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 > Rebecca's Profile
Rebecca's family
Rebecca
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, my new goal is to start a small boutique business at the nearby market center when I get some money. This is because I don't have a reliable source of income for my family. Currently, I depend on temporary casual labor that might come on my way for our upkeep. These jobs are very hard to get and most of the time I stay at home as a housewife something that bothered me much.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for enrolling every poor household in the village without discrimination into their unconditional and nonrefundable cash transfer program. In addition, I am grateful for being part of the beneficiaries and I hope it may reach many poor households in society. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the second transfer to complete the construction of my permanent house which I had started but it stop due to inadequate finances. I purchased 10 tonnes of building stone, 15 tonnes of sandy, and 50 bags of cement. In addition, I spent KES 6000 to support my sibling's educational needs by paying part of her term two school fees. He was always sent at home due to the fees arrears. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to acquire sufficient food for the family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my friend's party at around 11 Am when a message popped in. Without hesitating, I decided to check its content. I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so excited and I wish you could see the smile I made when I was reading it. I had to change the plans for the day and went back home to share the news with my spouse. It was truly one of the best moments in our lives and we had to celebrate the whole day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the cash transfers, I now have dairy cows in my compound. With the two dairy cows, I am assured of getting plenty of liters of milk that I will use for my family consumption and sell the rest to the neighboring daily shops. A liter goes for KES 50 and this is promising because I will be generating an income. The money that I will be collecting from this business will help me to fend for my family without straining like before. Besides, I will save a portion of the profit for my son once he joins school because my spouse is the family's breadwinner and his income is very low. Initially, I used to buy milk from friends which were very costly and I could not afford it most of the time. I am currently glad because my son will be getting milk which will boost his immunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying two dairy cows and one goat which will now be the assets that I can rely on. I settled on buying them because of various benefits, such as getting milk and manure among others. In addition to that, I paid school fees of KES 22000 for my sibling who is in his second year in secondary. There was a high chance that he could have missed his end year exams and I am glad I didn't let him down this time round courtesy of GiveDirecly. Also, I bought five bags of cement five bags at KES 3000, and the labor costs. This was for the construction of my house which I had initially started. To add to that, I am planning to start a kiosk business in my village since they are very few. With the remaning aount of money, I bought eough foodstufss for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means being self-reliable in my life. This is because am a housewife, my husband is the only breadwinner of this household. I am planning to spend $800 of my transfer to start a business of selling clothes, shoes, and cosmetics. This business will act as a source of income and am assured of getting a profit of $20 per day. For the remaining amount, I will buy 2 dairy ingenious cows to produce milk for commercial to generate an income. By having the two sources of income, I will no longer depend on my husband for everything in the house. I will be in a position of catering to the needs of the family and also paying school fees for my siblings who are still in school. This will boost my self-esteem.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. This is because the time has to arouse, healthy and energetic enough to do my household chores. Unlike in the afternoon and evening house when I will be tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life. This is because lam a housewife, I depend on my husband for survival. His salary can not cater to the needs of the family and also enable me to pay school fees for my siblings. Am real ashamed when my siblings drop out of school due to lack of school fees. This has stressed me for a long.