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 > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
77
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been had I not received the transfer. This is because I now have water at my doorstep. Due to this, I always have water for domestic use at my convenience. Also, I now have clean decent clothes and I am able to wash them regularly. All these would not have been possible had I not received the transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly does well by educating people first and giving out financial aid and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent around KES 3000 on farming by hiring some people tk hell me weed my maize farm plantation. Also, I spent some amount in improving my house. I bought a door at KES 3000 and paid for the labor of fixing it in the door to my bedroom. Due to this, I can now leave anything in my dedroom without worrying of being taken by someone else as I always lock the door. I saved the remaining amount for emergency purposes after spending around KES 20000 on food, clothes and beddings.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3pm when my kid came asking if I had received my transfers but my phone was off at the time so I wasn't sure. It was only after charging my phone when my helper who's my grand kid confirmed that I had received the GiveDirectly money and I was very grateful to God.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness because nowadays I sleep well, eat a balanced diet and my house is complete . Initially, I used to rely on casual labor to feed my family. Nowadays, I bath using quality soaps and I am decently dressed which I couldn't afford before and I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 22,000 on a 3000 liters water tank because the water sources is far away. I also spent KES 500 on weeding my farm. I also spent KES 10, 000 on my beddings and latest clothing fashion which are better off than the second hand clothes. I also spent KES 5000 on food and household items. I usually rely on casual labor like weeding other people's farms. I have also saved the rest for food and household consumption.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better shelter for my family. The motive behind this desire is the fact that I live in a single-roomed small structure that serves as a bedroom as well as the kitchen. Due to its size, it is very uncomfortable to live in. It usually gets extremely hot and smoky especially after cooking and my eyes cannot sustain a lot of smoke at my age. I, therefore intend to buy 20 iron sheets at the cost of 500shillings each and 30 pieces of roofing frames at the cost of 300 shillings each. Labour for construction will cost approximately 6000 shillings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. Waking up healthy and refreshed for another day gives me hope for a good day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is lack of sufficient funds to sustain my family's needs. My life has been full of struggles ever since I lost my spouse 7 years ago. I have always wished to build a better house since the current we live in with my grandchildren is too old and tiny but this dream has remained impossible.