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 > Charles's Profile
Charles's family
Charles
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($520 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that I have been able to pay school fees for my two children who is in secondary school . Before, I was so worried as they would be sent home and stay back home for so long as I could no afford to pay their arrears fees on time because my salary was meager to comfortably provide basic needs and pay their school fees at the same time. I then bought bedding and three mattress. We had been sleeping on an old slim mattress which were very uncomfortable. Personally , I never longed for the night to fall because I could not have a good night's sleep. When I woke up, my whole body could ache. Today , we are very happy and productive during the day since we do have enough rest . Thanks to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by laying their operations themselves without involving intermediaries which attributed to a transparency as the promised amount was received to the genuinely poor beneficiaries without any favoritism . Secondly, the enrollment process was simplified in a way that was understandable to every one from the old to the youths. I personally do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at their duties.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spend my second transfer to paying schools for my two children who are in secondary school on time for the whole term . I am now a proud parent since my children are no longer being sent back home to collect school fees which is a relieve to me this year . Therefore , their self-esteem has improved due to their improved performance. I bought sugarcane seeds which I planted and they are doing well since at the moment I am weeding. I bought three mattress, bedding and food for my family's consumption.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am free now. I can do other projects after clearing school fees for my daughter. I also stay in a very admirable house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received that money,I felt so happy. It has been long since I received that amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly on paying school fees for my daughter who was in secondary school. She kept on being sent home for school fees but I could not raise it unfortunately. I also spent some on buying building materials that I used to complete my house that has stalled for sometime.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face is lack of a stable income to provide for my family's needs. I have two children at secondary and paying their school fees has been so difficult. They are often sent home for fee arrears and that stresses me a lot.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am resting in my bed after a hard days work of casual labour farming for others.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money has made me so happy. I had planned to start a business selling fish at the local market, but I never had the capital. I am sure with these transfers my dream of starting my own business is going to be a reality.