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 > Irine's Profile
Irine's family
Irine
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($276 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, my main goal is to start a poultry farm. This venture holds the potential to fulfill my daily needs, especially for food. Also, by having a sustainable source of income through the poultry farm, I hope to avoid selling goats. Keeping the goats will allow me to build up resources that can be used to pay for the school fees of my children. This plan represents a thoughtful approach to ensuring both immediate and future needs are met, creating a more stable and secure future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has excelled in all its programs, making a positive impact on the lives of many, including mine. Their efforts have been commendable, providing crucial support that has made a real difference. I have nothing additional to suggest because their current approach is effective and beneficial. The hope is that GiveDirectly will persist in their mission to improve people's lives. The transformative impact they've had is evident, and the desire is for them to continue this positive trajectory, touching more lives and making lasting changes for the better. Their commitment to bettering people's lives is truly appreciated, and the expectation is for this positive work to endure.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my most recent transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I made strategic choices to address various needs. I allocated $120 to fence my farm, ensuring a secure space for maize farming. This not only provides food for my family but also aims to generate surplus for selling and meeting future needs. Recognizing the importance of immediate necessities, I spent $50 on buying food to support my family. Another priority was repaying my SHG (Self-Help Group) loan, for which I used $250. This step not only fulfills a financial obligation but also enhances my credit, enabling me to borrow again in the future. A portion of the funds, $30, went towards clothing, while an additional $30 was allocated to cover a hospital bill for my child. Looking ahead, I've earmarked $150 to purchase goats when prices become more favorable. This thoughtful allocation of funds reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing immediate and future needs, ensuring a more stable and secure future for myself and my family.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($294 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My objective is to expand my goat herd, providing a reliable source of support during emergencies. To achieve this, I intend to utilize the remaining savings from my second transfer along with a portion of my third transfer. The prospect of enhancing my life through this plan brings me great joy and optimism.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional support provided us with the flexibility to enhance our lives, allowing us to allocate the funds based on our specific needs. Furthermore, the community engagement aspect was highly informative, providing us with crucial information on topics such as data fraud. This holistic approach significantly contributed to our overall positive experience with the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am engaged in farming and operate a small retail shop, while my husband works as a charcoal vendor. We are a married couple blessed with six children. Upon receiving my transfer, I decided to spend $80 to purchase two sacks of maize. Subsequently, I invested $60 in enhancing my business by expanding my stock, aiming to increase profits. With my faulty phone, I utilized $15 to acquire a new one. Additionally, I directed $40 towards fencing, $30 for settling a debt, and saved the remaining amount. I am delighted that the organization provided us with financial freedom, significantly improving our lives. Now, we can afford at least two meals a day, a change from our previous situation, and for that, I am truly grateful.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($140 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my first transfer from Give Directly, I was filled with so much joy. At the time, I was still recovering from the birth of my one month old baby so I was just at home resting. With no financial means to purchase essentials for my newborn and myself, including food and clothing, this opportunity was a godsend. It enabled me to secure everything we both required and also provided nourishment for the rest of the family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Ever since I began receiving transfers from Give Directly, there has been a significant change in my life. Now, I can confidently cater to my family's basic needs, including food, without the immense stress that typically comes with being a new mother. Without this financial aid, I believe I would have likely succumbed to postpartum depression.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my first transfers, I allocated $130 for purchasing sufficient food and set aside $10 for transportation costs. As I did not possess a single chair in my residence, I invested $120 in acquiring two plastic chairs, ensuring comfort for my guests during their visits. The opportunity also allowed me to spend $30 on clothing for both my baby and myself. Ultimately, I spent $7 to cover the costs of a solar subscription.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As our family continues to grow we need more space for living. The one house we have is small and does not accommodate all of us well. We had entertained the idea of building another house but we had no means as we are grappling with other challenges such as food insecurity. As they say, there is time for everything, that time is here, and GiveDirectly is a big enabler. After sorting out the problem of food insecurity, we intend to use part of the transfers to construct another house which will cost $ 350. It will give us a new lease on life and better living conditions. We are so excited and can't wait to receive the transfers. We will use the rest of the money to seek medication for our girl, the universe has conspired for us, never in our mind did we imagine that one day we will get the finances to take our daughter for specialized treatment. We are so hopeful that she will eventually be on her feet and lead a normal life like other children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We are a family of 5 and we struggle every day to fend for our children. There is never an easy day here especially putting food on the table is an uphill task. Last month was fairly a good month for us, we sold 20 chickens, and we were able to buy 20 Kg of maize and other foodstuff. It has sustained us up to now and the stress of having to look for food is no more thus far. Our children are so happy and nowadays they do not complain because of the lack of food. The happiness seems to have increased a notch higher last week when we were blessed with a baby girl. We thank God for the blessings as we look forward to another blessing from GiveDirectly's transfers. This is a good year!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our sick firstborn daughter, Frida has a disability. She is now seven years old and in Grade 2. She cannot walk at all and it has been a thorn in the flesh in our lives. We have to take her to school in the morning and go for her in the evening after school. She has weak bones and cannot stand on her feet. We have not been able to purchase a wheelchair for her use because we cannot afford. Every week we have to take her to Marigat Sub County for physiotherapy, sometimes she misses the sessions because of lack of money for traveling and for paying the medical services. It worries us a lot. We have since been advised to take her for specialized treatment in a hospital in Kajiado but our inadequacy in terms of money does not allow. It is very unfortunate, we are helpless and hopeless of ever affording her the much needed medical attention.