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 > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
58
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($526 USD)
access_time 5 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 currently different from the way it would have been had I not received the transfers in that I no longer pack my bedding and clothes in a safe corner whenever it rains as it used to be the case before. I had a leaking roof and we could have sleepless nights during the rainy season. This is because I was able to construct a decent house with transfers. In addition, I now have an additional source of income thus I do not overwork myself through casual labor. This is because I now have milk which I sell to provide me with income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD does well because it uplifts people's lives by allowing them to decide on what to spend the money on. On the other hand, I wouldn't say there is anything GD isn't doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used part of the second transfer to compete constructing the house I started constructing with the first transfer by buying building materials I lacked such as nails and timber. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete it because I had to divert the major part of the money to my child's medication who unfortunately passed on. A portion of the money I used to purchase a dairy cow for rearing and I'm happy the cow has already reproduced. Currently, I'm able to get enough milk both for family consumption and for sale. I'm happy I'm I can meet the family's needs with a lot of comforts because of the additional income from milk sale.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I get busy taking care of my cattle. I used to sleep in my free time but right now I am a busy person handing the cattle after doing casual jobs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I felt very happy and thanked God for the blessing.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on purchasing two cows, a dairy one and a calf for milk production to avoid using KES 60 every day. The remaining amount went on 20 pieces of iron sheets which I intend to use in building a spacious house because the current one is a small grass thatched one which leaks during rainy seasons.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means happiness and better life for my family. I would like to spend the transfer in constructing a new house that is modern and spacious to accommodate my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I get paid for the casual labor that I offer and buy food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is lack of reliable source of income to provide for my family. I am unable to provide for my family's basic needs. Sometimes we lack food to eat and this makes me feel unhappy.