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 > Lucas's Profile
Lucas's family
Lucas
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
60
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different than it was before because I used the transfers to buy some sacks of maize grains and other foodstuffs. Nowadays, we have sufficient food in the house thus we have been able to feed well without fully relying on unreliable casual jobs. Prior to receiving the transfer, life was hard and we could occasionally go to bed hungry.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in educating its recipients on how to use their phones, more so the Mpesa feature. This has greatly helped us who were enrolled in its program to secure our money from being stolen. Secondly, GiveDirectly staffs were also supportive to ensure that we were not deceived by anybody since money is always sensitive and in most cases tend to attract fraudsters. Lastly, GiveDirectly effectively communicates with us by giving a prompt update through messages on suspected fraud within our villages. However, I have not seen what GiveDircetly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying two cows and four sheep. Among them, there was one cow who was pregnant and it is due to give birth very soon. I now have a heard of cattle which I look at as my financial security in the future. Previously, I had been desiring to own cattle although I did not have some income which could enable me to accomplish such a dream. I also spent part of the transfer to plough a three quarter acre piece of land in which I have planted sugarcane, which when I harvest, will supplement my household's income. I used the rest to pay school fee for my daughter who is currently in form four. I thank God for GiveDirectly because through the transfers I have achieved more in my life.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I now have a toilet latrine that I will be using and living in a better and hygienic condition.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy when I got the cash from the organization.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used the money to build a new chicken house because I never had one before. I also used that money to construct a new toilet latrine since I never had one before. What has remained from that cash I will use to buy a cow because that is what I need the most right now.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a lot to me because you have helped me. I see the level of poverty reduced in my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is, afternoon after coming from work and I get money to buy food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced if how to get food for the family. I have to really work extra hard to pay school fees for my children