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 > Sheila's Profile
Sheila's family
Sheila
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
26
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($464 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I don't have any goals at the moment, this is because I was able to accomplish my major goal of building a house. I feel contented and grateful for the great milestone that I have accomplished in a short period.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We are grateful for the financial support that brought so much love and happiness among my people, the staffs were transparent and patient in their line of work. So far I have not witnessed anything that was not done well in their line of work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had started constructing a decent house for my family before, but, unfortunately, I ran out of funds hence the project was left pending. GiveDrectly cash came as a huge relief in my life. This is because I was able to continue with the construction work. In that, I used a sum of KES 30,000. In addition to that, I bought a dairy cow worth KES 20,000, to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. The support from GiveDirectly impacted my life amazingly thus I am so happy that indeed my life has changed to a better one.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home busy doing my house chores when I had my phone ringing, it was around 9 am, when I picked my phone to check, that was when I realized that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy, I then called my husband to inform him of the good news that I had received, I knew all my plans would be realized now that I had the money at hand, I am happy and grateful for this wonderful gift that brought smiles to lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
We had started a goat rearing farming together with my husband, this was the only way we were assured that we would be able to earn a livelihood out of it, but the main challenged that we were facing was that our land was scarce, yet we did not have money to acquire it, we tried selling some of the animals but we could not raise the money. My life is different in that I was able to purchase a parcel of land with the transfer that I had received from GiveDirectly, I am so thankful for the support that lifted our lives and brought so much happiness.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
when I received my transfer I thought of my goat rearing project and how I would be able to expand it, My husband and I decided to purchase a parcel of land so that they would freely graze, I, therefore, used KES 50,000. I was so relieved and happy because with enough space on my farm I would be able to properly manage the project thereafter hopeful of good returns in the future. lastly, I used my transfer in buying foodstuff that would last a while. I am so grateful for the support that enabled me to acquire a piece of land.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will finally own a piece of land. I bought this land 6 months ago but I still had areas of KES 50000. I will pay off this so that I'm done with it. The remaining amount I will use to fence off the land. Owning this land is also an investment, when the time comes , and my children go to school if I lack finances I can sell it off to pay school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. At this time I'm done with most of my day's work. I can rest as I bond with my three-year-old son. My days are usually occupied with farm activities and taking care of farm animals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship has been a lack of finances. I operate a small Mpesa Shop, which gives me KES 7000 per month. This amount is too little considering I'm the sole provider in my family. It usually goes to meeting basic needs. I'm not able to save up which has made me lag in terms of development.