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 > Jumaa's Profile
Jumaa's family
Jumaa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Student
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Jumaa's next check-in.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the approaching months, my primary objective is to provide financial support to my wife by covering her school fees. The culmination of her two-year course holds the promise of substantial benefits for our family. I eagerly anticipate witnessing her undertake her examinations and acquire the essential certifications to enhance her employment prospects. I express profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated my college completion but also enabled me to procure sustenance for my young family and invest in the acquisition of two cows.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Allocating a significant sum of $64, I covered the school fees for both my wife and son. My wife's pursuit of a tailoring course is aimed at acquiring skills to generate supplementary income, complementing my earnings as a motorcycle taxi driver. Her anticipated completion of the two-year course in December brings me great satisfaction, as her newfound skills will significantly benefit our family. Furthermore, I settled my son's school fee arrears and made a partial payment for the current term, ensuring his uninterrupted education. During the festive season, I allocated $20 to purchase new clothes for my son, enhancing his appearance and confidence. With the remaining $14, I procured food provisions to partake in joyful celebrations with my family. The invaluable financial support we've received has notably enhanced the quality of life for my family.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to realize my long-standing dream of becoming a successful livestock farmer. I've taken the initial step by acquiring two cows, but my ultimate aim is to expand my livestock portfolio by steadily increasing the number of animals in my care. To achieve this, I've made a strategic plan where I'll purchase a goat every month whenever I receive my transfers. Over time, I intend to sell some of these goats to reinvest in acquiring more cows, steadily growing my livestock business and ultimately establishing a thriving venture in livestock keeping
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The GiveDirectly money I received came as a timely and much-needed relief. Managing the education expenses for both my wife and children had been a constant challenge. At the moment the transfers arrived, my wife and child were facing pressure to settle their outstanding school fees balances. I was genuinely relieved as the transfers eased my financial burden. I allocated $15 to cover my wife's educational expenses, another $15 for my son, which also went towards purchasing him a new school uniform as he had outgrown his old one. The remaining $4 was utilized to ensure there was enough food on the table for my family. The support I received from GiveDirectly not only lightened my financial load but also brought a sense of relief and security to our lives.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I firmly hold the belief that acquiring essential skills and education is crucial for individuals to endure challenging economic circumstances. That's why I intend to support my wife's education by promptly covering her tuition fees and ensuring that she takes exams and performs well by the end of the year. Accomplishing this objective will bring me a sense of fulfillment and immense joy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since enrolling in the cash program through Give Directly, my life has undergone a significant transformation. This milestone has enabled me to pursue higher education and acquire valuable skills in mechanical engineering, which I now utilize to earn income and provide for my young family. Moreover, I recently took the initiative to enroll my wife in a tailoring college to equip her with the necessary expertise for establishing her own tailoring business in the future. To support her education, I allocated $10 from my May transfers towards her college tuition fees, which brings me immense happiness, knowing that her newfound skills will benefit our family in the long run. Additionally, I allocated $9 to purchase food for my family. To supplement my income I recently returned to our village and started engaging in farming, especially considering the current abundance of rainfall. This decision will not only provide us with a stable source of food but will also allow me to allocate the funds received from the transfers towards more meaningful endeavors, such as investing in income-generating ventures. I allocated $10 towards a savings group comprised of seven members, all of whom are beneficiaries of the cash program. Each month, one member receives a total of $70 from the collective contributions. This money plays a vital role in supporting us in undertaking substantial projects that necessitate significant investments.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I enrolled my wife into a college to persue a tailoring course so that she can gain some useful skills and also engage herself. She is required to pay a sum of Ksh.15,500 and I have so far paid ksh. 2000 only. My objective is now to use the monthly transfer to clear this fee so as to allow her complete her course.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I got the chance to withdraw the transfers I took it upon myself to save KES 1,000 out of the money that I had received. The reason behind this was because I was planning for my son to begin kindergarten the beginning of this year and finally next week he's going to join school and I will use that money to pay for his tuition. Apart from that, since it was also around the festive season I also spent KES 1,500 out of the money and bought three packets of wheat flour, five litres of cooking oil and five kilograms of rice. I spent the remaining balance of KES 900 on purchasing an outfit for my son to celebrate for Christmas celebrations. As for the month of November I used the entire donatio to pay for my tuition and my examination fee for my college where I studied mechanics.