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 > Gilbert's Profile
Gilbert's family
Gilbert
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
25
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($463 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
It was one of my main plans to complete the construction of the house that I started using the first transfer. This was done and currently, I own a better kitchen house and I am so grateful. Secondly, I had planned on purchasing a dairy cow. This was because I used to buy milk and it was so costly for me. I am so grateful because I have cut this cost and I get enough milk for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The enrollment process was perfectly done and most of the people who received the transfer spent it well. Some of the people who received the transfer built better houses some paid school fees for their children in various schools. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 11,000 on purchasing two goats. This is my investment because I have always wished to start goats rearing projects but I did not have the money. I hope to improve this and in the next few years, it would have multiplied. I spent KES 20,000 on purchasing a dairy cow. I used to buy milk and this was so costly. Currently, I have cut the cost and I used the money that I could have used to buy milk on other household items. Party of the money I bought some buildings materials and completed the construction of the house that I started using the previous transfer. This was also my main concern because I wanted a new kitchen house. The rest of the money I spent on food and clothes for my children. I am so happy because GiveDirectly had enabled me to fulfill my dreams.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I still remember very well that it was early in the morning after waking up when I realized that GiveDirectly had honored their promise by sending us the promised financial aid. My heart was filled with joy and I immediately informed my family about it. This money gave me hope that my daughter would finally receive the required medication.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
As a parent, one has no peace of mind when one of his children is sick and this was my state when I received my transfer. I am a mason and the money I usually get ends up on the basic needs and education of my children. When my daughter fell sick, I took her to the hospital where she was admitted and I was in a dilemma of how I could get money to pay for her medication. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their transfer was timely and I was able to spend it to pay for her medication. Currently, I live happily since my daughter got the required medication and has fully recovered.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, my priority was on my daughter who was sick and had been admitted to the hospital and due to this, I spent KES 30000 to pay for her medication. In addition, I spent KES 10000 to buy a heifer as a way of investing this money so that it would enable me to save the money I would otherwise use in buying milk when it reproduces and used the remaining KES 20000 to purchase some timber that I am planning to use in building a more spacious house for my family since the one we currently live in is small and cannot accommodate us comfortably.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
This means a new venture in my life on what I usually do daily to earn a living. I am currently working as a casual laborer at my uncle's farm but he takes advantage of me so much because he knows that we are related and I cannot confront him for better pay. He also says that since am not educated I don't deserve to earn more than KES. 2000 that he pays me at the moment. It pains me a lot but I have no option. I have been wishing to be independent someday and am glad that GiveDirectly has actualized this dream. I will purchase two cows because they do well here despite the fluctuations in weather conditions. Their milk production will be able to earn me at least KES. 500 daily which is much better than what am getting currently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My wife delivered a baby boy last week. This is our firstborn and I am so happy to be a first-time parent. We pray to God that he takes good care of us as a family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The income I get is too little to meet my needs. I have the fear that my newlywed wife might even leave me soon due to the poverty levels am currently in. I cannot afford necessities like cookware and furniture. The situation here is just dire and I have been so much worried even about the future that I might sink more into poverty.