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 > Edwin's Profile
Edwin's family
Edwin
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
71
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($525 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 is now different because I currently own a cows which I would not have managed to buy on my own cost. One of my future goals was to have at least a good source of income. I feel GiveDirectly has fulfilled this since I will be selling milk as these cows reproduce. I also acquired new beddings through this transfer and replaced the old and worn out beddings I have been using for years. I purchased new wooden beds and mattresses for my family. It's a great joy to me because I now have comfortable beddings and also my children unlike before GiveDirectly came to us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in uplifting our lives which were miserable before enrollment. We have been able to provide for our families effectively, purchasing livestock as assets and most importantly, building better iron-roofed houses thus enjoying good shelter. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had been living a small house with my family since I couldn't afford to build a bigger one. It was uncomfortable to live in but we had no other wise. Upon receiving our second transfer, I used the larger part of it to build a bigger house. I feel so happy having my comfort at my new house. I spend the remains amount on my family needs both household items and clothing.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I no longer buy milk anymore. The dairy cow I bought gives me enough milk for my family's consumption and so far, I have started saving some money which I usually use in the purchase of milk.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 am in the morning when my wife woke me up. On that day, she and my children were so happy as she was just singing while doing her chores and I had to ask her what all the happiness was for. When she informed me that we had received money from GD, I was also overwhelmed with joy as I had never received such an amount in my entire life. I then called my whole family together, sang some praises to God and prayed thanking Him for his blessings on that morning.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Buying milk has been a routine for me which has been expensive but I had no otherwise and so when I received my first transfer, I spared some amount which I used in buying a dairy cow for milk production. I am glad that I will no longer buy milk hence will be using the money to take care of other needs and I am also sure that my children's health will improve too. I also spent the remaining amount in buying a water tank. This tank will be so helpful to my family as my wife will not be going to river on a daily basis and during the rainy season as we will use it in storing water.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my plans of having dairy cattle and a nice house will be realized. Thanks so much Gd.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am back from my farm and carrying with me some foodstuff for my family to take for supper.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am blessed with a very large extended family and with my unemployment state, providing them with basic necessities has been an uphill task for me. Moreover, educating my kids has also been very difficult and this has rendered them not able to get employment. All these has made me feel like a failed parent towards them and for me this will always be the biggest hardship I have ever experienced.