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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
60
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($487 USD)
access_time 7 years ago
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What did you spend your third transfer on?
I spent my third transfer on extending my house which was previously two roomed. The extra room created was meant to store a huge water tank that I had purchased for reservation of water. In addition to that, I renovated my roof which had become so old and leaking. I am happier today that I suffer no more from a leaking roof which frequently destroyed my household items. Finally, I painted the entire house to make it more beautiful and attractive to the passers by.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 7 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I used part of it to buy 20 iron sheets then paid 4000 KES as labor charge for constructing my new house. I then bought cement worth 7500 KES and paint worth 10000 KES which I used to plaster and paint my old house and the kitchen. I then bought a solar lamp at 6000 KES to save my family the trouble of buying paraffin daily. The balance was spent on buying a goat and foodstuffs for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have constructed a new house to accommodate my whole family, and I also have a solar lamp, thus I no longer have to buy paraffin on a daily basis.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
10000 KES ($97 USD)
access_time over 7 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to plaster and paint my bedroom that was so much in bad condition. My bedroom is now so neat and colorful. I am happy. Using part of the transfer,I bought a sack of corn that I am still surviving on up to date. I no longer sleep hungry.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer,I was so exited about it. I thought GiveDirectly had forgotten about me.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 8 years ago
 
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
I have planned to take one of my children to college so that she can train and be able to get a certificate and later a job. I also want to repair my liking roof and build another house for my children so that they will not have to move at night to look for a place to sleep.
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
The proudest achievement is that I have been able to take my children through high school by working at a tea plant over the years and I saved the little I got to ensure they were always in school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship was losing my husband and having to fend for the children on my own. I also fell down and broke my leg which made me stop operating my business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is when am looking after my animals and see them grazing and they are full.