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.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mariam's Profile
Mariam's family
Mariam
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Mariam's next check-in.
 
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 7 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I've been operating a clothing business, but at the beginning of the year, I set a new goal to expand into other fast-moving ventures, particularly starting a grocery business. I'm optimistic that this new endeavor will bring in additional income, allowing me to better provide for my family and improve our quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I'm truly grateful for the financial support provided through these transfers. With the funds, I invested $41 in farming by hiring labor and also managed to allocate some money to purchase seeds. Given that my family was running low on food supplies, I used part of the transfer to buy food for consumption. Additionally, I allocated the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children who are currently attending school. These investments and expenses have been crucial in ensuring that my family's needs are met effectively. The support from these transfers has not only enabled me to enhance our farming activities but also ensured that my children's education is not disrupted. I am deeply appreciative of this financial assistance, as it has significantly contributed to our well-being and provided us with opportunities for improvement.
 
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had had a goal this year of starting a business. I knew with $250 to $350 I would be able to start the business. However with all the misfortune with health complications in my family I was not able to save the $20 monthly to go towards building this goal. However since I started saving last year I have some money and hope to resume saving soon so that next year I may make this dream of starting my own boutique a reality.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have had a number of months where I have been focusing on the health of my family members. My child has been sick since last year and is required to attend clinics regularly while also getting a monthly dose of medicine. I spent my September transfer covering fare to the hospital which is quite far at $10, we paid for consultation at the hospital at $10 and later buying medicine at $4.5. I also had my mother who was ailing, she has also been sick for as long as I can remember having issues with her kidneys and head, I spent the money paying for X-ray, as well as buying medicine and also paying the hospital for consulting with us and this cost $30. The cash I had left in September bought food at $10. In November we had a wedding back home, I left my matrimonial home and went to my parent's place which I paid $4 in fare and I also bought 25KG of rice at $30 for the wedding.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am optimistic about the business's progress in the future. Once it gains momentum, I will consider exploring alternative businesses based on the ideas I will have thought of. Currently, I'm in the process of obtaining a medical insurance to ease the financial burden of my son's medical expenses. This will also allow us to comfortably manage my Six year old children's school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My Two year old son has been ailing for while now. Due to his persistent ailment, I was then referred to a Hospital in Mombasa and scheduled for monthly check-ups. In July after receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 to cover his medical expenses. I purchased medicine at $5 and used the remaining $5 on our transport. I then put $15 in savings, leaving me with $9, which was then spent on food for my household. Earlier in that month, my husband lost his Job, so I took over the role of the main breadwinner while he tries to navigate the situation. Before, we used to share the financial responsibilities, but he's currently facing difficulties. To help the situation, I also operate a small business. Amidst these responsibilities, I've been setting aside a portion of the transfers with the intention of reviving my business. Accumulating a sum of $250, I'm now ready to launch the business in November. This upcoming project gives me excitement and joy.
 
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been running a business dealing with the sale of clothes. When the year began, I developed a goal of venturing into other fast-moving businesses. I hope to accomplish my dream of starting up a vegetable-selling business. I am hopeful that when it succeeds, I shall realize an increased source of income. That will enable me to cater to my family's needs hence bettering their lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband had been doing a contractual job but unfortunately lost his job last month. Since he lost his job, we have been having financial constraints, although we have to push on. My two-year-old son was unwell when I received my most recent transfer. Therefore, I prioritized spending $19 on his medication when he was admitted for five days. The rest $15, I spent on acquiring food for my family of four members; my husband, two children, and myself. The previous subsequent three months transfers also helped me in three main ways; paying school fees, acquiring food, and buying new clothes for my children. I am grateful for GiveDirectly's transfers.
 
