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 > Rachael's Profile
Rachael's family
Rachael
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
20
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($370 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Expanding my tailoring business is a dream that fills me with excitement and determination. With the help of the GiveDirectly transfers, I envision creating a thriving enterprise that not only supports my family but also provides employment opportunities for others in my community. By doing so, I aspire to establish my brand as a reputable and sought-after name in the tailoring industry. As my business flourishes, I am confident that it will bring financial security and prosperity to my family. Gone will be the days of worrying about lacking food or facing financial hardships. The steady income generated from the expanded business will ensure that our basic needs are met and that we have the means to plan for a brighter future. One of my long-term goals is to acquire my land and build a home for my family. Owning a piece of land would provide us with a sense of stability and pride. I am eager to seize every opportunity to achieve these dreams. By investing in my tailoring business, honing my skills, and providing quality services, I am confident that I can make my mark in the industry. The support from GiveDirectly has given me the push I needed to pursue these goals and build a better life for my loved ones.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am overjoyed to share how much my life and the lives of my family have transformed since receiving support from GiveDirectly. The transfers have been a lifeline that allowed me to make significant changes that have positively impacted our future. With the financial assistance, I was able to acquire a tailoring machine, which has become a cornerstone of my business. This has not only allowed me to utilize my tailoring skills but also created a sustainable source of income for our family. The tailoring business has flourished, providing us with stability and financial security. Additionally, the motorbike we purchased with the support from GiveDirectly has marked a new beginning. It has eliminated the need for my husband to borrow one, and he now uses it to generate income through transportation services. We have wisely invested in raising livestock, which has proven to be a valuable asset for our family. The livestock not only provides us with additional income but also serves as a form of financial security. As a result of these changes, we are no longer burdened with financial worries, and our future looks brighter than ever before. The support from GiveDirectly has empowered us to take control of our lives and create a better future for ourselves and our loved ones.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers I received from GiveDirectly have been a game-changer for me and my family. With financial support, I made two crucial investments that have transformed our lives. Firstly, I purchased a motorbike for $300, which has proven to be a valuable asset for our family's income generation. Previously, my husband used to borrow from someone whenever we needed transportation, which put us in a vulnerable position. Now, with the motorbike, we have a reliable means of transportation and an opportunity to start a business. I use the motorbike to offer transportation services, enabling us to earn a steady income and improve our financial stability. Secondly, I invested $230 in a tailoring business. I had the skills, but I lacked the essential sewing machine to turn my talent into a source of income. The transfers allowed me to acquire the necessary equipment, and now I can offer tailoring services to the community. This business has been well received, and it brings me immense joy to see my skills being appreciated and rewarded.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember the day I got my transfer. I didn't hear my phone ring because it was off. When I switched it back on, a message appeared informing me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was surprised and delighted at the same time. I knew that with the money, I would be able to achieve my objectives. I immediately informed my husband, who was overjoyed. Thereafter, we embarked on planning how we would utilize the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my daily life is that I now own a sewing machine, which was previously impossible due to financial constraints. This means I won't have to worry about using a rented machine or paying the monthly rent for the business premise. The organization's support was extremely valuable in securing our lives, for which I am forever grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My deepest desire was to be able to afford a sewing machine. This is because I was forced to pay at least $6 per month for a borrowed machine. This was costly for me because I couldn't guarantee I'd make that much. My husband is a motorcycle taxi driver and I am a tailor. When I got my transfer, I spent $230 on a sewing machine. Then I spent $100 on iron sheets to build a business stall. Finally, I purchased food and a mattress. All of this was previously impossible due to unstable income sources. I am overjoyed and grateful for the financial assistance that has enabled us to pursue our dreams.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of three members. My husband is a casual laborer and I a tailor by profession. Currently I depend on agriculture since I have no machine to practice my career. I will use $120 to buy a sewing machine, use $200 to buy materials, and use $ 80 to rent a house and start my business. In my village, I will be the only person with such a business so I have the chance to enjoy enough market for my business. I approximately earning $10 per day. A business with such a profit is a good one. I will also use $ 500 to buy two cows as an investment. This will help me have enough school fees for my daughter when she joins the secondary school in future. She is yet to join primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have married two years ago and since then my mother has never visited me till on August 2022. She visited me for two days. Both my mother and in-laws welcomed her with joy and we celebrated for the two days. I felt very happy to see my mother after two years.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am expectant with a six-month pregnant. I feel alot of pain in my lower belly since the fourth month. I went to the nearby health centre for medication and got some medicine but there is no improvement. I have no money to go see a specialist. This is the second pregnancy and the first one did not have such challenges. I am so worried about my health and the baby. This is the current challenge I am facing.