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 > Lilian's Profile
Lilian's family
Lilian
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Lilian's next check-in.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My primary goal for this year is to complete the construction of my children's house. The current living space is inadequate, prompting the need for a more spacious house. I have already started the process by purchasing the necessary materials such as iron roofing sheets, and I am in the process of acquiring building poles. I intend to use upcoming transfers to fulfill this objective and am happy about the prospect of a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am involved in raising livestock on behalf of others as a means of earning a livelihood to support both myself and my six children. Meanwhile, my husband works as a tuk-tuk driver in Mombasa, but his income often falls short of meeting our family's needs. GiveDirectly has played a crucial role in facilitating my children's education, allowing for a more comfortable learning environment. Additionally, with the financial assistance received, I ventured into poultry farming, acquiring chickens. I allocated $29 of the funds for purchasing essential food and household items. An additional $5 was dedicated to acquiring medication for my husband, who was not feeling well at the time. Another $34 was dedicated to the purchase of four corrugated iron sheets, intended for building a more spacious house for my children, as our current residence is small and inadequate. Another $34 was directed towards settling a pending school fees debt for my children. I am grateful for the significant milestones I have achieved through this program, providing a positive impact on my family's well-being.
 
6th 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?
By the year's end, my paramount achievement will involve the construction of an additional room tailored to accommodate my children. Presently, three of my children are compelled to rely on the hospitality of relatives due to the cramped confines of our one-room dwelling. My strategy involves procuring iron sheets to serve as roofing material. The prospect of realizing this aspiration fills me with immense enthusiasm, envisioning a future where my entire family can share the same shelter and sleep under a single roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I generate a monthly income of $50 by raising livestock, while my husband works as a motorcycle taxi driver. Despite our efforts, our incomes are modest, leading to significant challenges in meeting our family's basic necessities. Our financial responsibilities encompass four school-going children who rely on us for support. Recently, I used $15 to settle a school fee debt for my eldest son, ensuring his return to primary school after a two-day absence. Witnessing him resume his education brings me immense joy and relief. Additionally, I allocated $6 to acquire three hens, a decision that holds strategic value for our future. As these hens multiply, my plan involves selling some to gradually transition into goats, known for their lucrative market value. This progression is expected to yield substantial profits. To address our immediate needs, I dedicated the remaining $13 to procure food for our family. Reflecting on our journey, significant advancements have materialized, particularly concerning our access to nourishment. Gone are the days of enduring hunger for extended periods. The support we've received, including financial assistance, has transformed our circumstances, for which I am profoundly thankful.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Giving disadvantaged communities unconditional cash transfers is the most significant task that Give Directly performs. The money has made it possible for me to feed my family better and keep my children in school. I believe that there are no flaws in anything the organization does. 
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three of my grandchildren had pending school fee balances by the time I received the transfer. Though the schools were closed, I saved $12 from the cash transfer to settle the deficit when they resume studies later this month. At least, am relieved that they will comfortably resume classes without worrying about the debt. Next, I spent $10 to buy two hens. Since I lack a source of income, I aim to let these chickens grow the flock and grant me financial security in the future. The rest of the money went towards the purchase of food. It had been three days since my family had consumed a decent meal. This is because my husband’s only source of income, his mini-bus, had been seized by the authorities, which hindered him from making money for food. Gladly, the cash transfer saved the situation and I am eternally grateful. 
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 pm, I was at home washing clothes for my family. I received a text message saying I have received money from the organization. I was overwhelmed with happiness. The first thing that come to my mind was to pay school fees arrears I had accumulated. I quickly sent $5 to the school via the phone. The rest of the money was spent on food. That evening I cooked tuna fish and ugali my children's favorite.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I can now pay school fees for my children without straining my husband, who is the breadwinner of the family. My husband is also happy that he gets to save money for rainy day. Earlier on, we would spend all his daily wage on food and school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently started receiving this transfer. The first transfer I received was $12, I paid school fees for my children in grade five with $5. They had been sent home due to school fees arrears. I also bought three packets of maize flour for $7. I have six children, all in school, and I pay $3 per term for each child. I am a stay-at-home mother, my husband is the primary earner in the family, and he has a motorbike that he uses for business. This money has enabled me to ease some burden my husband has been getting from paying all the bills in the house..
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Looking at how dilapidated my house is, my main objective is to build a new house for security and dignity purposes. Years ago, my house was razed down by a fire. I constructed a semi-permanent house that could shelter my 6 children, with the hope of building a new one after a few months. It is now 4 years and I have been unable to build a new one due to poverty. I work as a charcoal burner and what I earn, 2,000 KES a month, caters for the daily family necessities such as food, water, and health care. For those 4 years, life has been full of misery. I know no privacy because I share a room with 3 of my children. I intend to construct a 3 bedroom house that will approximately cost 40,000 KES. I will be a very happy soul once I start living in a house that guarantees security, privacy, and health.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My inspiration and happiness come from my family. My children are the source of my peace. Seeing them joyous despite all the challenges inspires me to work harder for them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The general welfare of my children is what gives me headaches. I have 6 children who rely on me for everything. For them to eat, get a good education, and access quality health care requires a meaningful income. Unfortunately, I only make 2,000 KES a month from charcoal burning. Insufficiently, this income only stands for food. It is very disheartening to see my children walk in torn clothes and go for days without food.