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:
Teaching
faceAge:
25
workCampaign
UBI
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Mercy's next check-in.
 
19th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Months ago, I had just started the hotel business that I now run, and it seemed quite hard because it was still very small and what I earned from it was very little. Currently, the business is at a very good position all thanks to the transfers that supported it to grow. I am thankful for my financial situation at the moment because I make decent profits that can comfortably support me.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
So far, the transfers have transformed my life by enabling me to venture in poultry farming and even starting a business. Before the project ends though, I would like to invest in livestock such as goats and sheep. These kind of livestock are very affordable and I know that by the time the project will be ending I will have at least four to start me off if I stick to the plan.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
I relocated to the capital city where I started a small hotel business for income so that I could support my self and be financially stable. Most of the transfers I received during the past four months were used to boost and stabilize the business which is now in a very good state. The difference I have seen in my daily life over the past four months is the growth of my business which now earns me a decent amount every day which makes me feel comfortable financially
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I hope that in the next six months, I will have bought the livestock that I plan to buy. It might seem very achievable to buy the goats and sheep that I plan to buy because they are very affordable, but if I fail to plan properly, l may not succeed. I, therefore, hope that I will stick to the plan and buy the livestock which will be a good investment that I can, later on, sell to buy something bigger.
 
16th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life has really changed. Initially, I used to struggle to make ends meet. Paying my rent was a hustle and at times the landlord threatened to lock to me out. But currently, I am not worried about the house rent anymore because GD has settled it once and for all.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
Currently, I do not have any new goals but to boost my poultry business to see it grow.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference is that I was able to start a poultry business that has picked up so well. This has been my dream business ever since I was a kid but thanks to GD it is now a dream come true.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect that my poultry business will have picked up so well and I will be earning revenue from it. With the revenue earned, I will be able to support myself as I join college.
 
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
With the transfers, I have always had quality medication because I am able to pay for the same. Before the transfers, I would really struggle to get money to pay for medication. Anytime I or any member of my family was sick, if we did not borrow, we would have to take herbs as medicine because we could not raise money to buy drugs or go to the hospital. GD transfers have helped me get fast treatment from good hospitals and I rarely get sick because the main problem was dealt with well.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
In the next four months, I would want to invest more in my poultry business. I would want to buy more chics and feeds to ensure they are healthy so that they can give me the best bargain in the market. I know from the profits I will get money to pay for my college education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving these transfers is that I have a poultry business which has been my dream since I was in secondary school. I used part of the transfers to buy chics which I have been keeping to help me realize my dream of owning a poultry business. I did my secondary school last year and I did not see any chances of joining college soon because my parents could provide for my fees. I know if I commit myself to this, I will have a source of income which will help me raise money to pay for my college education.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months, I want to boost my poultry business by even building shed for them. I would want to keep them from any form of harm, attack by wild animals or even diseases. I would want to minimise my expenses but maximise on the profits.
 
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
I no longer have to ask for financial help from relatives and friends.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
I am planning to start a small scale business in the near future using the cash transfer I will be getting.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
I have been able to save a lot of cash in addition to paying my huge debt. I have also been able to buy medicine for my asthma sickness.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I will have started my small scale business that will sustain me into the future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
455 KES ($4 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to buy household items such as utensils and bedding.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would have struggled to pay my debts and to make ends meet.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I will be able to go back to school because my school will have been catered for by the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is having paid my debt in time before I was blacklisted.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is not being able to to pay my college fee.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning when i wake up,i feel motivated to work harder each day.
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
I am planning to go back to college and finish my diploma course in teaching
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
Am planning to save the money and go back to college and finish my diploma course