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 > Edward's Profile
Edward's family
Edward
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
40
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
attach_money
 
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18150 KES ($140 USD)
access_time 1 month ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing with my wife and children when I got a message on my phone. Upon checking, I realized it was my first transfer from GiveDirectly! I immediately called out to my wife, "Mama Festus, come!" who was in the kitchen, and showed her the message. I could see the joy light up her face as she smiled. My first thought was how we could finally construct a proper latrine for our family. That had been a big concern, and now it felt like a huge burden was lifted.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my second transfer, I immediately prioritized improving our living conditions. Our latrine was in poor condition, as it was only a temporary structure, and knowing the importance of proper sanitation, I spent $46 on materials for its construction, including an iron sheet, cement, and barbed wire. I planned to begin construction with this transfer. Food was also a major concern, especially since it was the holiday season and my six children were home from school, so I used $50 to buy food to ensure they were well-fed. Additionally, my daughter, who is in university, needed money for her upkeep, so I gave her $40. Lastly, our children were sleeping on a worn-out mattress that we had to patch together, making it uncomfortable for them. To improve their sleeping conditions, I bought a new mattress for $40, and the remaining money went towards transporting all these items from town.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For years, buying anything for my family felt like an endless saving journey. Every day, the need for food and other basic things would use up whatever little I could save, and with my casual job, there was no consistency or reliability. But the biggest difference came when I received a significant amount from GiveDirectly, which allowed me to address multiple needs all at once. It was something new in our home, and the relief was immediate as I could finally meet my family’s needs without worrying about where the money would come from. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for bringing such a positive change to our lives.
 
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life is unbearable in our area, the weather is extremely hot and dry. We cannot farm our land and produce food for our families. I depend on food from the market to feed my family of nine. This makes our cost of living high, my struggle does not end there. I do not have a stable source of income, I rely on charcoal burning and honey harvesting to put food on the table for my loved ones. My daughter Phyllis is a first year student in Chuka University pursuing an undergraduate degree in Education. I am happy that my daughter will have a colorful life after her studies, my happiness is short-lived. I'm struggling to enjoy my sleep at night, I am worried about how to pay off my school fee arrears for my daughter and two children in Patkawanin and Kipcherere secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In August 2024, my daughter Phyllis Endao received her admission letter to pursue an undergraduate degree in education. The news brought immense joy and happiness to my family.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am struggling to pay school fees for my two children in Patkawanin and Kipcherere secondary school. I sometimes feel like giving up but their hard work motivates me to work harder and support their dreams of being a doctor and teacher. The transfers from GiveDirectly will help me clear school fees arrears for my children Phyllis, Evans and Janet. It will cost $310 of the transfers. I began constructing a pit latrine for my family a year ago, but the project has stalled due to financial difficulties. I am happy that the transfers from GiveDirectly will enable us have a descent toilet and avoid open defecation. This will cost me $230 of the transfers from GiveDirectly. I will the remaining money to fence our family compound and buy four goats.