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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Alice's Profile
Alice's family
Alice
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($454 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 have a new goal which is to construct another new house for my children. I feel there is a need for me to do so because very soon all my children will be teenagers and it would be wise if they will have their own house considering that it's a taboo according to my culture. Apart from that, they require maximum privacy as well as ample space for them to study especially at night.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by visiting each household in my community without discriminating against anyone. Also, the cash was shared equally with those who were enrolled at the right time as promised by the officers. I, therefore, did not see or hear anything that GiveDirectly did wrong.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second cash transfer on buying ten pieces of iron sheets which cost around $99, the building poles at $25 and the labour charges of $60. I had intended to finish building my new house which was under construction using the first transfers. My initial house had a single room which could hardly accommodate all my six family members. This has been forcing my children to seek shelter from their friends every evening which used to stress them a lot. Also as a parent, I was not happy at all because some of the said friends used to take advantage of my children and sometimes deny them to sleep at their houses. As a family, we now feel relieved because we can comfortably sleep in our house which has as well restored our dignity. Additionally, I cleared my hospital bill of $40 after undergoing minor surgery. I am glad that I am now doing perfectly fine and have been able to resume my daily hustles. Also, I paid fees for my five children who are in primary schools so that they could sit for their end-of-semester exams. Additionally, I purchased a new bed and a mattress which were to replace the old beddings that we have been using for years. We now feel relieved and relaxed since there are no more pains. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Feeling gd-2093407 It was 7 pm cooking time according to my plans. I was in the kitchen doing some preparations while my phone was on the chair next to where I was. Without expecting it, I heard a message tone from my phone, and strange enough, it rang twice which was unusual. I stopped whatever I was doing and turned my attention to the phone to see what kind of message it was. What I saw was so heavy for my heat to hold. I ululated in happiness for seeing the promised transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly has come to pass. Due to the happiness, I was unable to proceed with the cooking, hence asking my daughter to carry on with the cooking exercise.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The main difference in my life is that, before receiving the transfer, I was struggling past the limit to fend for my family. Currently, the struggle has subsided through the transfer that I received. My children are doing well in school. This could not have taken place if it were not for GiveDirectly's support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a housewife of four school-going children has not been an easy task for me. My husband is a long-distance driver but he has been going for months without pay thus making things hard on my side. Due to the hardship I have been facing, my children are on and off of school due to school fees. When I withdrew the money, I first paid KES 4000.00 for school fees and the arrears for my children so that they could settle in school. I also bought two beds for KES 11000.00 and one mattress for KES 4000.00. I bought one because I already had a mattress. Thereafter, I opted to construct a new house because the one I had was very small and congested. Based on that, I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for KES 19800.00 and 60 poles for KES 19800.00.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am planning to use my transfer to build a structure. The one-bedroom house we are living in does not have enough space for my family. ( I have five children) I will spend the remaining amount on the purchase of goats which will act as an investment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy about the good health of my family. It has been a while since a member of my family has suffered from a major health complication and that way enough to be grateful for.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband who is the sole provider works as a truck driver. His salary is not enough to cater to the family's needs. Most of the time he goes for months without receiving his pay. This forced me to venture into a business of vending maandazi( deep-fried pouch-like bread) to salvage the worrying situation at home.