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:
Casual labor
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($465 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any new goal for now because I was able to accomplish the one I had in mind which was to own dairy cows. I am happy that currently, I have been getting plenty of liters of milk which I normally sell in the dairy shops, and earn a living. Lately, I have been able to take good care of my children without straining like before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does a good job by transforming our lives positively. Most of us now have iron-roofed houses, livestock and managed to send our children to school. We were able to accomplish all these because the transfers were unconditional. Apart from that, we were able to receive good teachings on how to protect our money from online scammers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a dairy cow at KES 15000. I have desired to own it for a long but I couldn't afford it because they were relatively expensive. I settled for it because I had plans of practicing dairy farming which I believe it will do well in the village. To add to that, I cleared school fees for my three children who are still in primary schools. I am glad they are no longer being sent home regularly like before. I later bought pastures for the dairy cow at KES 5000 since there was a prolonged drought by then. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items that I was lacking.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember it was around 9 O'clock, I was on my way traveling back home from fetching water from the water pan. I heard a message notification on my phone, I was curious to know the content of the message since it was unusual to get a message at such a time. I was surprised to realize that it was the transfer, after reaching home I informed the rest of the family members and everyone was extremely happy to hear the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am now empowered after starting dairy farming, this is a reliable source of income for the family. This has boosted my self-esteem since I will be able to have something to depend on whenever I face any financial emergency once I start milk selling around the village. Previously, I was a charcoal vendor a job that earns me KES 100 per day which was not enough to feed my family of 6. Sometimes my children would go to bed without eating something that kept me worried.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 45,000 to start livestock rearing by purchasing 3 indigenous dairy cows. I have always wished to venture into this activity since I am experienced in dairy farming. This is a reliable of source income for the family as I am planning to be supplying milk to my neighbor at KES 50 per liter. I will use the income to cater to basic needs like food, clothing and save some to educate my children. I also used KES 2500 to pay school fees for my 3 children who are still lower primary. In addition, I purchased a school uniform for one of my kids who were casual wear while going to school. I was feeling ashamed as a parent for not fulfilling my responsibility. I bought enough food stock with the rest of my transfer.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my dream of cattle rearing can come true. Livestock farming is fit for me since I spend most of my time at home. This time is enough for me to look after them. I will begin with purchasing 2 cows each worth 150 USD. From the cows, I can get milk for consumption as well as for sale. When they multiply , I can sell and pay school fees for my children in future. This will help me support my spouse in terms of providing for my 3 children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is when I am done with the day's activities and my children are back from school. Bonding with my three boys after a busy day makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was born in the neighbouring village and married here;not far away from home. What has been the main hardship all along is scarcity of food due to the dry climatic conditions. Being raised by a single mother was not easy since me and my sibling solely depended on her. With the casual jobs she did,we sometimes slept hungry are skipped meals. The tune is still the same here since crop farming does not do well. My spouse and I really struggle to put food on the table since we do not have a stable source of income. He does casual jobs in town while I farm and sell charcoal at home.