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 > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
41
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($384 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The restoration of the roof is currently my primary concern. I'm confident about finishing the task I started thanks to the few funds I receive from my part-time job as a cook at one of our village's secondary schools. My house will be finished in the end. My thoughts will begin to rest once the renovation is over and I can consider alternative ways to make money to support my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly carefully and impartially registered every member of the community, outlining the project's criteria in detail. The welcoming demeanor of their personnel allowed us to feel comfortable asking questions and obtaining explanations at any moment because they were keen to make sure we understood every component of the program. The method is not opposed by everyone in the hamlet, but we are appreciative of the equitable transfers we got.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I decided to rebuild my home's roof after receiving the second transfer since the iron sheets were worn-out, rusted, and prone to leakage during the rainy season. As a result, I spent $120 on 12 pieces of iron sheets and $140 on roofing timbers. I was able to remodel two of the house's four rooms. I am at the house right now and delighted to have a new roof. For my four children, I also spent $120 on three mattresses so they could have comfortable nights of sleep. To help my older son, who is in fourth grade, focus on his schoolwork, I also paid his $80 tuition. After that, I decided to utilize the remaining funds for the family's maintenance since we were running out of food because we were unable to harvest any crops owing to a lack of rainfall.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Because of the comprehensive information we received during enrollment, I had no reason to doubt the information I received via a message from GiveDirectly. I was alone at work and could not tell anyone about the news. I later informed my husband and picked up the money from a nearby shopping center.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference in my daily life is the renovation of my house, which is now leak-free and no longer requires minor repairs. We are currently enjoying a large room where all of our visitors sleep. I am grateful for GiveDirectly's support and hope to accomplish much with the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $460 on the construction of a new house for my family of eight after receiving my first transfer. My first home was too small, so I had to renovate and add an extra room to accommodate my family and any visitors. I purchased 30 iron sheets, woods, and paid the labor costs for the construction work. I am relieved that I can now welcome visitors, accommodate them, and still have enough space for my children. I also purchased food for the entire family, which we ate for at least a month before replenishing. I had been working casually at a nearby school, where I cooked for both teachers and students. I spent the rest of the money on foodstuffs and other household goods. 
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a three-room house which is spacious enough to accommodate my family of six members. The challenge is that the roof is worn out and it leaks during the rainy season. The family also lack beds and mattresses, they use sacks to sleep on the floor. This has caused chest problems to one of my sons. I will use $ 700 to buy 30 pieces of iron sheets and other building materials to renovate my house and make it better for living. I will also use $ 300 to buy three beds and three mattresses so that the family can be comfortable during night time when we go to sleep. I can tell friends to come and visit me due to lacking the capacity to accommodate them. Thanks to Give directly for their program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been having challenges with getting my fully salary at the end of the month. I can work for some months without any pay or get half of my salary. On June 2022 I got my salary in full $75 at the end of the month. I settled all my debts at the nearby shop of $30 and bought school uniform to my children at a cost of $ 30. That month brought happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a family of six members and four members are children schooling at secondary and primary school respectively. My husband is a motorcyclist and I work as a cook at a nearby secondary school earning $75 per month. The school is unstable financially such that I can work five months without any pay. The husband earns approximately $5 per day and not always. Generally, family income is mainly used for food. The children collectively have a a fee arrears of $200 which makes them stay home sometimes. Lack of reliable source of funds is the challenge I am facing.