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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
24
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($443 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I have a goal of starting a salon business in the future if I get some money. This aim is for enabling me to have an income generation activity to sustain myself. I chose the salon business because it has quick money, one does not wait for the end month to get the cash.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a life-changing organization. The act of giving cash unconditionally has improved our living standards because everyone used the money to improve their weak spots. I am glad because the money enabled my brother to resume his studies and he is doing well in school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the second transfer, I had savings of KES 10000.00 from the first transfer. Therefore I had KES 63150.00. Since my dad passed away and my mum could not afford to cater to all the family's needs, I opted to take on some parental duties to assist her. My young brother who is in form four was out of school due to school fees plus some fee arrears amounting to KES 30000.00. I saw it prudent to settle the fees issue so that he could resume his studies. As of now, he is in school. I also bought four high-breed goats for KES 24000.00. I preferred goats over cows because they procreate faster, have a ready market and they are drought resistant bearing in mind that our area is somehow semi-arid. Thereafter, I paid some examination money for my lower primary child and used the rest to buy some clothes and food for the family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was late in the evening at around 5pm. At that time, I was just at home taking some rest after a long tiresome day when I heard a message notification. When I checked and learnt that it was an Mpesa message, I felt so happy and immediately began to think on what I could do with the transfer. Being unable to keep the good news for myself alone, I immediately rang my mother who was equally happy to receive the same news. I have never experienced such a joy all through my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received my trasnsfers, I have been relieved from stresses of raising school fees as well as buying new clothes for my daughter. From the transfer, I have noticed positive change in my lifestyle since I have been able to get adequate food with ease. Through this, I feel less stressed up. I am glad that currently both my daughter and I are smart and very presentable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 5,700 from my most recent transfer on paying school fees for my daughter who is currently in PP1. In addition, I spent KES 3,300 to pay school fees for my two siblings who are in primary school. All of them had been sent home for and since we come from a poverty striken family, my mother could not pay their fees in time despite the fact that the examination period was fast approaching. I also spent KES 20,000 on buying some iron sheets with an intention of building a new house. Building a new house will help in protecting me from harsh weather condition, especially during rainy seasons.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would like to build a house because at the moment I'm just living in my mother's. My mother went to Kilifi three years ago in search of a job and so the house isn't in good condition anymore as it is doorless and doesn't even have all the walls. Plus, it doesn't worth repairing because I can't even lay claim on it. I would also like to have enough space to accommodate my children for longer term as this will be necessary soon enough.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I felt very happy when I got my current employment two weeks ago as a waitress in a local food kiosk. I know it isn't much, but it has saved me from the meagre wages I used to earn when washing clothes for money, and has also provided means while waiting between one harvest to another as subsistence farmers.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's quite challenging to acquire basic needs when you're in my state with a number of dependants. Currently I'm just a casual labuoror at a local food kiosk where I earn only KES 3000 in a month. This makes it really hard to afford food throughout the month and pay school fees for one of my children who's schooling.