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 > Grace's Profile
Grace's family
Grace
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
House staff (works for others)
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
FSD / Urban Youth
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Grace's next check-in.
 
15th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($40 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was initially working as a domestic house staff where I earned a small amount each month because I was only working half-day. I would try to hustle for the rest of the day just to make ends meet, but it was tough having no certain way to earn money. Since I set up a new business using some of the transfers I received at the beginning of the project, there has been a change in my life. I can boast of having a sure source of income where I know that I will earn something for my family's needs without failure each day. I have also had a rest because I do not have to strain doing manual jobs as I did before.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I have a small retail business that I started using these transfers so that I would move from depending on casual employments to being self-employed. This business has been providing for my needs, but I feel that it will not be enough once the project is over with no more transfers to supplement it, especially now that I am single after my husband left. My plan is to improve this business by adding more stock of the current items I sell and new items so that I can boost my customer base and improve my profits so that I can provide for my family even after the project is over.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the money I recently receieved on a new set of school uniform for my son in kindergarten so that he would start the new year in a decent way. I also spent part of the money on foodstuff and other household requirements then used the rest of it to clear a loan I had borrowed to take care of some personal emergencies.
 
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($39 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my life is that I was able to start a fruit business with part of my monthly transfers. Before the transfers, I did not have any source of income and I used to struggle to make ends meet. My family was struggling and being that we live in an urban setup, life was never smooth on me. I struggle a lot and I am glad I don't struggle anymore as I used to before the transfers. The little income I get from my fruit business has helped me pay all my debts, pay school fees for my children and even buy for the new clothes. It has made a lot of difference in my life because we have never lacked what to eat. We are independent.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
Since we are approaching the festive season, it is a time of rejoicing. I would want to focus on ensuring my family is well-fed by buying enough food for my family for the festive season.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying my house rent. It was time to pay at the time when I received the transfer and did not want to use my business resources to pay the rent. The rest of the transfer I used on buying food for my family. This was just to add more to the stock we had. I always prefer buying food once in bulk which is very cheaper than buying on a daily basis.
 
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($49 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?
Previously I earned a low income which couldn't sustain me and my family for a whole month and in most cases, I lived on debts. I'm happy and proud I can manage the family's needs without borrowing from anyone.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I have always had pssion in hair and beauty but since I didn't have enough capital, i couldn't afford the fee. Now that I have a business and I'm also receiving money from GD, I have an additional goal of joining hair and beauty college.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before I staretsd receiving the transfers, i was doing casual work which wasn't paying well so when I started receiving the transfers i opoened up a buisness so that I can have an additional source of income. I have therefore been using the transfers including the recent transfers to boost the business so that it can be stable. Part of the money I used to pay for my monthly house rent which I had not paid by then. I also paid school fee for my child who is in priamry school so that Ihe couldn't be sent back home.
 
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($50 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
After receiving the transfers, I am now aiming high as far as business is concerned. I have a small cosmetic business and the monthly transfers will help me expand it. If all goes well I will hire a permanent and bigger premise as soon as the business picks up. From the proceeds also, I am going to take my daughters to a better school. At the moment they go to school which is not that good and it's because of my financial situation.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I now have a business of my own. I now have a regular source of income. Earlier on before receiving the transfer, I used to rely on casual jobs around cleaning services. The income was little and the jobs were unreliable. When I received the transfers I started selling cosmetics in a stall nearby. The income I get at the moment is enough for my family's needs.I am a single mother of 2 and all the family burden is on me. Whenever I receive the transfers, I usually channel them towards making it bigger and better. In the coming months, I expect the business to do much better thus better proceeds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the KES 3000 of transfer to pay my daughters school fees.I have two daughters s who are in lower primary. I also had areas from last year. I then spent KES 2000 on boosting my cosmetics business which I started after receiving the transfer.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
I was still asleep when I received a text notifying me that I had received the transfer. At that moment I was in shock and disbelief as it this got me unaware. I did not get excited Immediately as I was in shock. I went back to sleep and when I woke up, I again confirmed that indeed it was real. I then got very excited and joyfully walked towards a nearby agent to withdraw the money.I
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first my priority is to relocate to a better place because where I stay there are a lot of conflict with the neighbours, also because I want a hygienic place. Secondly I would want to furnish my house buy some furniture and other household items like a television set, lastly I want to take my children out for lunch that's something they haven't experienced yet.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is cultural because I fear being involved in illuminati or being asked to sacrifice my children.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambition is to be a business woman and be able to provide for my children and make them proud. I will be successful in selling clothes or even opening up fashion shops
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
On my usual day I take care of my children but sometimes I do casual labour of making some shoals to get some food for the day. On my free time I just rest up or visit my friends