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 > Penina's Profile
Penina's family
Penina
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
64
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($527 USD)
access_time almost 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 transfer in that if it wasn't GD I would still be worried and stressed of my bedding being rained on whenever it rained. The worries and stress I used to undergo whenever I was away from home and it rained is no more. In fact, these days, I am praying for the rain unlike before when I used to pray against the rain. I thank GD for the transfers which have totally changed my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD does well in uplifting people's lives by giving unconditional transfers and I'm happy to attest that our area has really improved a lot. On the other hand, I wouldn't say that GD isn't doing well on anything.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I added part of the first transfer to the second transfer and bought building materials such as nails and timber which I used to construct both the main house and a kitchen. My spouse passed on some years back but the house he left in, was already old and the roof was leaking. This gave me a hectic time whenever it rained because I had to keep the bedding in a safe corner so that they couldn't be rained. In addition, I could cook in the main house and due to the smoke, the roof became so worn out. I, therefore, had to construct a separate kitchen to ensure I sort the issue once and for all. A portion of the money I spent on food for the family since we did not have enough in the house.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 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 my grandchild was able to sit for his examinations because I managed to clear his school fee.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment when I received my money I felt so happy because ever since I was born I have never received such an amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the money I received form GiveDirectly on my orhpaned granchild's school fee to reduce the amount of fee he owed the school. A portion of the money I used to buy a few pieces of ieron sheets that I'm planning to use to construct a new house because the current house is old. I also bought a few households that I lacked.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means freedom from poor shelter. I would like to spend the transfer on construction of a new house that is spacious enough to accommodate my family. My current house is leaky and small in size.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when well-wishers bring me some food to eat.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is unreliable source of income. I am HIV positive and is on drugs, this needs proper feeding which I am not able to find most of the time.