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 > Mercy's Profile
Mercy's family
Mercy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($458 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was able to accomplish my goals with the support that I had received from GiveDirectly. So far I don't have any other goal at the moment. This is because I want to focus on the ones that I had initiated. But all in all our lives have been transformed amazingly and we are thankful.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful for the support that we got from Give Directly. It empowered and uplifted our living standards equally where most of us accomplished our dreams which we thought were buried and forgotten. So far GiveDirectly staff are professional in how they conduct their work and throughout my interaction, I did not witness any inefficiencies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, my husband and I agreed on settling a loan in his workplace. This is because we knew that this could relieve him from getting half the pay monthly due to the loan deductions. Therefore we used KES 20,000 in paying back the loan which was a big burden to us. Secondly, we used the remaining amount in purchasing foodstuffs and clothes. I am so happy for the far we have achieved with the support that we got hence we are forever grateful for it.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6am when I woke while trying to find out what time it was that's when I saw an Mpesa message. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES55000 from GiveDirectly and I was very grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is availability of adequate food and milk for my. Before, I used to rely on my husband for food and used to eat two meals a day.But with GiveDirectly we eat three meals a day and my kids have grown healthier and happier . Nowadays, I also sell four litres of milk therefore increased income for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES35000 on dairy cow which is of a higher quality as compared to the one I had.This will not only be a source of milk but a long term investment for my family. I spent the rest on food and clothing. I normally rely on my husband who does casual labor for food.
 
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My homestead is next to a kindergarten school and everyday during playtime children crossover and play in my compound because I do not have a fence around it. I had flowers planted at the front yard but they have stepped on it and my landscape is not as pleasing anymore. I plan on using KES 15,000 in buying of the fencing materials to secure my compound from intruders. I also plan on purchasing chicken to rear and use when we have food shortage in the house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Before moving to this village early last year, my family of 4 used to live in a mud hut with no electricity. My husband struggled to save up, take a loan and build us a better house. For the past 6 months having electricity in our home is the most exciting event for me. I'm able to charge my phone at the comfort of my home rather than at the village market. I'm also able help my kids with their homework later in the night because of the light as compared to before when we'd use a kerosene lamp.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works as a casual labourer in picking tea in Kericho. He earns KES 15,000 every month. He took a loan 2 years ago to build our current house and because of this each month KES 5,000 is deducted from his income to pay the loan. As a family we mostly depend on his income for paying school fees for our 2 children who are in lower primary school. After paying school fees and his rent there's barely any money left to use on food and clothing. I'm forced to go dig for soil in the nearby forest and sell to locals who work in house construction. I'm never guaranteed of selling the soil but when I do, I get a maximum of KES 50 which I use to buy food in the house.