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.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Emily's Profile
Emily's family
Emily
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Emily's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 20 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I've started a small poultry farm with about 40 chickens, and it's already proving profitable. I sell eggs and chickens, which helps cover emergencies. Each egg sells for about $2 and on a good day, I can collect up to 20 eggs. The prices for chickens vary; I sell a male for between $6 and $8 and a female for between $4 and $6. This success has inspired me to expand my venture. My goal is to grow the farm and raise more chickens on a larger scale. This will increase our income and provide a more sustainable way to support our children's education and meet our daily needs. It's a promising investment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am deeply grateful for the unconditional cash support from GiveDirectly, which allowed me to address my most pressing needs and make decisions that best suited my situation. During the enrollment process, GiveDirectly officers were exceptionally respectful and considerate, especially accommodating my hearing impairment. They patiently repeated information whenever I needed clarification and spoke loudly enough for me to hear clearly. The enrollment process was free and fair, promoting equity. I truly hope GiveDirectly continues with this thoughtful and inclusive approach.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a daughter in her second year of university who was almost unable to sit for her exams because we couldn't afford the fee of $580. Fortunately, I managed to borrow $130 from a friend and added my second transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly to clear her fees. Indeed the transfer was timely! As a small-scale grocer in an open-air market, my earnings are not stable, some days I make $10, and other days $5. With my husband's low income as a security guard, supporting our family of eight is challenging, especially with four of our children still in school. I’ve experienced the pain of dropping out of school at the junior secondary level due to financial difficulties which has highly contributed to my today's struggles. This makes me determined to ensure my children have a better future. We motivate and encourage them to do their best in school. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your timely help. Without it, my daughter might have missed a crucial step in her education.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($125 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I stood in the market, selling tomatoes, a notification popped up on my phone - $200 from GiveDirectly. Joy flooded me, and instantly, I knew what to do. With $150, I rushed to buy food, easing the hunger crisis looming over us. The remaining $50? I invested it in my tomato business. That decision changed everything. Now, my business thrives, and I even save $10 a day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving the GiveDirectly transfer, the most significant change in my life has been becoming debt-free. This newfound financial freedom has been a game-changer for both me and my business. Previously, I would often have to take out loans to boost my tomato business stock. But now, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I no longer need to rely on loans. This has relieved a great burden and allowed me to invest in my business without worrying about debt.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent $200 transfer from GiveDirectly, I tackled our pressing hunger issue first. Allocating $150 for food, my family now eats well, and our happiness knows no bounds. Despite the tough market conditions, I invested $50 in boosting my tomato business. Surprisingly, amidst the challenges, I manage to save $10 a day, ensuring a brighter future for us.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the transfers means so much to me and my family. Since we have our children for the next 2 months after school closes, we intend to use the money to purchase food. We intend to use $200 of the transfers on this. For the second transfer, I intend to pay off my daughter's school. This is important since it will help pay off part of the money we owe her institution. For the third transfer, I intend to buy building materials which I will use to construct a house for my 2 sons. This is suitable for me since the house we are living in is small and our sons are growing up.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness comes from my children. With my daughter who is taking a nursing course, I'm happy since I know that once she completes her studies she will offer me financial support.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Prolonged droughts and lack of sustainable work is the aspect that makes my life harder recently. This has led to a lack of money for me which makes it very challenging. I have my daughter who is taking a nursing course and needs about 1000 dollars yearly for fees and because of the challenge I'm facing, I feel so stressed.