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.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($313 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a significant list of goals to achieve in the upcoming period that will not only secure the well-being of my family of seven but also establish a foundation for future financial stability. Our primary focus in the coming year and beyond revolves around acquiring a dairy cow, a move that holds the potential to curtail the escalating expenses of purchasing milk, particularly as our family expands. Although the market value of the farm produce we rely on is compromised due to widespread production in our community, I am optimistic that selling an entire crop yield from a three-quarter piece of land dedicated to tomatoes will yield substantial profits, thereby realizing this aspiration. I'm appreciative of the initial support provided by GiveDirectly, and my intention is to maintain this momentum well into the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has undeniably achieved a remarkable job by completely transforming every household in the village, enabling improvements in housing, livestock ownership, food security, and access to education through school fees for our children, all made possible by the impactful free cash transfers we received from GiveDirectly. Previously constrained to two meals a day, we now have the joy of partaking in three meals daily. The enhancement of our farming activities bodes well for sustaining our families' food supply. However, it's my suggestion that GiveDirectly focuses on fostering equity, especially for differently-abled individuals who remain under the care of their parents; despite the majority of households directing the cash assistance towards aiding the disabled, there's an opportunity for GD to better address their specific needs and circumstances.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Anticipating the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I had initially planned just two significant undertakings for my family. Firstly, constructing a perimeter fence around my farmland was a top priority, and this involved purchasing barbed wire, chain links, poles, and nails, amounting to a total expenditure of $380. This not only marked the boundary of my acreage but also effectively deterred zebras and stray domestic animals from encroaching on my crops. I am pleased that since the completion of the fence, my crop cultivation has thrived, and I am currently looking forward to a substantial harvest of tomatoes and maize. The remaining portion of the transfer, after spending $35 on food, went towards acquiring various household essentials, which are now being used by my family of seven. Throughout this time, our livelihood was sustained by subsistence farming, which encompassed crops like tomatoes, maize, beans, and butternuts. Despite challenges posed by drought, we managed by sharing water from seasonal streams in our village for irrigation purposes.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($326 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to fence my land, providing a safe and spacious grazing area for the sheep. Additionally, I aim to prioritize the education of my children. To bring this dream to fruition, I plan to invest in a village table banking group and also allocate resources towards sheep farming. I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, this vision can be realized.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Throughout the entire process, from enrollment to completion, the organization's operations were executed flawlessly. We were educated on the importance of safeguarding our money, and every individual we encountered treated us with utmost dignity and respect. The field officers proved to be reliable and trustworthy, honoring their commitments. Right from the beginning, we felt that our opinions held value and that we were receiving the highest level of service possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Farming serves as the primary means of livelihood for both my husband and me, supporting our family of four children. When I received my transfer, I made the decision to invest in sheep rearing as a means to secure an additional source of income for potential emergencies. Consequently, I allocated $350 towards initiating the sheep project. Additionally, I purchased maize supplies worth $62 and clothes totalling $28 for my children. These expenses were previously unattainable due to financial limitations. I am elated that I was able to achieve this goal within a relatively short period of time, which brings me great joy and satisfaction.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($150 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the first transfer from Segovia Technology was a moment of joy and gratitude for me, especially because I was uncertain about receiving it in the first place. It was around 3 p.m., and I was washing my clothes in the river when I received the message. Initially, I thought it was the usual message from my service provider, but upon checking, I realized it was from Segovia Technology, a name that was familiar to us from the initial enrollment interactions. Later that evening, I returned home and shared the good news with my husband, who was equally thrilled. We made plans to collect the transfer the following day and decided to spend it on our goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The recent transfer from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in my daily life. With the money, I was able to purchase enough foodstuff to feed my family without worrying about running out of supplies. This has significantly reduced the stress associated with food scarcity, giving me peace of mind. Additionally, I was able to equip my children with everything they needed for the school year, including uniforms, textbooks, and stationery. This has relieved me of the financial burden of preparing them for school and has enabled me to focus on other aspects of our lives. Overall, the transfer has improved the quality of our lives, and we are grateful for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I made several important purchases. My family's primary source of income has been casual labor, while my husband occasionally works as a driver for public service vehicles. I spent $60 on maize, which is a staple food in our household, to ensure that my family of seven would have enough to eat. Additionally, I purchased a sheep for $60 to add to the other four that i already had on my farm. I plan to breed and sell in the future to pay for my children's school fees. I also spent $190 on school supplies, including three bags and clothes, to equip my four children for the school year. With the remaining amount of the transfer, I set aside some savings to refill our food supplies when needed. The transfer has helped alleviate some of the financial strain on our family and allowed us to invest in our future by preparing our children for school and beginning a small livestock business.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Two years ago, due to Covid-19, I closed down a business that I had. Lack of money to reopen it saw me stay at home and farm. I desire to use the transfers to open up a retail shop in the nearest shopping center. From the business profits I can supplement my husbands income and our children will get all they need especially school fees. I am thankful to Givedirectly as has made my dreams come to pass.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I joined a savings group in January 2022 and when I got KES 12,000 in savings from table banking in December I was very happy. We celebrated Christmas like any other average family and also I bought clothes for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a stable source of income is the biggest challenge currently. My husband who is the breadwinner of the family is a driver, and with the rise in the cost of fuel, he gets little money as he works on a casual basis. This has made us struggle to make ends meet hence we are unable to meet all the basic needs of our family.