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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Peris's Profile
Peris's family
Peris
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
45
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, I have ambitious plans to expand my retail business. To realize this vision, I will need an investment of $200. I am committed to making this happen, and I will take out a bank loan to secure the necessary funds. I believe that expanding my retail business is a significant step towards providing a better life for my family of six. With the additional income from this venture, I can more effectively support my family's needs, particularly alongside my current job in early childhood development (ECD). While taking on a loan carries its own set of responsibilities and challenges, I view it as an investment in our future. By utilizing the profits from the expanded retail business, I aim to secure a more stable financial footing and create a brighter tomorrow for my loved ones.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly has brought about a significant positive change in the lives of countless families, mine included. Thanks to their support, I have been able to provide education for my children, ensure there is food on the table for my family of six, and even expand my business, securing a brighter future for all of us. The impact of GiveDirectly extends beyond my family; it has fostered a sense of harmony and peace in our community. When families have their basic needs met, it creates a ripple effect, fostering better relations and an atmosphere of cooperation among neighbors. As far as my experience goes, everything about GiveDirectly has been exceptional. Their approach to assistance has been effective, and I firmly believe that they are making a significant difference in the lives of those they support. In my view, there is no pressing need for any changes in the organization; their work has been truly transformative and is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through such initiatives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfers, I made a series of choices with the aim of improving our family's situation. My son's education was a top priority, and I spent $300 to cover his college fees, ensuring that he could continue his studies without interruption. In addition to education, sustaining our family was essential. To this end, I spent $50 on food to meet our immediate nutritional needs, providing a sense of security and well-being. My family of six heavily relies on my job in early childhood development to make a living. Unfortunately, the income generated from this work is often insufficient to cover all our expenses, with most of it being directed towards putting food on the table and very little left over as surplus. Understanding the importance of financial stability, I decided to invest $100 in expanding my retail business. This was an effort to secure a more stable source of income for our family, and I had high hopes for its success. The decisions I made were aimed at addressing our most pressing needs and creating a foundation for a more secure future. I am determined to provide for my family, and these choices were steps in that direction.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My foremost objective this year is to ensure that none of my schools going children have outstanding school fees. I aim to clear the entire year's fees in advance to provide them with a stress-free and undistracted environment as they complete their final academic year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly's work is praiseworthy, as they offer financial aid to those most vulnerable. The direct transfer approach instills a sense of responsibility in recipients, knowing that the funds must be put to the best possible use. Moreover, this system fosters a spirit of cooperation among family members, neighbors, and businesses, further enhancing its impact.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer from Give Directly, I was overwhelmed with relief knowing I could finally settle substantial school fee debts across three different institutions. I was able to allocate $200 to cover the fees of my two children in high school, and another $100 for my eldest son's university fees. Furthermore, I invested $100 into replenishing my grocery shop's inventory, effectively reviving my business. Lastly, I used the remaining $50 to purchase much-needed food supplies.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($142 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving the money remains vivid in my mind. I was engrossed in my household chores when my phone rang. At first, I ignored it, but moments later, my neighbor reached out to inform me about the money I had received from GiveDirectly. Curiosity sparked, and I quickly checked my phone and discovered that Segovia Technology had sent me money. The indescribable joy that washed over me was overwhelming. Without hesitation, I shared the incredible news with my husband, and his excitement matched mine. Together, we embarked on planning how to make the most of the transfer now that we had the much-needed funds at our disposal.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the liberation from stress, knowing that I have successfully cleared the school fees arrears. Additionally, our household now enjoys an abundance of food, a luxury we couldn't afford before when we faced financial difficulties. I am deeply grateful for the assistance that has greatly enhanced our quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and I work as teachers in a local school in our community, and we are fortunate to have five children. When I received my first transfer, I saw it as a golden opportunity to make wise use of the funds. With that in mind, I decided to invest $80 in goat rearing, recognizing its potential benefits. Additionally, I have $60 to spend on school fees, ensuring our children's education continues without interruption. To meet our immediate needs, I purchased a sack of maize valued at $60. The support we received from GiveDirectly has brought about a transformative impact on my life. Previously, fulfilling all these endeavors seemed impossible due to financial constraints and family responsibilities. I am filled with immense gratitude for the positive change that has been made possible.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfer will help us a lot. I already build a shop but lacked the capital to buy stock. The money will assist me to start my shop business. I will use $300 to buy stock. I will be working at the shop after school and early in the morning. This will give us an extra source of income. Additionally, we need to buy some food. I will spend $60 to buy a bag of maize. This will sustain us for at least a month. We also want our children to continue with their education well. The remaining transfer amount of about $600 will be used to settle their school fees. It will help reduce the pressure of borrowing more loans.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Our greatest joy is the goats we have. We have 50 now. It's a joy having them because we can sell and pay for our children's education.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Paying school fees for our five children in both secondary and university has been an uphill task. In a year, we need at least $2000. Education is very expensive and has made our lives very hard. We're both teachers, employed by the government. We borrow loans to support them. This has drained our income.