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 > Vivian's Profile
Vivian's family
Vivian
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Immediately, l accomplished my initial goal of building a new, strong, spacious and descent house, I developed a new goal of buying two cows. Throughout my lifetime, I had been desiring to own some flock since livestock are regarding as valuable assets in my community. However, this goal could not be realized because I have been having very low income thus I have not been building up any saving. Buying two cows with the second transfer marked a big achievement in my life. As result, my self-esteem has been restored and some people in the village who had looked down upon me have begun to accord me respect that they could not show at first.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does so well in enlightening its potential recipient on the unconditionality of its transfers. This has greatly helped almost all the people in my village to plan on what to do with their transfers. Consequently, they have spent their transfers on their most preferred needs hence they have realized a positive change in their lifestyle. In contrast, there is nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 52,000 from my most recent transfer on buy two cows. I am glad that currently I own not only one but two cows. This aspect has increased my asset value thus my socio-economic status has positively changed. Acquiring two cows at once has earned me respect among my fellow village mates whom at first were treating me with contempt because I was poor. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because through the transfer, my dignity has been restored.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was tending to my cow in the fields when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I knew that I will be able to complete my house that was left halfway, I then called my husband to inform him of the wonderful news that came our way, words cannot express how happy he was, I am grateful to have received the support from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I had started building a house in the village, I had to budget everything and I was hopeful that the money that I had saved would be able to complete my dream house, but I was wrong, everything was expensive because of the cost of living that had risen, this were things that we never anticipated for, My hope of having a decent house was shattered, but I am grateful that GiveDirectly gave me the support that has played a big role in completing my house, I am grateful for the timely support that amazingly impacted my life, I was able to accomplish the project that I had started thanks to the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had started building a house before but I was unable to complete it because the funds had depleted which left me stranded and hopeless due to financial constraints because I had no reliable source where I could get a huge sum of money to complete the house, When GiveDirectly came to our village and promised us the unconditional transfer, my hopes were revived, therefore I used KES 31,000 in completing the house, I then used the remaining part of the transfer in buying foodstuffs,
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been working hard to complete constructing my house but what I earn from my casual job is not enough to help me achieve so, when I receive this money I will set aside $400 to complete my house. Also I will buy two cows with $500 to help me earn money for the family through milk production. Food and clothing has been another struggle therefore I will also budget the remaining $100 to food
What is the happiest part of your day?
After lunch is my happiest part of the day, during this time I am always done with my daily activities such as farming or even from my casual job. I always feel relaxed and free having achieved what I had planned for the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am relying on subsistence farming and casual jobs to provide food for the family, this has created a lot of challenge to me since maize is no longer doing well in our region, at times we run short of food. Buying this food is expensive and costly to us and we don't have enough money and income.