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 > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
47900 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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What did you spend your third transfer on?
I spent my third transfer on purchasing furniture, that was a bed and a sofa set. I seriously lacked those two items but due to poverty I could not acquire them. Other than those, I purchased some livestock as a way of investing a portion of my transfer for future use.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different since I have managed to construct a good house that I least expected.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in keeping its promise and working well withing the stipulated period of time, not as the other NGOs which only promise but fail to fulfill their promises.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time almost 7 years ago
attach_money
 
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy building materials that I used to construct a new more spacious house. I also bought a cow that was used to pay for my dowry as required of me by traditions even though my husband had passed away. I am now able to comfortably shelter my family without the fear of being rained on.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my dowry has been paid and I have a nice house to shelter my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
10000 KES ($97 USD)
access_time 7 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
i spent the first transfer on buying a bed, matress, school uniform for the children, and maize for consumption.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in very bad state the moment I received the transfer; I had no beddings nor food, and therefore I felt very happy.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 7 years ago
 
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
Firstly, I intend to use part of the transfer to build a bigger house with three rooms, because this one is small. Secondly, I plan to use another part of the transfer to buy furniture. Lastly, I intend to use the remaining amount to buy a cow, that would provide us with milk for family use, and three sheep, as an investment for my famly.
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
The achievement I'm proudest of is, having bought two goats with savings from my fish-selling business, that I used to do.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Providing food for my family, due to unreliable source of income, is the biggest hardship I have faced.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoons, when I'm weaving ropes for sale.