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 > Winnie's Profile
Winnie's family
Winnie
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($526 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Had I not received funds from GiveDirectly my life would still be tough. My business was not doing well due to expenses like transport which I currently do not incur. My mother's health goes without saying. We had sold everything sellable at home to pay medical bills because she was involved in accident and fractured her ribs. The transfers from GiveDirectly brought a turn around for us. We are forever grateful. That someone can sacrifice to just send cash, no strings-attached, to help others. All we can say is 'Thank you GD'.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GiveDirectly does a commendable work in a manner that I think is good. I do not see something that GiveDirectly may not be doing well. GD stands out for me from other charity organizations who also do a good job. Being given cash however empowered me to buy what I needed. I may receive a material thing such as seeds for planting but maybe what I really need at that time is medicine. The seeds are good but they end up not meeting my medical need. So I appreciate the approach GD took to send us cash and allowed us to decide what to spend on.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer that GiveDirectly sent me on a motorbike. It helps me with transportation. I have a business of buying and selling milk and I carry it morning hours to a collection center. It then doubles as a taxi during the day and evenings to generate some income as well. I am grateful because the transfers have changed my life for the better.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my business is doing well and I am able to get good profit. I used to send home the little profits from my business for the medical expenses but now things are better. Because of Give Directly transfer, I can comfortably send little cash home without jeopardizing my business which is now expanded. The fact that the hospital bill was catered for makes my business more stable and I am grateful.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so happy when I received the transfer from Give Directly. I am so grateful to date. My mother was also thankful and wishes Give Directly well for extending her life because she has been assured of medical attention that she needs courtesy of Give Directly funds.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the first transfer that Give Directly sent me to pay medical expense for my mother who was involved in a car accident and needs frequent check-up. Her ribs fractured and we have enormous bills to pay at the hospital. The transfer really helped us and we have settled two months' bills. I also paid national medical insurance for her to cover some costs. I used part of the transfer to buy more stock for my shop and bought more milk for sale - these give me some income end of the month. Give Directly transfer boosted my business not to mention the medical expense that had given me stress and headache but now I am at peace. I can even sleep; I used to have sleepless nights due to lack of funds which meant minimal chances of survival for my mother. Now I am at peace and am grateful for the transfer.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money for me is like answered prayer.I am now going to expand my boutique business and from the proceeds I am going to pay college fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.It is in the evening that many customers come to my boutique thus more sales which motivate me more and more.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is my mother getting involved in a fatal accident in 2008.She stayed in ICU for more than 8 months the medical bill was so huge that it drained us financially .She didnt recover fully and she is less productive we have had to step up and fend for our own needs since she was the breadwinner.