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 > Kizi's Profile
Kizi's family
Kizi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($373 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In my heart, a burning ambition fuels my every step. I dream of owning a shop, where I can sell a diverse array of foodstuff items and personal effects. With the means to achieve my goal, I envision myself engaged in a constructive and fulfilling occupation, one that not only sustains me financially but also brings joy to those who visit my store. The thought of being able to stand tall as a successful entrepreneur fills me with an indescribable sense of pride. As the days go by, my excitement grows, for I know that once I secure the necessary funds, a whole new world of opportunities will unfurl before me. I yearn to experience the joy of giving back to my community, supporting my loved ones, and, above all, being free from the shackles of financial constraints.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I express my heartfelt appreciation for the organization's thoughtful agenda of assisting with unconditional transfers. The freedom to use the funds according to our individual needs has been transformative, allowing us to make meaningful improvements in our lives. While we were informed that the second transfer marked the conclusion of the program, I earnestly implore you to consider revisiting our community once you have completed your projected areas of assistance. We remain open to your support and any future projects that may arise. Additionally, we gladly extend an invitation for you to refer other willing organizations to collaborate with us if possible, as we believe in the power of collective efforts to create lasting change. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your invaluable help and belief in the potential of every individual to thrive.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother of five primary school children. A week before receiving the money, my children were sent back home due to accumulated fee arrears. Upon getting the second transfer, I immediately felt a sense of relief as I could finally take action. I rushed to the school and settled the $100 fee arrears, and my heart swelled with joy seeing my children happily back in their classrooms, eager to learn once again. With an additional $50, I bought them brand new pairs of school uniforms, replacing their worn-out ones, and their smiles were priceless as they proudly donned their new attire. With the remaining amount, I invested in a second-hand motorbike for $200. It was a gamble, but I saw an opportunity for income generation. The motorbike would serve as a means to ferry people and their belongings from one place to another, and I knew this could be a sustainable source of income for my family. Finally, with the weight of the financial burden lifted off my shoulders, I used a small portion of the cash transfer to buy some food for my family. This simple act brought immense joy to all of us. It meant I could take a break from the tiring charcoal-burning business, which I used to do to provide for my family's needs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I hardly ever get messages late at the evening, so when I received a message notification around 5 p.m., I was curious. When I checked, I was overjoyed to see that Give Directly had sent me the transfer as promised. I thanked God for the gift support from GiveDirectly so that that was going to transform many households. I was overjoyed because I knew I would finally be able to complete all the set goals. 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life has been the construction of a new house, which provided a room for me to set up a bed after purchasing a bed and a new mattress. There have been significant changes in my household, and my family of ten is also eating well. I am grateful for the assistance and look forward to experiencing even more transformation when I receive the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the first transfer was a relief for me because I had a lot planned with my family. The construction of a new house to supplement the one we already have was at the top of our priority list. We needed a separate room for a kitchen, so we built a new one that will also serve as a living room. I spent $150 on materials, which included building poles and six new iron sheets to supplement the ones I already had. I am relieved that the house is now finished, and I have already moved some belongings into it. I also spent $110 on a bed and mattress to replace the homemade bed I had been using in the old house. I also spent $100 on two goats, which I intend to breed and multiply in order to pay my children's school fees in the future. In addition, I spent $60 of the remaining funds on food, $80 on school uniforms for my eight children, and the remaining funds on food for my family of ten.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My privacy! This is the strongest desire that I have ever had. Imagine sharing a house with my 8 children who are grown up by now, it's culturally not allowed and this has lowered my dignity as a respected member of our village. With this money, I intend to spend $540 to construct a separate structure for my children. This will provide enough space for them to enjoy their nights and also for reading when they are at home. To me, it will earn back the privacy that I have lost for a long time. Part of the transfers will help me to support my children's education as well as to invest in livestock; 5 goats at $200. The remaining amount will cater to other basic needs like food and new uniforms for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What a blessing to have received rain in our area! It was so stressful for me to stay idle at home waiting for my husband from work, a situation that made me look desperate. With the current rains, I can engage myself in farm work, a job that I enjoy most since it gives me hope for a better future when I get good harvests. Thus, I consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest challenge that I am facing in my life. With a family of 10, we normally depend on my husband who does bicycle maintenance, a job that has currently been challenged by the existence of motorbikes. He usually gets $3 per day, an earning that we spend on food. This means there are no savings for our future and our children's education is also affected since they are frequently sent home due to a lack of fees.