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 > Charo's Profile
Charo's family
Charo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
61
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($386 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
This rainy season, I'm planning to engage in agricultural cultivation. After harvesting, if all goes according to plan, I will have some food. I will be able to save whatever money I make from the occasional work I perform thanks to this. Instead of feeling remorse, I'm pleased that the money helped me get by during this challenging dry season.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Considering the work GiveDirectly does, everyone in the village is fantastic. Such openness and transparency have never before been present. Most of the time, we would be promised help just for a small number of people to be taken into account. Sending money without any spending limitations immediately to our Mpesa accounts as promised was the icing on the cake. Due to people's ability to choose how they spend their money, a lot has changed in our hamlet. I appreciate the organization and have no issues with it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being without a toilet at home was incredibly dishonorable and unsanitary. Not only had I become weary of bringing people to the neighbor's toilet, but I was also sick of walking to the bush for nature calls. When I received the second transfer, I constructed a toilet. I then purchased a wheelbarrow that helps me carry water. I utilized the remaining money to support my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was on my way home from casual labor at around 2 pm, I received a message on my phone. Due to illiteracy, I could not read to comprehend what the message was all about. Therefore, I opted to consult from the neighboring homestead because the said date of receiving transfers from GiveDirectly had reached. What good news, the confirmation was that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart melted in joy and happiness for receiving the money knowing that my desire of building a house was going to be implemented.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Sleeping in a structure covered using polythene was unsafe for me. Since I had no alternative and my income from casual labor could not sustain me, I had to cross my fingers till morning. My items such as maize flour used to be stolen by unknown people since my place was open throughout. Currently, I am very happy because I have a secure house with a grill door. I seep in a nice place regardless of the weather changes. Again I am delighted that my properties are safe not like before since I have the option of locking when leaving my house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
By the time I withdrew the money, I had already planned how best to utilize it. Therefore, I constructed a two-room mud-walled house with an iron sheet roof. I spent $410 for the whole house in buying the construction materials including the labor charge of the contractor. Building the house means a lot to me because I had no house at all. I used to place some poles, cover them with polythene paper, and sleep at night. During the rainy season, it was the worst experience I would like to forget as soon as possible. As of now, I am very happy that I have a nice house courtesy of GiveDirectly. I also used $20 to buy a she-goat and bought some maize flour using the remaining amount.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
If you see where I lay my head at night, you would see the need for me to build a house. Four years ago I began a quest to build a one-roomed house. Unfortunately, my mother passed on, and being the only surviving child I used all I had to give her a befitting burial. Since then I have struggled to make ends meet. I just need $600 to build myself a spacious, permanently roomed house. When I achieve this my mind will be at peace.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This year has been a blessing and I am most grateful for good health. I have not fallen ill and despite the financial challenges I am facing, I am glad I did not have to worry about any medical expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial Stability is all my heart aches for. Finding one job that can meet my basic needs, not just food but shelter and clothing. I live from hand to mouth and this has made it hard for me to build myself a house forcing me to sleep out in the cold. With the downpours, the nights are longer since I am not able to sleep comfortably.