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 > Edward's Profile
Edward's family
Edward
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
check
 
Follow to be updated on Edward's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($306 USD)
access_time 14 days ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my central objective revolves around initiating a goat-rearing project and constructing a decent kitchen. My ultimate aim is to utilize the third transfer to realise this aspiration. I appreciate the achievements I have already made, and I approach the future with a profound sense of gratitude and enthusiasm.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What stood out for me was the freedom we had in utilizing our funds to address our individual needs. The program's officers exhibited exceptional dedication by thoroughly explaining the process, offering valuable guidance, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged us to freely voice our opinions. During the sensitization meetings, we were consistently treated with the highest level of respect and equity, devoid of any discrimination. Furthermore, the program provided invaluable security insights, ensuring the safeguarding of our funds. In conclusion, I find the program's operations to be flawless, with no discernible issues requiring attention.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As farmers, my wife and I rely on our land for our livelihood. We are blessed with two children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made a decision to spend $250 towards renovating our house by plastering the floor. Our daily needs are closely tied to our farming income, and accumulating significant amounts of money has always been a challenge due to the difficulties in our area caused by harsh weather conditions. With the remaining funds, I covered school fees amounting to $80, purchased household items worth $37, and spent $80 for essential food items. My wife and I were overwhelmed with joy that we could complete the house renovation in such a short time. I will forever cherish the support that not only increased our income but also granted us financial freedom.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($127 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At 4 pm, the long-awaited transfers finally arrived. I was alone, eagerly anticipating the funds so I could act quickly to address the pressing issue at hand. I had prepared a budget in advance, knowing that time was of the essence. The first thing that came to my mind was food, given the critical situation unfolding due to the devastating drought. The scarcity of food had become a growing concern, and with each passing day, the prices continued to soar, making it even more difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Buying school uniforms for my children has had a remarkable impact on their appearance and behavior at school. With the help I received, they are now very presentable and respectable among their peers and teachers. The uniforms have instilled a sense of pride and confidence in them, which reflects positively on their overall attitude towards learning and interacting with others. Moreover, the investment in the farm, particularly the tomatoes, has been successful. The crops are thriving, and I am delighted with the progress. The improved yield not only contributes to our family's food security but also opens up opportunities for additional income through sales. Given the positive outcomes with the tomatoes, I am eager to expand the farm's size. By increasing the cultivation area, I hope to further improve the quantity of tomatoes produced. This expansion could lead to even more significant benefits for our family, such as increased self-sufficiency and the potential for better financial stability. I am immensely grateful for the help and support I have received, as it has made a tangible difference in our lives. The newfound respect and confidence of my children at school and the success of our farming venture have brought us hope for a brighter future. With continued hard work and the support of programs like the one that assisted us, we are determined to build a better life for ourselves and create a more prosperous environment for our family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I allocated $70 to purchase essential food items, understanding the urgency of the situation and the importance of securing provisions for my family during these challenging times. With the remaining funds, I decided to lease a piece of land for farming. It cost me $300, but it was strategically located along the river, allowing me to implement irrigation whenever necessary. I saw this as an opportunity to invest in a more stable future and increase our chances of having enough food in the long run. Part of the money went towards paying $50 for school fees, reflecting my commitment to education and providing opportunities for a better life for my family. To make the most of the farming venture and avoid borrowing tools, I spent $30 to purchase equipment like a hammer and a saw. This way, I could efficiently build essential structures, such as the chicken house, and ensure a successful farming operation. The assistance I received from GiveDirectly made all of this possible. Without their support, I wouldn't have been able to take these steps towards a more sustainable future. Now, I am patiently waiting for the crops to mature, hopeful that they will shield us from the inadequacies of food and lead us to a more self-sufficient life.
 
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My priority is to buy food for my family. The drought and the high cost of living have made it very difficult to eat as a family. I plan to use about $300. This means we won't have to worry about food for at least 4 months. We can buy maize, beans, sugar, cooking oil, and other household items. The kitchen we use now is open. When it rains it's hard cooking. I want to upgrade it. It will cost $300 to build a good kitchen. This will give us an ample place to cook. My 2-roomed house is not cemented. I plan to improve it by cementing it for easy maintenance. It's even healthier staying in a cemented house. That will cost approximately $200. Due to a poor fence around my compound. I plan to invest in my security and that of my crops by building a safer one. I will buy barbed wire and put it up around my home. It will cost me up to $300. This means I can grow within my compound without worries of destruction by animals. This will help improve our food access.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy with my chicken, cows, and goats. They sustain us a family, we depend on milk, eggs, or selling them. It's a joy owning them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Putting food on the table is a difficult task. There has been a persistent drought for the last 2 years. Due to the minimal rains, we lost all our farm produce. This led to a food shortage. To get food, we're forced to depend on casual jobs which are rare. When we acquire temporary jobs, we must always budget well for food. Additionally, food is very expensive now. In a day one is paid $2 for half a day of work. This has made providing for our family very difficult.