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 > Mercy's Profile
Mercy's family
Mercy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($521 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?
My life has improved greatly because I would not have changed the mud wall to be made of timber. Having a timber walled house is stronger lasting and does not require regular maintenance as in smearing for the mud-walled. This is a house that even looks better and gives me an extra room that will accommodate my family comfortably. We are really happy that we have a nice home. It would have taken me a long time to raise money to improve the home, instead of focusing on providing for my children's education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did so well by including everyone in my village to benefit. I am glad that we all got the transfer because all of us needed aid to pull themselves up and improve their lives.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer on making timber for constructing a house. I intend to improve my house buy replacing the mud wall with timber. I will then build an extension to have an extra room. I am expecting to complete the house construction by the end of this week. I will then focus on buying a few pieces of furniture for the house. I also plan to buy some clothes and shoes for my children.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Early on, I used to spend so much on purchasing milk for my household consumption. This was really straining my budget. When I received the first transfer, my life really changed because I no longer spent any amount on milk. Besides, I feel I have gone a step ahead towards constructing my new house since, at the moment, I already purchase timber. Generally, my family wellbeing has really changed to be better than before
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was very early in the morning and had set myself ready to begin my daily chores when I heard a message notification on my phone. on checking, I found out to be from Give directly notifying me that money have been sent to my Mpesa account. I was very happy. I knew my plans have already been fulfilled.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase a dairy cow, 3 bags maize for my family consumption, some timber for house construction and a few clothes for my family
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money is an investment for my children's education. I am planning to buy one dairy cow worth $300 as savings and source of income to feed and educate my children. I do not have enough land to farm therefore I will use around $120 to buy 3 sacks of corn to keep my family out of hunger.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find solace in seeing my children happy every evening. At often times I would abscond meals so that they can eat enough and this I do not mind as long as they have had their fill. This is why my husband and I work so hard to bring home food in the evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Hunger. My husband and I do not have formal employment except for casual jobs like weeding people's corn in the village. At most times it becomes difficult to get food enough to feed my five children. The maximum we can come home with everyday is an average of $2. This amount can barely feed our family of 7 for that day making us live from hand to mouth. This is replicated everyday for the rest of the year. This is the biggest hardship I have faced in my life.