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:
Small business
faceAge:
58
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time almost 8 years ago
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What did you spend your third transfer on?
I spent my third transfer on cementing the walls and floor of my house.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different that it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I managed to help my son to pay his wife's dowry and get her back after she was taken and my five grandchildren by her parents for past one year, so much peace right now. I also bought a solar lamp that enables my family to use clean energy, unlike before when we used to live by the soot from the lantern lamps hence buying of paraffin.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly do well by gives transfers to the recipients freely without asking anything in return and GiveDirectly is also very honest because they deliver their promises.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time almost 8 years ago
attach_money
 
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 26000 KES to buy two cows for my son to use to pay dowry for her wife who had gone back to her parents with my grandchildren. I bought a solar panel with some of the money and sand so that I can improve my house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I feel happy that I have light in my house now, I don't have to buy paraffin or use tin lamps which used to make me cough. My son paid dowry and my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren came back. My family is united now.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
10000 KES ($99 USD)
access_time 8 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying 10 iron sheets at 6,000 KES and paid 3,800 KES on wages.
What are you planning to spend your upcoming transfer on?
I am planning to use my upcoming transfer on plastering my house, buying seats and a cow.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 8 years ago
 
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
I am planning to buy sand, cement, iron roofing sheets and timber which I will use to build a better house. I will use the remaining transfers to buy some oxen for my sons
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
My proudest achievement is having worked as a casual worker for many years and after diligently saving my earnings I was able to buy some iron roofing sheets.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I face right now is lack of a sustainable source of income for myself. My job as a casual is often seasonal and if I am unable to get another job, I might sleep on an empty stomach.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is around midday when I am having my lunch together with my friends. We often chat and relax after working in the morning and this makes me very happy.