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 > Margaret's Profile
Margaret's family
Margaret
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
63
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($525 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?
First of all, the big house which I built was all possible courtesy of the transfers from GD, otherwise, I could not have achieved such a milestone by my own efforts.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe that the organization excels in changing people s lives by giving them money which they use to transform their lives as they wish. On the flipside, I would say that I have not yet seen any negative thing that I can talk about in regards to the operations of Give Directly.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used the cash to build a new comfortable house which can now accommodate all members of the family very comfortable with everyone enjoying their privacy. I initially I used to live in a very small structure that was too small for the size of the family, and again, the privacy of each family member was so limited. Apart from that I also bought a cow that was worth twenty-five thousand shillings. Whatever balance that remained went into the purchase of pieces of furniture such as cupboards and seats.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life now is that am never worried when the rains come and I do not have to pack my things and take to my neighbours house with for safety.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very good because I have been having sleepless nights espcially during the rainy season due to the leaking roof because I lnew I was going to have a new house.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying building materials such as iron sheets, steel door and windows, nails and timber which I used on building a new house since the one I had earlier had a leaking roof.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to improve my house. I plan to buy sand and cement to plaster the floor and the walls in order to avoid constant repair . I will also purchase some new furniture more so sofa sets and a cupboard for storing my utensils and other items.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am with my grandchildren. They make me laugh a lot when they demonstrate to me the new things that they got to learn while in school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I am facing is that I do not have a stable source of income to rely on. Whenever the farm fails to yield good harvest, I am faced with a lot of difficulties of providing for my four grandchildren. This is because the casual jobs that I do like tilling the sugar plantations, do not generate sufficient income to sustain buying food, paying for medical expenses nor even affording to buy for them any decent clothing.