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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Irene's Profile
Irene's family
Irene
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($325 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
By the end of this year, my main objective is to ensure the uninterrupted education of my two eldest children, the first and second born, by enrolling them in university. They have been at home for an extended period, and I firmly believe that they deserve the opportunity to pursue their studies further, especially considering that the ones in high school are also approaching the end of their high school years.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
By implementing proper program management, Give Directly has created an environment where trust is upheld, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and transparently. This has not only enhanced cooperation among community members but has also stimulated entrepreneurial endeavors, leading to economic development and stability. Furthermore, the overall atmosphere of peace and harmony within the villages has been nurtured, fostering a positive social fabric that benefits everyone involved.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Once again, Give Directly delivered my third transfer promptly and in the exact amount as before. This brought me immense joy as it allowed me to continue the projects I had initiated with my first and second transfers. For the first time in my life, I have been able to ensure the consistent attendance of my children at school by promptly paying their fees. To prioritize their education, my initial decision was to settle the entire year's outstanding fees, amounting to $200. This accomplishment filled me with incredible satisfaction. Furthermore, I allocated $250 towards renovating my three-roomed house, which, though spacious enough for my family of nine, had begun to show signs of age. This refurbishment instilled a profound sense of security within my family, contributing to our overall happiness.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($330 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to provide comfortable support for my daughter as she starts university, as she represents our hope for a better future. To achieve this, my plan is to increase my investment in maize farming. I am immensely grateful for the support that has enabled us to transform our lives, and I look forward to continuing on this positive path.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support we received from GiveDirectly has made a tremendous difference in our lives. Thanks to the funds, we were able to clear our children's school fees, and they are now receiving a quality education. The program's unconditional approach gave us the freedom to allocate the funds according to our specific needs, without any restrictions. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact it has had on our standard of living. From my point of view, I did not observe any inefficiencies in the execution of the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Farming is crucial to my husband and me as it provides the food we need to sustain ourselves, but our productivity has been affected by harsh weather conditions. We are blessed with five children. Upon receiving a transfer, my husband and I decided to allocate $160 toward paying off our children's school fees, which had been in arrears. The remaining funds were used to invest $100 in farming, which is the backbone of our livelihood, to increase our income and ensure food security. The remaining amount was used to purchase household items and foodstuffs. I am thrilled that our lives have been positively impacted by this decision, as our children can now study without any financial burden, and we are optimistic about our future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($139 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I overheard my neighbors talk about receiving their cash transfers while we were at the farm. I closely paid attention to their talk because I too anticipated the same monies. When I inquired what they were talking about, they told me about the funds they had received. At that point, I ran back home to check whether I too had any text messages. On checking my phone, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me money. I was filled with joy now that I had a surety to accomplish my goals. My husband was equally overjoyed when I shared the news with him.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The significant difference between now and before is that I've been able to accomplish a lot in such a short period. I'm glad my dreams have come true without any difficulty. All this has been necessitated by cash transfers. I've been able to pay my son's secondary school fees which would be a challenge before. I am thankful for the assistance that's considerably raised my life and brought us happiness.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I knew I had to prioritize my children's school fees when I received my transfer. This was the most essential need we had at that time. I spent $100 on school fees. I'm married, with five children. Two of whom are in secondary school. My husband and I rely on farming for a living, which hasn't been productive lately due to the harsh weather conditions in our region, making it unreliable. I spent an additional $30 on school necessities and purchased foodstuff for an extra $50. All this would have been impossible due to a lack of cash. I'm grateful for your assistance that's improved my living standards.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My ambition is to see all my children leading a better life in the future. This is only possible by ensuring that they get a quality education that can enable them to have good careers hence better incomes. My husband and I are maize growers, for the past two years we have not harvested in plenty for a lack of rains. This has made us strain financially as a result we have $770 school fees in arrears for our three children. They are often sent home to collect school fees and are mostly at home because we do not have money to pay. This has indebted us and we do not have any peace of mind. We shall use all the transfers to clear the fees and pay small amount for the next academic year. I am thankful because I will no longer plan for a fund raiser and my children can school comfortably.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last harvesting season, I harvested thirty bags of maize which earned me a profit of $200. I used this whole amount to pay school fees for my three children in high school. Even though I still have arrears, it gave me enough time to work more and save some amount for other home needs like food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We live in a semi-arid area, and it hardly rains which renders our farms unproductive. Even though we sometimes practice irrigation, the rivers are seasonal and can dry up with prolonged drought. Financial constraints are the biggest challenge since we depend on farming to earn a living for my family of seven.