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:
Charcoal burning
faceAge:
47
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
check
 
Follow to be updated on Irine's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 18 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal for this year, and for the future, is to complete the construction of a new house for my family. I have already started purchasing building materials, and now I’m eagerly waiting for the final transfer from GiveDirectly to complete the project. This new house means more than just a place to live; it represents a future of comfort, safety, and stability. Once finished, we’ll have a home that provides protection, especially during the flood seasons, which have always been a threat to us in our current house. Knowing that soon we will be in a secure and spacious home fills me with hope and relief, and I look forward to the peace of mind it will bring my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What stood out to me the most is GiveDirectly’s commitment and determination to their program. They guide you through every step, from enrollment to follow-up, showing genuine care and support. I truly admire how thorough and involved they are in making sure everything runs smoothly for each recipient. I have no specific recommendations for GiveDirectly because, in my experience, I haven’t seen anything that needs improvement. Their approach has been nothing short of excellent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt overjoyed—it truly marked a new beginning for me and my family. Currently, we live in an old Manyatta, which is not only too small for my three children and me but also unsafe, especially with the constant threat of flooding. With this money, I used $84 to buy iron sheets to start building a new home. I want to create a space that is large enough for us and, most importantly, one that will keep us safe, even during floods. I also used $200 to help pay a significant hospital bill for my husband’s brother, who was very sick. This support from GiveDirectly was a huge relief, as it lifted a heavy burden from our family. I spent $30 to buy a mattress, something we didn’t have before. This simple addition has brought so much comfort and improved our well-being. Finally, I used the rest of the money to ensure we had enough food, addressing our immediate needs and giving us a sense of security. Thanks to this support, I feel hopeful for a safer, healthier future for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was after church when I was walking home with friends, and they started receiving messages from GiveDirectly, notifying them that they had received money. I felt anxious and eager to get home so I could check for myself, as I had left my phone charging at home. As soon as I arrived, I rushed to my phone and was thrilled to see that I had also received $180 from GiveDirectly. In that moment, I knew it would be the last time I slept on a torn mattress. The very next day, I was determined to buy a new, comfortable bed and mattress for myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly is the dignity in how I currently sleep. Before the transfers, I used to sleep on a torn bed and mattress that had been damaged by floods. They were old and uncomfortable, making my nights feel long. Now, I eagerly look forward to bedtime, as I can enjoy a comfortable sleep. I am truly thankful for GiveDirectly's support, which has made this change possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I couldn't wait for the morning to go to town and carry out my plans. I had been sleeping on a torn mattress and a bed that had been damaged by floods, and I was eager to change this so I could sleep comfortably and with dignity. I allocated $89 to buy a new bed and mattress, and now, I truly enjoy my sleep. It’s comfortable and relaxing, especially after a long day of casual work. At that time, we had no food at home. We had just returned from the camp where we stayed after being displaced by the floods. With no food to eat and no crops to harvest, I used $55 to buy enough food to address our immediate needs. Now, we enjoy full meals, and I am so thankful to GiveDirectly for their timely support. I used the rest of the money to buy chairs, which we now use to sit on and welcome visitors. This has brought a great sense of comfort and dignity to our home.
 
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will enable me to purchase household items, rebuild my home, and invest in agriculture. The first transfer will cover our basic needs like food and essential household items such as utensils. With the second and third transfers, I plan to construct a sturdier house and delve into agriculture, which is the primary source of income in my region.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past six months, our community has faced drastic climate changes. While we initially welcomed the rains, they led to devastating floods in our village. Despite losing my chickens, utensils, and enduring the destruction of my home, I am grateful that no lives were lost in our village during this harrowing flood experience.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My greatest challenge right now is living in a house destroyed by floods. I am worried about falling ill from pneumonia because the nights are bitterly cold. The floods also swept away my utensils and chickens, causing me significant loss. Reflecting on these setbacks fills me with sadness as they have erased all the progress my family and I had made.