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 > Austine's Profile
Austine's family
Austine
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($527 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My past life was a life full of humiliation, mockery and blames due to the fact that my family was take away from me by my in-laws. The present life is the life full of respect, pride and happiness due to my reunion with my family. In the past, I was perceived to be a failure in life, and as a result, I was stigmatized and could not associate with community members. Now I gained respect from the members of community and I am now hopeful that there will be continuation of my late father lineage.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has given people freedom to spend money according to their economic limitations. This has been witnessed in our community when people addressed various problems and there has been a great economic achievements realized. The only thing that the organization should do is the evaluation for utilization the first transfer, and monitor how it has been used, so that only those who have put it into proper use, should be given the second transfer.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying two bullocks and one heifer for bride prize payments. My father in-law took my wife and three children hostage because I failed to pay Bride price. Before Give Directly transfers, I was totally poor without any cow due to the fact that my parents died when I was three years old. My maternal grandmother who brought me up also died before I married. I used to be mocked that I married someone's daughter on loan because in our customs, marriage can be rendered legitimate after taking cows to your in-law.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have not been staying with my wife because I had not paid her dowry and I did not have money to do the same hence when I received this transfer, I was able to pay and we'll soon get back together.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very happy because it was a dream come true. I have never got such amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying cows which I used to pay dowry for my wife since I had not done that for the last four years we have been married.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to build a better house as the one I stay in is almost collapsing. I will spend the remaining amount on starting a small business of selling shoes at Awasi market.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I go to my farm to plough sugarcane. This makes me happy as it forms part of my income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that my wife went to Nairobi to work as a housemaid leaving me behind in the village because my income cannot sustain both of us.