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 > Pola's Profile
Pola's family
Pola
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
24
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am now living in a comfortable and spacious house with my family unlike previously when I had not received my transfer. I was living in a tiny house which lowered my self-esteem. Also, I own livestock which will be able to assist me whenever I encounter any financial crisis.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly is doing well in supporting many poor people by sending them cash which improves their lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to complete the construction of my house since I had started with my first transfer but I fail to complete it. Previously, the one I had was very small. I spent half of the remaining amount to purchase beddings and utensils for my family since did not have enough utensils. The other half I sent $ 100 to my husband to pay for house rent and invested the reminder on goats rearing by purchasing 2 goats.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message on my phone early in the morning. When I checked the contents, it was informing me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was greatly overjoyed and thanked them helping me during this difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was living in a house that was very small and could not accommodate my young children. My dream was to construct a new spacious house to live comfortably with my family. My children were always seeking shelter from the neighbourhood and they are still very young. I was not at peace with this. When I received the transfer, I bought building materials which include iron sheets, nails and building poles to facilitate the construction of the new house. Building a spacious makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life since my children will no longer be seeking shelter from neighbours at night.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the part of my first transfer on buying 24 pieces of iron sheets, nails and building poles in order to finish the construction of a new house. I am building this house because the previous one is not spacious enough. I am happy that my children will not be troubled to seek shelter from the neighbours when this house is complete. In addition to this, I also bought a heifer which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I am hopeful that this heifer will reproduce and sell the offspring to help me out in case of a financial need. I will also be benefiting from the milk it will be producing, for my family's consumption and sell the surplus and earn an income.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in a single roomed house that serves as the bedroom and a living room. There is no privacy because once someone enters they are able to see all our belongings. This is not limited to the fact that it will not be sufficient in the long run as the family grows. Receiving this money therefore means, I will construct a better house for my family. Besides, I will purchase livestock for rearing that I will sell during financial emergencies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up full energy and relaxed. This gives me the strength to conduct all my daily duties that include farm work and household chores.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of enough finances is my biggest hardship. This is due to the fact that I am a housewife and I depend solely on my husband. His job as a driver doesn't earn him much especially during this pandemic. This situation has made it difficult to provide basic needs for the family especially enough food.