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 > Grace's Profile
Grace's family
Grace
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
44
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($389 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
What I'm looking forward to is starting construction on the acreage we purchased and having my daily duties run there. I've been growing vegetables on the small plot of land that was provided to me, and I sell them along with some fruits and onions by the roadside. So getting all of this done from our own property will be a huge accomplishment for us, and we believe that it will happen shortly, not even a year. I feel that with the assistance I have received from the community, my children will obtain good grades and be extremely successful in life, making me a better person than I am now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
People have gained ownership of property, built habitable homes, and launched businesses because to GiveDirectly transfers. For me, I am now a landowner, and it feels fantastic. Those children who were joining high school did it without difficulty, and their parents are pleased. One of the most amazing aspects of GiveDirectly is the ability to assist individuals in their moments of need. Most other aid focuses on a single need, sometimes overlooking it entirely. We are happy for the opportunity GiveDirectly office gave to us, and I believe that most of us feel encouraged. We wish you the best as you continue making an impact in people's lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought land for $45 and it feels like a big chunk of stress has been rolled off my spine right now. For many years, we have lived at the mercy of my brother-in-law; my husband lost his ability to speak partially a few years ago, and it is only when his brother helped us with a place to live that we have found no peace, because he kept reminding me after every minute that we do not own anything whenever we disagree on something. With his current state, he is unable to even find a casual job because people prefer those with whom they can converse, as compared to him, who was struggling to be understood. We also spent $4 on school fees for the entire term, and I am relieved that my daughter will not be returned home for obvious reasons. Finally, food is one of the most stressful things, especially when children are involved, so we had to spend the remaining amount on it. We thank God for making this possible through GiveDirectly.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at our neighbor's house, where I had gone for the midweek door-to-door church service. It was around 4:30 p.m. when we were in the middle of prayers. I received a loud message notification on my phone. I did not bother checking since I was busy. When I got home, I was filled with joy after checking the account and discovering the transfers. We went ahead and drew the money to meet our goals because we had already discussed how to spend it with my spouse.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being a landowner is the biggest difference in my life. This has restored the happiness we have been missing with my spouse for a long time. At the moment, I am optimistic that we will be able to build and relocate to our new place once we receive the second transfer. Additionally, our kid is no longer missing her remedial classes.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For quite some time, I have been living with my spouse and four children on our father's plot of land. We have desired to purchase our piece of land, but our efforts have borne no fruit due to our low financial status. The arrival of GiveDirectly in our area and receiving the cash aid was a big step toward achieving our long-term dream. I spent $450 to acquire a quarter of an acre. Currently, I am a proud landowner, courtesy of the transfers. In addition, I used part of the remaining amount to pay for remedial fees for my daughter, who is in Form 3. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A portion of land! Yes, I deserve to have a place to boast about and this will only come to reality when I don't waste this chance from GiveDirectly. With this money, I intend to purchase half an acre that will cost me utmost $600 because our land has not appreciated so high. This will guarantee me the opportunity to live a peaceful life with my family of 6 to avoid the daily threatening words from other people. The remaining amount will help me to settle $200 school fee arrears for my son who completed his secondary school final exams, to enable him to secure his results once they are out. The balance will help me to cater to our very basic needs like food and new clothes for my children. Thus, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been always praying that my family will one day change its status quo for the better. This is something that I am currently experiencing through my children's performances in school. In the last term, it was all a sigh of relief to me when my son who is in form 2 now got a scholarship from Plan International Organization when he became the first position in their class. This has encouraged me so much as a mother and I have high hopes that he will continue doing well to break all the odds. In addition, the Plan office gave us $30 as a token to buy Christmas gifts for the children. What a surprise to me and my kids! I, therefore, consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband lives with the disability of being deaf and dumb, a condition that has affected his ability to secure a decent job. This has forced him to engage in casual jobs which have very little earnings. For this reason, his elder brother gave him a portion of land where we have been living for 1 year now. Although my brother-in-law is peaceful, we have recently been receiving discouraging words from his sons that we should secure our plot. Since we do not have money to purchase our land, we have been living in fear that we might be driven away anytime, a situation that has robbed way my joy. What a life! I, therefore, consider this as the biggest challenge that I am currently facing.