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 > Mwenda's Profile
Mwenda's family
Mwenda
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
47
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 different than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that, I am living a happy life. Through the transfer, I was able to build a decent shelter for my child who no longer had to borrow shelter from my neighbour. In addition, I am not receiving the constant mocking than I use to get due to my condition. Furthermore, my child is learning well without being distracted due to fees. In addition I was able to purchase some livestock which will assist me to educate my child.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending us non-refundable cash transfers. Being jobless and still having a child in secondary school, this transfer has transformed our lives for the better. Givedirectly cash transfer is God sent and I pray it would reach other household in other villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to construct a house for my child by obtaining 14iron sheets, timbers and building poles. This is because he is a grown up boy and he use to seek refuge from my neighbours house since we can not sleep in the same house with him. This has negatively affect her performance in school since he lack the ample time to study at night. Also, I pent the remaining amount on my child's educational needs by purchasing uniforms, books and paid School fees. In addition, I purchased enough food for my family,
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was having a good time with my children at lunch time when I heard my phone ringing, a notification of an incoming message. When I checked its contents I realised I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was greatly overjoyed and thanked them for the financial help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has enabled me to build a new house for my children. I was not at peace seeing them seeking shelter from neighbours at night. My living house was not spacious enough to accommodate them. However, when I received the transfer, I purchased some building materials which include iron sheets, building poles and nails to construct a house for them. They are now at peace which gives me joy seeing them in their own house, which makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow which I am currently keeping in my homestead. My expectation is that through this cow I will be able to raise fees for my children who are still young. I will be selling the offspring to raise money for their fees in the near future. In addition to the cow, I spent the remaining amount on building a house for my children. They were seeking shelter from neighbours since my living house is not spacious enough to accommodate them. I purchased some building materials which include building poles, nails, iron sheets and paid for the labour cost involved.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first priority when I receive this money is paying school fees for my last born child who is in secondary school. He is the only one who has gone beyond primary school and I will be proud when he completes secondary education. I will also use 500 USD to buy 4 cows. This will be a source of milk to my family and also help me plough my farm during the ploughing season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I get to have a satisfying meal. I skip other meals so that we can have supper. I work in my farm during the day and sometimes go for casual jobs. I am usually tired and hungry by the end of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food security has been my biggest hardship. Getting food has been a challenge because I have to purchase food to feed the family. The little I harvest from my farm can only last for 4 months. This is on a good season. Sometimes I hardly get food from my farm. Lack of rains and sometimes floods leaves me with nothing to feed my children. I am forced to do casual jobs; which are rare to find ,in order to get money to buy food. Lack of water for domestic use worsens the situation. We go looking for water in very far places. Life is really tough.