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 > Zainab's Profile
Zainab's family
Zainab
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Shopkeeper
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 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?
At the time of my enrolment in GiveDirectly's program, my goal was to support my children's education. The transfer helped me in creating a conducive environment for their study by ensuring that they have good lighting system at home because with the transfer, I bought a solar system. In order to overcome financial struggle, I have an additional goal of buying cows and goats. From the raising of livestock, I shall be able to get milk not only for my domestic use but also to sell some and supplement my household income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does a great work in supporting the less fortunate people in the society. It ensures that recipients are enrolled in its program to become beneficiaries so that they can get financial aid. Through this, a number of recipients from where GiveDirectly works have managed to attain some major goals in their life, what they could not manage to do in the past. However, there is nothing so far that I have noticed which GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
From my recent transfer, I spent a total of KES 30,000 to buy three cows. I intentionally bought the cows as away of investing for my future. I look forward to raise a heard of cattle from the three cows. They will be beneficial to my household in future in terms of provision of milk. In addition, I spent KES 10,000 to buy a 10,000 liters water tank. The tank will greatly help me to harvest and reserve rainwater. This will be of great help since in our area, water scarcity is often a major problem. I am glad that I shall always be able to have additional source of water for my household.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had finished preparing my children for school and I was busy with the other household chores when I received the messages notification on my phone. After checking, I realized I had received my transfer, I felt very happy and thanked God for receiving such a huge amount of money at once which was to elevate our living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have a green source of light energy for the family. At the moment my children are doing their homework without falling. Previously, they could go to school without completing their homework when I lack money to buy paraffin for the lamp. In addition, I enjoy my nights sleeping on a comfortable modern bed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 13,800 to purchase a solar light system for my house. This is because my children were struggling to do their homework at night. I was using a paraffin lamp which is costly since I had to purchase the paraffin every day. I also bought a bed and mattress for KES 10,500 for myself. This is because I was sharing a single bed with my 3 children and sometimes I had to sleep on the floor with my husband when he is around. This was the worst situation in my life since I could feel body pain all over my body after sleep. In addition, I used KES. 4500 to support my 3 children's education by paying a school fee of KES.1000 each and purchase a pair of school uniforms for each of the children. For the remaining amount, I bought 2 sacks of maize floor and one goat for rearing.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means access to higher education for my children. Being a mother of three kids, with no source of income makes it difficult to afford school fees for my children. This money will help me pay for school fees and buy two cows at a cost of Ksh. 30000 as an investment in future so that when they finish basic education, I sell the livestock so that they can go to secondary and higher education institutions.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because during this time, my three children are back from school and seeing them safe makes me happy. It is also at this time that I get time to talk to my husband who is away through a phone call and connecting with him brings joy to my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship. This is because I am worried about the future of my children since they need to eat and get better education. With no source of stable income, it has not been possible to take my children to better school and cater for their basic needs.