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:
Casual labor
faceAge:
48
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($323 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Moving forward, my plan for this year and the foreseeable future is to engage in cultivating crops that are resilient to drought conditions. This strategic decision stems from my desire to not only generate a sustainable income but also significantly improve my financial circumstances. By focusing on drought-resistant crops, I aim to make a meaningful impact on my financial well-being and secure a more stable future for myself and my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The organization's extraordinary decision to provide support to the most vulnerable community through unconditional transfers, disregarding factors such as status, education, gender, or age, was truly exceptional. We are profoundly grateful for the privilege of experiencing and benefiting from such a compassionate initiative. Additionally, we appreciate the opportunity to receive financial education on the optimal utilization of funds, which has empowered us to make informed decisions and maximize the impact of the assistance we have received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received the unconditional transfers, a great sense of relief washed over me. I had been carrying the weight of a school fees debt, which seemed to grow larger with each passing day. I wasted no time in settling the outstanding debt of $100. Knowing that my family's well-being was of utmost importance, I allocated $ 90 towards purchasing food for the month. No longer would we have to worry about going to bed on an empty stomach or compromising our nutrition. The reassurance of having enough food to sustain us brought a renewed sense of hope and stability to our household. During this time, my jobless son, who had recently become a father, was struggling to make ends meet. I felt compelled to support him and his new family, so I gifted him $50 With a portion of the funds remaining, I decided to invest in a small poultry project. I purchased three chickens with Ksh 1,050, envisioning it as a stepping stone towards a sustainable income source and I also set aside Ksh 1,000 to purchase two plastic chairs. These chairs, though seemingly modest, brought a sense of dignity and comfort to our home.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($336 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year and beyond my plan is to start a small business. I have already built a small kibanda that I have always looked forward to using it. I have plans of selling cereals and also advance my farming practices. This will greatly improve my living standards and that of my family in the long run. I take care of six children with my little income from casual work that I engage in. I am happy that with the money that I received from GiveDirectly I can now plan ahead and make my life and that of my family better
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by giving money without conditions on how to use the money. The unconditionallity on how to use. Looking at what it has done to me and my family can only be grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used part of my transfer to do shopping for my child who recently joined junior secondary school and hire a piece of land with $120. I then bought maize seeds at $9. The money came at a time that my daughter in law had just given birth and we did not have any food hence we used some amount to buy food for them. I cannot tell how bad the situation would have been had we not received this cash at that particular time. I am a single mother who relies entirely on casual labour to make ends meet. I normally make hardly $2 per day which is not enough for food alone.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($145 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message from GiveDirectly at around 4 o'clock in the afternoon confirming the receipt of my initial transfer. Since we were told before enrolment that the money would be delivered to us via Segovia technology, it was simple for me to understand the text when I was at home with my daughter. I had to rush to the nearby shopping center that evening since I needed some food, where I quickly made my purchase before returning home.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life after the first transfer has been having enough food for my three kids. Now that I know the support I am receiving from GiveDirectly is sustainable, I can work on my farm instead of frequently engaging in the typical casual labor.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my initial transfer of $100 to purchase two goats, one for $60 and the younger one for $40. In addition to the native breeds I already had, I needed better ones. I have been milking one of the freshly acquired goats, and I am happy to report that it has been giving my family of four at least a cup of nutritious milk each day. In addition, I spent $55 for a sack of maize that my son, who recently got married and moved into a new home, and I split in half. In addition, I spent $5 on two chickens that will soon start laying eggs. I also used some of the remaining money to celebrate Christmas with my kids and to pay off some debt at local stores. As a single mother, I am pleased with the advancements I have made thanks to GiveDirectly. I am grateful for the current helping hand because raising my children alone has been difficult.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have one child in secondary school. I need $150 for his school fees next year. He will then complete his secondary education, when I pay that. I also intend to buy a piece of land for $800. This means that my family will have a place to call home. In addition, as I plan to build my own house. I will spend $100 to buy some building materials such as iron sheets.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What makes me happy is getting a casual job such as digging, fetching firewood or baby sitting. When I get paid at least $2, I can buy food for my family. It makes me happy when my children and grandchildren find something to eat.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have lived in this village for last 5 years. Came here in 2017 when I separated with my then husband in Nakuru. My brother gave me this house to stay at with my family of 7. The biggest challenge is that I don't have a place to call home. This land belongs to my brother. It's expected that as time goes by, I buy my own land to settle. It makes me sad because women are not allowed to own ancestral land in our culture. To do some planting, I am forced to hire a piece of land. This affects my ability to plant crops such as maize, groundnuts and millet. Therefore, we may not have enough food as a family.