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 > James's Profile
James's family
James
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
44
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($346 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?
In the coming year, my wish is to enhance the security and well-being of my family, particularly my five children. I aspire to expand my shamba, recognizing that the current 2-acre piece of land is insufficient to meet our needs. Farming, for me, is not just a way of sustenance but a potential business venture that could provide a more stable financial foundation for my family's future. To pursue this ambition, I'm relying on the savings I've diligently started with KCB, strictly setting aside funds from my modest monthly salary of $75. I believe that with strategic planning and hard work, I can turn this modest plot of land into a thriving enterprise, ensuring a more prosperous future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The simplicity and directness of GiveDirectly's approach have been remarkable; receiving the unconditional money wasn't just financial assistance but a powerful statement of trust and empowerment. It allowed me the autonomy to address my family's most pressing needs, whether it was investing in my children's education, securing a stable home, or ensuring there was enough on the table each day. in my opinion what the Organisation can change is increasing the amount of the cash tarnsfers so that we can be able to the big dream we have.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the monthly cash transfer was a game-changer for me and my five children. I directed $13.6 towards installing a water source near our home; it broke my heart seeing my daughter struggle with the distant water point. Another $210 went into completing our one-bedroom house, finally providing a secure shelter for my family. Wanting to secure a future asset, I invested in a goat with part of the money. The education of my eldest son was paramount, so $60 was spent on his Form One schooling expenses. The remaining funds were utilized for necessities—food and clothing. As a single parent working as a watchman, earning a meager $70 per month, life had been a constant struggle. I could only utilize our house during the day, as my children were away, and my brother's wife, whom I had taken in, was also absent. Now, with the extra support, our living conditions have significantly improved, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($375 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the sun cast long shadows across the football field, I paused my coaching duties to check my phone, and there it was—a message from GiveDirectly. My heart raced as I read the words, and a radiant smile spread across my face. I couldn't believe it; this unconditional cash transfer was a lifeline for a widower like me. With this unexpected blessing, I knew I could finally complete the construction of our humble home and install a fresh water tap right in our compound. No more long treks for water; no more worries. The joy that welled up within me was indescribable, knowing that my children would now have a better, more secure future ahead.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been having a fresh water tap right in my compound. This has been an incredible relief for me and my family. No longer do my children have to trek long distances to fetch water, a task that was not only tiring but also took precious time from their studies and household chores. With the tap at our doorstep, I believe they will have ample time to focus on their education and contribute more to our domestic duties. Additionally, having a consistent and convenient source of clean water at home has significantly improved our hygiene, which brings me great peace of mind. Being the sole surviving parent after the tragic loss of my wife has been an immense struggle, but with this newfound access to water, I finally feel a sense of relief and hope for a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving my first-ever cash transfer was a moment of pure joy and relief. For years, I had struggled to complete the construction of our house, which had been left unfinished due to a lack of funds. With the money in hand, I wasted no time. I purchased 38 pieces of iron sheets to complete the roofing, turning our cramped, incomplete structure into a spacious and comfortable home for my five growing children. The total cost of this project came to around $361, but the smiles on my children's faces as they explored their new rooms were priceless. No longer would they have to squeeze into a cramped space, and it felt like a fresh start for all of us. In addition to finishing the house, I also decided to ensure we had access to clean, fresh water. I used around $130 to purchase all the necessary materials for a water installation system. This was especially important because my children had been trekking long distances to fetch water since their mother passed away six years ago. Now, with the water supply right at home, it's a relief for all of us. To top it off, I bought two goats as a small investment. They will provide a steady source of income that I can rely on whenever I need it. As the sole breadwinner for my five children, I've learned to make the most of any job opportunity that comes my way, and these investments will help secure a better future for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a widower living with my five children. I do security job at Kafitsoni primary earning $50 per month. This is payable after four months and sometimes they pay me even after six months. It is a challenge for me to meet my daily needs with such kind of payment. My children have been out of school for a week not die to school fees. One is at Dida secondary and the four are at Dida primary. They have a collective fees balance of $140. I will use $500 to clear the fees balance and also prepay for the subsequent term. I will also use $250 to install tap water in my house. Currently the family uses water from the nearby waterpan which is not safe for human consumption.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do coaching of food ball alongside my security duties at Kafitsoni primary. Yesterday, we had primary school game balls at Dida primary where I went with my team and I was given a stipend of $40 . This makes me happy because I can attend to some my family necessities with this money.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable income is the current challenge I am currently facing. I work as a security personnel at Kafitsoni primary. The payment is done after four months where I am supposed to get $200 . Most cases they give me $150 or less . This has really affected me interms of planning. My children have been out of school due to school fees.