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 > Mark's Profile
Mark's family
Mark
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
67
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($528 USD)
access_time over 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 really different since I received the transfers. I am at peace with myself. I have no worries on raising fees for my son. This gives me hope and courage as a responsible parent who cares and provides for his children. I bought two cows that will eventually provide me with milk and ghee,that will add to my household food security and nutrition. I also intend to sell the surplus to the neighbours and this will boost my economic power and cash flow for daily need. I shall save some money to meet education needs for my son when he advances to college level. I managed to invest in sugarcane farming which in the next twelve months will mature and get harvested. I feel encouraged to face life with hope. Stress and worries are things of the past. I look healthy and strong, not the malnourished beggar who could walk door to door asking for remnants of food when hungry. Thanks to GiveDirectly transfers.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly kept to their promise that they would send transfers which happened without fail. The method of sending money is also secure, confidential, efficient and reliable. The funds being unconditional made us make decisions of worth for our best satisfaction unlike other findings that serve the interest of their donors. However, GiveDirectly could have added more transfers to widowers like me and other vulnerable people including orphans and persons with disabilities.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer on settling fee arrears for my son who is in secondary level. Education is key for better life and I believe that my son will be in a position complete for the job market. I spent some part of the transfer on leasing land that I have already ploughed and planted sugarcane on. Sugarcane is the main economic activity in this area being that there are factories that provide dir ready market. This is add on my economic power and cash flow as well. I used the remaining part to buy cement and sand in readiness to plastering the floor of my house that is dusty and full of pot holes. Thanks for GiveDirectly transfers that has made me hopeful in life. I spent the second transfer on paying school fees for my son who is in secondary level. Leasing and sugarcane farming, sand in readine
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($537 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that l now sleeping on a very comfortable place as compared to before when l was sleeping on very thin mattress.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment l received the transfer l could not believe, that l went and call my brother to confirm to me if it is true l have received the money, l was so happy that l thank God for his blessing since l have never received such a mount in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent most of the transfer to buy dairy cow, this will save me from spending alot of money to buy milk from my neighbors. I also spent the money to buy mattress since l was sleeping on a very thin mattress, which was very uncomfortable. The remaining balance l spent to buy two goats for my future use.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I shall be able to buy cement, sand and pay a masion to plaster my house which I have not been able to plaster, tbe second transfer from Givedirectly I will use to start a small shopkeeping business so that I may be able to have a reliable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is usually in the morning when I wake up to start my daily business routine as it is the only way I earn my livelihood.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is the recent bout of sickeness that saw me admitted for more than a month, I had to sell my cows to settle the jospital bills, this has caused me me hardship since I nolonger have milk for sale.