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 > Sheila's Profile
Sheila's family
Sheila
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
24
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal of starting a poultry and dairy project so that I can attract more earnings, I am hopeful that with hard work and persistency I would be able to rear more chicks from the hens that I have, I am thankful for the support that opened my eyes so as for me to better my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
My people are happier now than before, this is because the organization transformed our lives from what they used to be to a different level, they did a wonderful deed that left a remarkable mark in our hearts which we will not forget anytime soon, Throughout my interaction with the recipients I have not seen anything that was done inadequately.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a consistent farmer and a housewife blessed with three children. Fetching water from the stream has been a hectic task in my life, this is because the stream is quite distant, Thus upon receiving my transfer I prioritised purchasing a water tank worth KES 20,000, I knew this would help me in harvesting rainwater, I was unable to purchase one due to financial constraints and other responsibilities like school fees, I then used the remaining amount to purchase chicken at KES 1500 and then seats at KES 3150 and lastly I bought foodstuffs and clothes. I am thankful for the support that changed our living standards.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I was done with my morning devotion, I headed straight to the farm, at around 9 am I heard my neighbour murmuring that they had received their transfers, I chose to ignore that because I thought they were joking, just when I was about to continue with my work I heard another neighbour praising God while dancing outside his home, that was when I hurriedly rushed home so that I could check my phone, upon checking I saw a mpesa notifications message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy because finally, I was going to complete the project that I had started in building my house. I am so happy for the support that changed my living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My transfer came at a very crucial time in my life, in that I had started building my house but I never managed to complete it due to lack of funds, I am a pastor by profession and our work was vastly affected by the covid 19 pandemic, since then the project was put on hold, I am happy that the transfer made me realise my goal, I managed to partially complete the building, and I am hopeful that with my second transfer I will be able to close the project. In addition to that, I was able to fence my land to secure it from outsiders and intruders. I am so happy and grateful that I was able to accomplish so much in a short period. May our good Lord continue to protect GiveDirectly as a whole.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When GiveDirectly promised us the unconditional transfer, I knew that there was light at the end of the tunnel, my hopes of completing building my house were finally revived, I was unable to complete the construction due to financial constraints, therefore, I used KES 45,000 in the construction work, thereafter I used KES 6500 in fencing my land to keep it secure, lastly, I bought foodstuffs with the remaining amount. I am forever indebted to GiveDirectly for the support that brought so much joy and happiness in our lives by lifting our living standards.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to buy a dairy cow worth KSH 30,000. I have been spending KSH 120 daily buying milk for my household consumption after selling the cow I had 8 months ago to clear school fee arrears for my children. The cow will not only help me build up savings from the amount I usually spend in purchasing milk, but it will also be my assured daily income from selling milk. I will then spend KSH 20000 to buy new household furniture. I usually feel ashamed whenever my visitors come around since I do not have enough chairs in the house, which forces me to go borrow some from my neighbours, thus this money will restore my dignity.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being an housewife, my daily activities entails doing my household chores in the morning before I head to my farm till midday, when I come back home to prepare a lunch meal for my children. I then spend my afternoon resting as I watch my children playing, which makes this the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The only cow I had 8 months ago fell ill and this forced me to sell it at a cheaper price of KSH 10,000. I used to rely on it for a daily income of KSH 250 as well as for milk for my household consumption. Since then, I spend KSH 120 daily in buying milk for my children's consumption. I am a small scale maize farmer but our lands in this region are unproductive due to prolonged droughts, hence farming is no longer reliable. This therefore means that financial instability is the biggest hardship I face.