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:
Small business
faceAge:
76
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been had I not received the transfer because I have been able to improve my house by cementing hence making it more permanent. Due to this, cleaning has now been made more easier and less tedious like before. I am glad to God and GiveDirectly for enabling me achieve this as I would still be living in a house with the floor made of mud.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent around KES 20,000 to connect piped water to my homestead. We settled on this as a family so that it would save me the hustle of walking for a long distance looking for water. In addition, I spent around KES 10,000 on clothings and KES 3000 to purchase a goat as a way of saving this money. Using the remaining amount, I bought two sacks of maize at KES 8000 and other household necessities for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment my transfer receipt was confirmed by daughter I was overwhelmed with joy. I relayed the good news to my husband and he was excited too and we just celebrated. It was around10am in the morning and could remember having heard message tone ring the previous night but I ignored.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily is purchase of a solar lighting system which has lit my house and compound and my house can be easily identified from far even at night this quite contrary to before. Initially, we used to rely on kerosene lamps which is costly and quite dim as compared to the solar lighting system. I had desired to buy a solar lighting system after seeing on my neighbors houses were well lit during night time but couldn't afford.There is also increased happiness in my house the floor of my house is currently being cemented and I now I won't have to smear anymore.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a larger part of my transfers on buying building materials improving the floor of my house from a muddy floor to a cemented floor.This is because I am old and my knees can't allow to bend therefore can't smear anymore. I also spent some on purchase of a wire mesh for my poultry house which is currently accommodating poultry and goats at the same time. This is mainly for their security and to keep them from straying to my crop farm. I aso a part on apart on purchase and farming of maize seeds. The remainder I have saved for clean piped water registration.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am very old now and unable to perform my duties like smearing house.It has been always my wish to get money to renovate.I think this is the best time to do that and it can cost me around $200.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Early each day,I spend time around my compound doing cleaning.Doing this gives me joy knowing that at my age I can't move around unlike other people.Because of this I consider morning hours as my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship have gone through is getting money to pay school fees to my children.This made my kids to drop out of school and now am suffering at this old age with no income.