporarily made. The remaining amount ($700) will help me to buy 5 indigenous cows to add to my stock. This will act as my long-term project to support my family in the future. Thus, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last 6 months, I have noticed a big difference in my livestock compared to the time when I was still living with my extended family. This has been contributed by the fact that I am currently having my land (2 acres) to keep my livestock including cows, chickens, and turkeys. At the moment, they have increased in number unlike back at home where they used to be stolen. Therefore, I consider this as what has brought joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In September last year, there was a conflict within our extended family which resulted in disagreement among us. This forced me to secure a land away from home to shift and start a life with my wife. Although the cost of securing the 2 acres was $500 only due to the value being low, I was able to pay $100 as a deposit. The pain at the moment is that the landowner needs to be cleared the balance but I am yet to pay him due to financial instability. This has stressed me a lot because I am always worried about being moved away from this land. In addition, I have not been able to construct a decent house to spare us from the night's chilliness, a situation which has also robbed away my joy. I, therefore, consider the financial crisis being my biggest challenge at the moment.