9th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 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?
I am quite grateful for the generosity I have received from the organization because of the positive impact it has had on my life so far. The funds that I have been receiving have enabled me to plan better for my future. That is why I have been saving a small amount with each transfer so that when I eventually have enough money I can finally open up a business where I sell clothes specifically for women. The profit I make from this business will enable me to cater for the day-to-day needs of my family. Furthermore, I also plan to use the funds to help pay for tuition fees for my daughter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Honestly, when I received the transfer, my two-year-old infant was suffering from an indigestion condition that bloated his stomach. Though he was under medication, the disease seemed to deteriorate. At that time, the doctor had referred him for an abdominal scan but there was no money to fund the procedure. Since it was mid-month, my husband's payday was weeks away and he could not afford the cost. Besides, we had exhausted his previous salary on prior medication. This left me with the only option to use the entire transfer funds to pay for the scanning procedure. Although the test did not reflect a possible cause or complication, I was grateful that the doctor prescribed him another dosage that has lasted to date. I thank God that he is faring better and I hope for his soon recovery. Thank you Give Directly for coming through!
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Schools had just recently resumed but unfortunately I had not yet cleared my debt for my daughter's tuition fee, so when I realized that the funds had been sent out I decided to go ahead and pay KES for her school fees. Apart from that there was also barely any food left in the house, so I decided to use anotherr KES 1,000 to spend on nutrition, so I went ahead and bought three packets of maize flour which was KES 600 and then the rest of the funds I used to buy groceries, sardines and cooking oil. Lastly I remained with a balance of KES 1,000 which I decided to leave in my savings account in case of a rainy day.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, everything about Give Directly is good. They have well-trained staffs who attended to us with a lot of respect during enrollment. Later everyone received their money as promised. I have witnessed children who had dropped out of school because their parents could not afford their school enrolling back in school. Sleeping on a papyrus reed mat was the norm but currently, people have beds. All these transformations have been enabled by letting people decide on how to spend their money. There is nothing the organization is not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have saved the second transfer as we wait for the rain so that we use it for plowing labor. Ideally, people should have planted crops at this time of the year but due to the delayed rainfall, we have not even cleared our farms. Farming is our main livelihood activity therefore, we are hoping for rain soon. It is only through it that we can solve the current food insecurity which has led to starvation.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to pay my neighborhood friend a visit that morning. While we were having fun time together, she stretched her hands and reached out to her phone. Surprisingly, she looked at me with a smile in her in face. Shocked with that look, she expressed in low tone, "I have received my transfer." When I heard of that, I became restless and just excused myself to go and confirm if I was among the lucky ones. Upon confirmation of the transfer, I felt so excited. I knew I would be able to support my husband in paying school fees for our only daughter.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am currently relieved from the stress of raising school fee for my daughter as the schools open next term. In the previous term, I had unpaid arrears of KES 850. I am, therefore, not worried because when schools open, my daughter will not be sent be sent home. Fortunately, she will be lucky to have ample time in school. In addition, my husband's income will help us to easily acquire food and new clothes.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am house wife and I always depend on my husband to fully take care of our family. He just do casual jobs which at times are not readily available hence he fails at times to meet all the family obligations. Last term, I had some school fee arrears for our daughter since my husband did not have constant income. With the transfer, my husband and I shall comfortably pay off our daughters fees once schools open. Paying her fees at the beginning of the term will give her ample time to concentrate on her studies.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a mother of 2 children. The eldest is already schooling. As a parent, I do not want to disappoint them in terms of their education. For that reason, this money means good education for my children. I am planning to start a business, hawking second-hand clothes around the community. 10,000 KES will be enough to kick off this business. Hopefully, I will be making a profit of 300 KES a day. As my husband will be sorting our domestic needs, I will be saving this amount for the children's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Nothing beats the happiness of seeing your firstborn joining school. I was very happy when my daughter started pre-primary in September 2021.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Unemployment is the current challenge I am facing. Since my marriage in 2017, I have not found any form of employment. My husband is the sole provider for this family of 2 children. I have been having a dream of starting a business selling second-hand clothes but due to insufficient funds, this objective has been unsuccessful.