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly did very well by giving aid in form of cash. Previously, I have seen some organisations give aid in form of other material things like food yet some people may not really be in need of food. Thinking about cash as a form of support was the best thing that happened to us from GiveDirectly. Different people are able to make different decisions and all of them be happy about the investments that they make. To his is so fulfilling. Giving to be cash in small amounts rather than lumpsum was also very important. People are able to manage little cash without getting confused. On the other hand, it is a general observation and request by various people that the organisation should be committed to release everyone's transfers at the end of every month so that those people who have plans together can actualize their plans without fail. In my family for example, a couple of us did not receive a transfer recently and this ruined our plans as a family since we normally decide on a thing after receiving the cash.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently pursuing a course in mechanics at a nearby town. I have been receiving support from my sister in as far as payment of school fees for this course is concerned. Recently, my sister has had to strain paying my school fees since she has other personal needs and goals that she has to meet. I could not depend on my parents since they are jobless- they depend on livestock keeping to earn a living. We also have other young siblings who look up to them to meet their needs like payment of school fees and food. When. I started receiving the money from GiveDirectly, I thought it wise to give relief to my sister who has selflessly helped me through this course. I am at my final stages and I will be graduating at the end of this year. I received the most recent transfer when I had school fees arears amounting to $60. I used $15 to clear part of this balance and used another $10 to pay for my rent. I then used the amount that remained of $5 to buy food and other personal needs for my family. My wife too is a beneficiary in this program and the fact that she gets her own money, has given me an opportunity to not only support myself with the amount that I receive but also support my siblings who are still in primary school. I am so grateful for the support that I receive from GiveDirectly. It renewed my hopes of finishing up on my mechanic course and it gave me an opportunity to think about the future of my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was out with my friends until late in the evening on the day transfers were sent. I learned about my transfer while going through my messages at 9:00 p.m. I was so excited that some friends sitting next to me were shocked. One of them inquired about the good news I had received. I could not lie, so I just told him that I had been in a difficult situation and could not raise even a portion of my tuition fees, but that I had received some money. I purposefully chose not to reveal the source. Because I expected to be sent home soon, I decided to prioritize paying off a portion of my school fees. I am extremely grateful for the financial assistance provided to me by GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Because my main concern was paying my tuition fees, I am grateful that the transfer allowed me to continue my education. Without the transfer, I would be at home with my family right now. This would have set me back rather than moving forward in my studies. As a result, I consider my ability to advance in my studies, regardless of the small amount of money I paid, to be the most significant difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As soon as GiveDirectly enrolled me in its program, I sought admission for a certificate in mechanical engineering. I believe this is a move that will positively impact my life career-wise. However, I always struggled to raise my fee. Therefore when I received my transfer, I opted to spend KES 1,000 on paying part of the tuition fees and KES 200 on acquiring food. Sadly, I received notice of my tuition fee arrears. That worried me a lot. Fortunately, the support came before the college administration acted hence I could pay the fee and have extra days for learning. Were it not for the transfers, I would be at home at the moment.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am currently doing a mechanical course which I started in Jan 2022 but I have had challenges paying college fees. In the evening after classes, I look for casual jobs because I also have to take care of my family too. Receiving these transfers will be a saving grace for me and my household because the burden of responsibilities is too much on me. Part of the money will help me in paying my college fees while the other assist in providing basic needs like food and clothing for them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have always desired to go to a technical school for a long time but unfortunately, lack of money made it impossible. This however changed in December when my brother offered to pay part of my college fees. I was excited because after graduating I will also have a chance to get a job in the employment world.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do house construction to support my family and pay part of my college fees as my brother takes care of the other half. The challenges I encounter every day to make ends meet are overwhelming because the jobs in the construction industry are mostly found in the morning when I am in school. Going back home with nothing at the end of the day is frustrating especially when I see the disappointment in my wife's eye.