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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Newsfeed > Elizabeth's Profile
Elizabeth's family
Elizabeth
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Elizabeth's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($293 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am determined to invest in vegetable farming and make the most of my newly fenced farm By investing in irrigation practices, I aim to minimize losses due to changing climatic conditions. This strategy will maximize my yields and allow me to sell the surplus and earn an income. With this income, I hope to provide my children with an education, changing their lives for the better tomorrow. I do not want them to face the same challenges I am facing in the future. My education journey was cut short because my parents couldn't afford my school fees, and they arranged for me to get married instead. Had I had the opportunity to complete my education, my life could have been much better. Now, I am committed to ensuring that my children do not follow in my footsteps and are given every chance to succeed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's support has brought significant changes to my home, enabling me to meet various needs. The opportunity to join voluntarily was the best aspect. GiveDirectly officers made sure I understood everything before I made any decisions. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this commendable approach. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making a difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Focusing on the future of my children, I chose to invest in their education as my priority upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly. I allocated $150 to cover part of the school fees for my two kids, one in high school and the other in junior secondary school. As a farmer with unpredictable rainfall patterns, my yields are often low, and my husband, an elementary school teacher, contributes less due to his obligations to another family he started with a different wife. With only two plastic seats in my home, I felt the need for more seating space. Therefore, I purchased a three-seater sofa for $60, enhancing the comfort of my living space. To address our food scarcity, I spent $65. Recognizing the importance of a sustainable food source, I invested $80 in fencing materials to protect my kitchen garden from freely roaming livestock, allowing me to grow vegetables. Wanting to keep a tangible reminder of the support from GiveDirectly, I bought a goat for $50. This added to our assets and served as a living memory of the assistance we received from GiveDirectly. Additionally, I paid $20 towards my television, which I'm purchasing in installments, further improving our home life. The remaining $25 I used on transportation and other household necessities.Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support that has made a significant difference in our lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($130 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While toiling in the farm with two companions, the moment money arrived, a surge of joy overwhelmed me. Instantly, I envisioned ensuring my kids had proper Christmas attire, a stark contrast to their previous lack. Gratitude and happiness filled my heart, knowing their festive season would now be adorned with joy and warmth.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly, the most significant change in my life is evident in my health. I can now afford three meals a day, a luxury I didn't have before. This improvement has not only impacted my well-being but also brought happiness to my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently spent my latest transfer wisely. I allocated $200 for buying essential food items for my family of five. Additionally, I invested in crop farming, specifically maize, and bought four chickens for subsistence farming, with plans to expand into commercial poultry. The surplus from my farming endeavors will contribute to covering school fees for my four children who are currently attending school.
 
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the transfers means so much to me and my family. This will greatly change my family. I intend to use the first $200 transfer on farming. I plan to lease and also plant maize. This will take about 3 months and will therefore provide food for my family. I also intend to use about $50 of the transfers to purchase clothes for my children. It has been really long since I bought them clothes. For the second and third transfers I intend to fence my farm by using about $100 and also purchase $200 to buy goats. For the amount that is remaining I will lease one hectare of land to plant maize. With this I will have invested the money and also secured my family's food availability into the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness on a daily basis is wellbeing of my family. Over the past 6 months and since we started this year, no one has been sick which delights me so much. I'm really grateful to God for his care.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My greatest and most felt challenge is the low productivity in our farms which has been caused by prolonged droughts. It has been 3 years since we managed to get a good harvest and this has put has into debt with Skyline Sacco which offers us loans. Because of this, I was forced sell my goats to meet the needs of my family. I once had 30 goats but now I only have 10. This affects me greatly since I don't have hope that life will be better in the future.