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 > Simion's Profile
Simion's family
Simion
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
53
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has changed for the better unlike before I received the money. I am really happy. Finishing the house has been my inspiration since I had built it halfway. My poor financial state has hindered me from finishing it. I ended up using all the money I get from my work on paying fee for my children. I used the transfers to buy building materials and also paid for the labor. seeing the house ready gives me joy. Now I sleep comfortably since it is spacious and most importantly I can welcome visitor without being embarrassed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has transformed the community. Many children are now studying with less stress of school fees. I believe this will have a positive impact in our lives in the future since we know that education is key to success. This will lift the living standard of our village. I do not see anything that GD has not done well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my most recent transfer in finishing and furnishing a house that I had started building some years back. I bought sand and cements for plastering. I am a teacher by profession and the meager earnings I get from these engagements ended up in paying fee for my children. I had to put a hold the constructions due to lack of funds. When I got the transfers, I decided to use it on finishing the constructions.I also invested on solar panels. Previously we had been using kerosene lambs as means of lighting. This at some instances affected my children eyes since they were using that to do their night studies. It was also very expensive.
 
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 greatest difference in my life is that my house is ready and we are yet to move in soon. My family is so happy having seen the house completed.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I got a message confirming that I had received money on my phone I felt so happy. I knew this will relief me from the stress which I had about how I would have gotten the money for completing my house.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The money which I got from GD, I spent part of it to fix the windows and doors to my house which I had built. The rest of the money which remained I spent to buy building materials for building a kitchen.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am really happy to be among those who will be receiving this cash transfer. I am planning to spend it on finishing my house and buying storage water tank. Thank you so much GD.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have already fulfilled all the required chores of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Sometimes back, My only son got very sick and required urgent and delicate medical attention. I had to take him to various hospitals trying to get him cured and in the process also selling most of my resources to cater for his rising medical bills. Unfortunalety, he later succumbed to the illness and I lost him. This for me is the biggest hardship I have ever experienced.