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.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mariam's Profile
Mariam's family
Mariam
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 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?
After spending the second transfer, I developed another goal which I am planning to work on it once I get some money. if I manage to get the amount of money I am targeting, I will open a second type of business of selling charcoals in bulk. Currently I am selling them in smaller quantities but that is not the plan I want.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very thankful to GiveDirectly for the support I received. Being a single mother is a difficult thing in life. I have been struggling with my four children and most of the time we went without food. My children have been spending three-quarters of the school going time at home due to school fees; it was a miserable life because I had no source of income. In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a commendable humanitarian responsibility; it helped me settle school fees for my children and also start a business which is now serving as my income backbone. I sincerely appreciate the help I got from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the second transfer money, I first settled the school fee arrears that my four primary school children had and also paid prior for the following term. For the school fees, I used KES 11200.00. Thereafter I started a new business with the remaining amount. This is a shop business where I sell foodstuff and other personal effects. To make this business stable, I decided to buy stock worthy KES 40000.00 so that the shop can be relied upon in the whole village. As at now I am making good sales because the customers are getting almost 80 percent of the items they need from my shop.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 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 lying on my bed, not feeling well and I had not purchased any medicine because I could not afford to buy them. My phone however was always close to me with the expectation that GiveDirectly would send us the transfer that day. At around 8 AM my phone beeped, an alert of an incoming message. I was reluctant to check but I gathered courage and to my surprise, I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy and relieved at once and thanked the Almighty for the fortune.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Building a new spacious house is the biggest difference in my daily life so far. My previous house was not spacious enough to accommodate my children. If I was to save for the purpose of building a new home, it would have taken years to achieve this. Doing menial jobs has been the main source of income which only catered for the basic needs like food. My children also used to seek shelter from neighbours which even affected their academic performance, since they were not free like their counterparts. Through the support, I managed to construct a decent iron roofed house which can now accommodate all of us. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for this achievement. My children are now studying comfortably unlike before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The house that I was living in was not spacious enough and its state was pitiful. My children were forced to seek shelter from neighbours since I could not accommodate them. It's been my biggest dream to at least construct a new house so that my children can live peaceful at their young age. When I received my first transfer, I purchased building materials which include building poles and iron sheets. I am happy that my children will no longer be troubled seeking shelter from neighbours. I also spent KES 4800 on paying school fees for my children. They were allowed to continue with their studies without interruptions on school fees. I spent the remaining amount on buying enough foodstuffs for my family which include bales of flour and beans that can take us a long time. Unlike before, we can now afford to take three meals a day.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money mean better spacious house for my family.This is because I am sharing a one bedroom house with my children 2 boys and 2 girls.I am planning to use Ksh 30,000- build a spacious house for my children.The remaining amount will help me to pay school fees as well as to cater for other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon.This is because my family always take their lunch and return to school. Leaving me relaxing.unlike in morning and evening hours where sometime my children go to school without taking break first as well as sleeping without food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is food insecurity.This is because I am a single mother of 4 Children and I rely on casual labor.Due to this, I have been finding it extremely difficult to put food on the table.Sometimes, I am forced to seek help from relatives who then speak negative about me and my children.This makes me feel like Iam not part of the community.