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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Christine's Profile
Christine's family
Christine
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
30
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($442 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After acquiring a small plot of land with the transfer, my new goal is to construct a rental shop on the area. Currently, I do not have a reliable source of income to support the needs of the family more so the education of the six children. With the income from rental shops, will be able to support their education something that will install the confidence that I had missed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well in enrolling every household in our community. In addition, the aid was non-refundable and voluntary for anyone. I do not see anything that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single parent of 6 children after separating with my spouse many years back. My ambition has been to acquire another piece of land since the area that we owned was very small. I spent KES 30,000 to purchase an eighth-acre piece of land to increase the size of my home because is a future investment for the family. Furthermore, I used KES 10,000 to clear the fee arrears of the children in school. I am currently happy to see them continue with their education without any disturbance. I had a total of KES 12000 which was spent on purchasing enough food stock for the family since did not have any money for food due to the high cost of living.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 8 AM when I was in the bush looking after my goats when I received two messages. I was a bit stressed and opted not to open them. However, a few minutes later, my elder son came while insisting that I should check my phone because all our neighbors has received their transfers. I decided to check the contents only to realize that I had also received my cash transfers. I was so happy and we even decided to go back home and celebrated with the rest.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my biggest is that I have a business( selling freshwater) that I am currently operating in my compound. I felt this would be a great business idea because in my religion there are no taps, Instead, we have been using dams which were very far from the village. Also, the water was not clean and sometimes it has been affecting my children health-wise. I am now benefitting in not only earning a living but also getting fresh water for my family. Being a single mother of six, I am ow happy that I have a reliable source of income that I can readily depend on. I am grateful that earning good profits and fending for my family is no longer a struggle like before. I would not have achieved all these if it were not for the financial support from this organization may they be blessed and continue to help others.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on starting a new business selling freshwater which cost a total of KES 28000. Initially, we used to fetch water from the dams and bore wholes which are situated 10KM away from the village. It was so tiring and there were some wild animals on the way which sometimes could harm the villages. It is now a relief to me and the entire region. also cleared a medical bill of KES 2100 for three kids who had undergone circumcision a few weeks ago. In addition, paid school fees of KES 3000 for my six children, and they now studying peacefully without any disturbances. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items like utensils.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a single mother with three children. I dropped out of school in standard five when I got pregnant. I am endowed with the talent of a hairstylist. I am planning to start a saloon( I will hire a place where I will be attending to my customers). This will cost me approximately 60,000 KES for the purchase of the required resources.
What is the happiest part of your day?
People at home were despising me because of the early pregnancy. The stigma I had was too heavy to bear. I started doing manual jobs and saved whatever little I was earning. I was able to purchase a plot of my own and moved away from my family. This gave me peace and happiness because I detached myself from those who inflicted pain on me instead of offering support.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is my major challenge. The man who was responsible for my pregnancy when I was in primary school did not part in raising the kid. I had to seek assistance from other men who abused me and I got other kids as a result of that. The burden of raising the three kids is solely mine. I do odd jobs where I earn 360 KES which is barely enough for food and school fees for my children.