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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Completed
Newsfeed > Margaret's Profile
Margaret's family
Margaret
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
When I received my first transfer, I used it to plant mangoes and bananas at home. These plants require regular watering, but I do not have a water source at home. They have been relying on rainwater during the wet season, but they will lack water during the dry season.I am expecting around $600 from my maize harvest, which I plan to use to purchase a 10,000-liter water tank. This will allow me to store and refill water to irrigate my crops, ensuring continuous harvests.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate the way GiveDirectly officers approach us. Your advice is always accurate and reliable, never misleading. Your language is respectful and trustworthy, which has earned our confidence. I have not seen any mistakes in your interactions. Please continue using this effective communication style wherever you go. When you enroll others, we hope you will return to help us again, as we truly value your support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have four children and three grandchildren to take care of, and I have been struggling to ensure they have everything they need through farming. I am a dedicated farmer and practice crop rotation, starting with maize, then beans, then greengrams, and also planting pumpkins or butternuts. Life has not been easy due to the high school fees I need to pay. My husband is a primary school teacher, but providing for us is challenging because he is a polygamous man with three wives.I used to plant Kenya Seed maize, which is managed by a board. When we harvest our maize, it goes directly to them for sale, and the payout usually comes in January. With that money, I would pay for the first and second-term fees, while my husband would pay for the third-term fees. However, after receiving my last transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to help my husband pay for the school fees of our two sons, who are in their final year at university, allocating $350 for their fees. I also paid $30 for my grandchildren's primary school fees and used the remaining $70 to purchase foodstuffs to ensure we have plenty of food at home as I wait for my maize to ripen.I sincerely express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for rescuing us by providing the cash that has helped us clear the school fees arrears for our children. This burden was stressful, but now we are living a better life. thanks to the support.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($286 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the years ahead, my family's goal is to expand our mango tree plantation. I am confident that this venture will play a crucial role in meeting our financial needs. Previously, launching such a project was hindered by financial constraints, mainly because my land was not fenced. Now that I have successfully fenced my land, providing protection against goat intrusion, I intend to use the proceeds from selling vegetables to turn this dream into a tangible reality. Above all, I am grateful for the noteworthy achievements I have attained thus far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The activities conducted by GiveDirectly were both informative and enlightening. The field officers demonstrated excellence in explaining the program, sharing crucial information, and allowing us ample opportunities to voice our opinions during the community sensitization meetings. Personally, I didn't notice any issues with the program's operations, leading me to believe that there are no areas that need improvement.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a farmer, and my husband is a teacher. Together, we have five children and three grandchildren. Upon receiving the second transfer, our top priority was addressing the pressing need of paying tuition fees for our two children at the university. We allocated $300 for this purpose. Additionally, $100 was spent on fencing our land to cultivate mangoes, and the remaining $50 went towards purchasing essential food items such as sugar and cooking oil. I am pleased with the significant achievements we made in a short period. This was a challenge in the past, as we used to rely on farming or selling a cow to settle bills. However, this became harder due to the prolonged drought that led to the loss of our cows. The support received has been a tremendous gift, and I am forever grateful for its positive impact on our lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($135 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the message confirming the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a truly joyful moment for me. At the time, I had a lot on my plate, particularly with the upcoming school fees payments for my children. I had never received such a substantial amount of money before, apart from small sums that never exceeded $50. On that day, I was at home with my grandchildren, who were puzzled as to why I was so excited. To celebrate, I bought them some juice, and that's when they finally understood that there was good news. My husband, who works as a primary school teacher, was away at work, so I had to wait until he returned home in the evening to share the wonderful news with him. When he finally arrived, I told him about the transfer, and we both felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The next morning, I went to the nearby shopping center to withdraw the money, and it was a moment of pure gratitude and hope for our family's future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly has been the clearance of school fees for my grandchild. The burden of accumulated arrears for the term had been a constant source of worry for me, especially since he needed to graduate to progress to the next class. Paying the entire $50 I owed the school was an immense relief, and it has eased my next steps in working hard to raise and save more money for both the coming terms and to initiate other projects, including farming practices. This support not only lifted a heavy financial burden off my shoulders but also filled me with a sense of determination and freed me in planning ahead.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a game-changer for me and my family. My primary concern was my grandson, who attends a private primary school. I had been taking care of him and his sister since their parents separated, and despite my age, I felt a strong obligation to provide for them. My grandchild had accumulated $50 in tuition arrears and graduation fees, which I promptly cleared. Due to adverse drought conditions over the past three years, relying on subsistence farming has become nearly impossible. Therefore, I allocated $100 to purchase four rolls of chain links to complete the fencing of my farm, a task I had started but could not finish due to lack of fencing materials. I am thrilled to have them now, and I have already begun planting mangoes, which can thrive under the current climatic conditions. I look forward to completing the fencing process. I later spent the remaining $40 on household essentials, including food and toiletries for my family of nine, as well as covering the transportation costs for all the purchased items from the shopping center.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
God has opened a way for us with GiveDirectly's transfers in the offing. This is a major boost for us and we are so grateful. It has been a huge struggle to see our children through their education. A dream of every parent is to provide the best for their children and to never drop the button of failing in their responsibility. The struggle and massive worries are all registered in our faces trying each day to do the best for our children. We are hopeful and we thank God for blessing us with hardworking and intelligent children, we take solace in the fact that the future is bright for them and we are more certain that they will elevate us to a better standard of living. The effort has already bored fruit with the employment of our firstborn daughter. It is for this reason therefore that we intend to use $560 of the transfers to pay for their next semester fees. We will use the rest of the transfers to buy farm inputs and to purchase foodstuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Our eldest daughter, Ruth, recently got employed in Solian Secondary school in Eldama Ravine. We were so excited and happy for her. The employment came at a time when she was at her lowest having experienced a near death experienced from her estranged husband who is a police officer who had threatened to harm her and their two kids after they experienced domestic disputes.Indeed hard times precedes good times. Life has certainly changed, she is happy and has been a source of happiness for us too. When she comes visiting it is usually the highlights of our moments.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are faced with numerous challenges and it has made our lives difficult and unbearable. We are blessed with bright children, 4 of them are in University and another one is in form 4 and he is also excelling in his studies, raising school fees has been an uphill task for us. We depend on farming as a source of livelihood but the rain has failed for 3 consecutive season and subsequently stifled our livelihoods. We have resorted to selling farm animals and they have significantly reduced in number. The schools are at the verge of opening in a week's time and it gives us sleepless night since we are yet to raise the needed fees for the semester.