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 > Pauline's Profile
Pauline's family
Pauline
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($372 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Once I get some money, I aim to build a mud-walled rental house right on our property, strategically located near the bustling secondary school. With dedication and hard work, I aim to build a welcoming house for day-scholar students, easing their search for accommodation while they pursue their education. The thought of providing a safe and nurturing environment for these bright souls fills me with unwavering determination. I can already envision the laughter that will echo through the halls, the friendships that will blossom under our roof, and the countless lives that will be positively impacted by this dream brought to life. Each day, as I take one step closer to realizing this ambition, my heart swells with excitement and anticipation, knowing that my future holds a meaningful purpose to empower the next generation to reach for their dreams and aspirations.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Receiving a donation from GiveDirectly has been a life-changing experience for me, and I wholeheartedly support the program. The unconditional nature of the money allowed me the freedom to address my most pressing needs, providing a sense of empowerment and control over my own life. Knowing that someone out there cared enough to extend a helping hand and that the organization had ongoing plans to ensure our well-being, gave me a newfound sense of security and hope for the future. GiveDirectly's thoughtful approach has not only made a difference in my life but has also awakened a sense of gratitude and faith in the goodness of humanity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfers from GiveDirectly was a blessing for me and my family. With six children to take care of, it wasn't easy to provide for their education and day-to-day needs. However, the money came just in time, and I knew exactly how to utilize it wisely. First and foremost, I paid off the outstanding school fees that had caused my children to be sent home. My eldest child resumed his studies in secondary school, and my five younger ones were back in their primary school, excited to continue their learning journey. To secure our future and create a stable source of income, I decided to invest in livestock. I purchased four healthy goats for $120, hopeful that they would multiply and provide us with offspring to sell. This small step towards entrepreneurship filled me with optimism for a brighter future for my family. With $80 of the cash transfers, I bought some essential household items that we had been lacking, making our daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. The remaining amount went towards covering our immediate expenses, ensuring that we had enough food on the table and that my children had everything they needed to thrive. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, the future seemed brighter.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($440 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While washing my clothes in the afternoon at around 3 pm, a neighbor who is also a friend came running and panting in happiness. I wondered what could be wrong with her only to inform me that she had received her first transfer form GiveDirectly. Her aim of coming was to see whether I had also received mine, if not we call the hotline number. I immediately went for my phone which was charging in the house. Upon checking there was an envelope-like icon on the screen and when I opened it, it was a confirmation that I had received $550 into my account from GiveDirectly. I ululated in happiness for receiving the money knowing that I would be able to pay school fees for my children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Getting some food was not an easy thing since the charcoal-burning source of income I relied on was unreliable. We used to get at most a single meal per day that was the evening meal alone. The situation was tough. Getting this transfer made my life better. My children who used to stay for a whole day without taking meals are now happy getting three meals a day. Apart from that I am happy because I was able to settle the school fees issue for my children. Currently, they are happy and settled in school conducting their studies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I relied on charcoal burning to cater to my family's needs, getting this transfer was a big relief. I am a mother of seven and two of the children are in secondary school. Therefore, I paid $300 school fees for them for the whole year so that I could be able to plan for other things. I also bought two goats for $70 to mark a start of a livestock farming program. Since drought had hit us badly and there was no food, I bought two bales of maize flour for $48 and saved the remaining amount for family use.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Making water available at my doorstep is my greatest desire since at the moment, I have to buy from my neighbor. With this money, I will spend $200 of my first transfer to install the pipes in my home. The other portion ($300) will help me to renovate my house. Since I have my daughter who is yet to join secondary school next year, I plan to spend the second transfer to support her in preparations and paying part of the school fees. Thus, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the last 6 months, one thing that I am grateful for is the fact that my husband has recently been available at home unlike before when he could spend more than 3 months. His recent change of plan has made me feel valued by him since he now could spend more time with the children, something that has brought happiness to the family. Hence, I consider this my source of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the biggest challenge that I am currently facing. At the moment, I do some casual jobs such as laundry services for my neighbor who pays me utmost $3, which is not on a daily basis. This means on some days, I stay idle at home and depend on my husband who works as a taxi driver. Since his income is also not reliable, I sometimes feel so bad seeing my children forfeiting meals on some days, a situation that has robbed away my joy as a mother.