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 > Pius's Profile
Pius's family
Pius
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($532 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?
I plastered the floor of my house that was initially dusty and full of potholes. Whenever it was being swept, dust flew high and this exposed us to respiratory track infections. It also encouraged the breeding of jiggers that made us uncomfortable. Nowadays, it is easier to clean and maintain. No more risks of respiratory track infections. The money that I could use on treatments can now be saved and used to pay school fees for my children. I bought a motorcycle that has become a self-employment opportunity that I depend on. I use it to transport customers without any stress of settling the leasing fee as before when I depended on other people's motorcycles. The money that I initially used to pay as leasing fee is spent on additional food stuff for my family. I am a happy person with hope to face life with courage and no desperation and worries on how to provide for my family. I am liberated from stressful life where we could go without food for a whole day. GiveDirectly has redefined my life for the better.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has given people the freedom to choose on what is best for their lives. Our community has really changed in terms of better housing, education for children,health, nutrition, creation of employment in terms of small scale businesses. However, there would have been consideration for contionus transfers to the vulnerable people like the elderly, physically challenged, orphans and HIV positive.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I purchased a motorcycle that has become my source of self-employment and from which I support my family. Unemployment has become a big threat to young people these days as there are no new opportunities to engage the youths to be positively productive and independent. Initially, I used to lease some people's motorcycle who later demanded unrealistic payments that l was not able to meet. During rainy seasons, customers prefer walking than using motorcycle as the roads are muddy and slippery. Sometimes, I could not get any penny to pay the motorcycle owner leave alone buying food for my children. Nowadays, I plan for the day and do not overwork myself as I no longer lease anyone's motorcycle. I usually save the money I used to pay the motorcycle owners with an intention of buying a cow that will eventually provide me with milk. Thanks for GiveDirectly transfers that has given me the opportunity to be self reliant.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Before we got the money,I would leave home by around 5 am so that I would get to work on time because it is by first come first serve that we normally get chances.This was very dangerous because our area is not 100% safe. With the motorcycle that I purchased,I can now leave at a reasonable time which is safer and I can even stay to grab a cup of tea before I leave.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money on my way to work,so I had to keep it cool so that my colleagues would not realize what had happened for security purposes,I later called my wife informing her of the good news once I was alone.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I depend on casual jobs which sometimes forces me to walk for long distances,so when we got the money,I decided to purchase a second-hand motorcycle that I would mostly use for transportation to work and sometimes for a taxi business.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means shortage during drought will no longer be a problem. I plan to buy a five thousand litres water tank.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when doing casual work especially building and construction. It is my main source of income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life was being unable to pursue my studies to A level. This has denied me the opportunity to get white collar jobs and I only have to do odd jobs which are not paying well.