GiveDirectly: Send money directly to the extreme poor

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

Transfers

Completed

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Newsfeed > Lily's Profile

Lily

Country:

kenya

Occupation:

Small business

Age:

Campaign

Kenya Standard Remote

Upcoming Stage

Next Payment

Follow to be updated on Lily's next check-in.

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

55000 KES ($501 USD)

22 days ago

Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?

The moment I received a message notification to my phone, I was curious to check it's content and to my surprise I had received my first transfers. I was so happy because I knew that my stress of raising school fees shall be over.

Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.

Before, I was living a life full of stress because my child was set to sit for final exams and I was unable to clear school fees due to lack of finances. When I received my first transfers and spent it to clear school fees. I got peace in my heart and I would see my child smiling when we cleared the school fees. I believe that he will perform very well.

What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?

My first transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 17000 on buying ironsheets in readiness to build a better house. I then spent another KES 15000 on paying school fees for my child who is sit for final exams soon. Another amount of KES 10000, I spent on food and clothings. The remaining amount of KES 10000, I invested in grocery business so that I would continue generating income.

Enrolled

4 months ago

What does receiving this money mean to you?

Receiving this money would mean a new house for my family. The house I am currently living in was donated to me by a sibling who left this village. This house is small, it cannot accommodate all my children. My elderly son has suffered a lot because he has to sleep in a house I borrowed for him 2 miles away.

What is the happiest part of your day?

The happiest part of my day is in the evening because this is the time I get to perform routine procedures of my business and it gives me joy.

What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?

The biggest hardship I faced in my life has been to sustain the needs of my children while I am single with no job or regular income.