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:
49
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 for GD, I wouldn't be having any form of investment now. This is because I bought a farm of sugarcane which is ready for harvesting and I believe the money I'll get from selling the sugarcane will help me meet most of my needs without much struggles as before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD does well in giving cash directly to the recipient without involving anyone. This enables the recipient to get the exact money promised to them unlike when it has to go through other channels which will cause deductions. There is nothing GD is not doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Sugarcane is the major source of income in our area but since it requires a lot of capital to farm it, I couldn't afford to the farming process. I, therefore, bought a farm of sugarcane with a larger portion of the second transfer which is ready for harvesting. This has reduced the cost of catering for the farming expenses and inputs. Part of the money I used to purchase a sheep for rearing as a way of investment. I believe after it has reproduced, I'll be able to have more sheep which I can later sell when in urgent need to raise money to solve the issue.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($536 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 l manage to start a business and it is really doing well being that l can get enough profit that can allow me to put food on the table, as compare to before when l did not have any source of income.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment l received the money l was very happy because l have never got such a mount since l was born.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent most of the transfer on sugarcane farming because l am very sure making a lot of interest out of it. I also spent the transfer to pay hospital bill for my son who was involved in road accident. The remaining balance l spent to repair my house since it was in a bad condition, l also started business of selling domestic goods at home.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved living standards for my household. I would like to spend the transfer on small scale business. This will be a better source of income that is more sustainable and reliable.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I get some casual labor in sugarcane plantations. This makes me happy since it is the main source of income. This gives me hope because from the little wages I get paid for, I usually buy food and clothes for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is extreme poverty. I am a widow who is HIV positive with no proper source of income. I depend on casual labor that is unpredictable and pays very little. This makes it difficult to provide for my family's basic needs.