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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Completed
Newsfeed > Irene's Profile
Irene's family
Irene
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($307 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Providing a decent shelter for my children has always been my top priority. Every parent wishes for that, and I am no different. I want to complete our three-room iron-roofed house to give my family of seven a comfortable place to call home. Also, with my passion for hairstyling, I plan to enroll in a hairdressing college, graduate, and open up a salon business to support my family. I will take on casual jobs, such as collecting firewood and burning charcoal, to earn the income needed to complete this house and fund my education. I will also apply for bursaries and scholarships to facilitate my studies. I will be happy that my family's financial burden will be eased.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional cash transfers have had a profound impact on my community. Parents can now afford to educate their children, build better homes, and provide regular meals. I am genuinely elated by the assistance and hope it continues unchanged, as GiveDirectly has transformed our lives for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family, consisting of seven members, depends on unpredictable casual jobs like charcoal burning and firewood collection to earn a meager $2.5 daily. The uncertainty of these jobs often leaves us in a state of anxiety, with days sometimes passing without any income. Thankfully, the assistance from GiveDirectly has been a means of survival. I spent $261 constructing a three-room iron-walled house, though it's still a work in progress. Our previous dwelling was a fragile mud-walled house that seemed to crumble under the onslaught of strong winds and heavy rains. In addition, I improved our food security with a $149 purchase of food supplies and also ensured my child's education with $40 for school fees. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact this support has had on our lives.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($319 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Because I'm a housewife right now, my husband requires to take on all the household responsibilities. He has found this to be extremely challenging, though, as he only relies on meagre jobs. We consequently decided after having a lengthy conversation that I should enrol in a beauty therapy course and learn some skills. Because I will be ready for jobs in my relevant industry once I have my documents, this will help our family reach our financial goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Looking at how my life has changed, I can attest that there is a God in heaven. This could, however, not happen were it not for GiveDirectly to come to my village and help me financially. The freedom that I was granted was also amazing since I had full control over my money. Therefore, in my opinion, the organization should continue doing their best as they have always done, and there is no need to change anything.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My previous house used to leak uncontrollably whenever it rains and during the scorching sun, we never had peace. This has been frustrating me for long and even worried me. Sometimes I was forced to shelter elsewhere. Also, from the look it could collapse and harm my children physically. My dream has however been to stay in a conducive living environment with my family which comprised of six. Therefore I bought iron sheets For $202 to renovate the house and for a more decent lifestyle. I am so happy to have finally restored our joy as a family and have full peace of mind. To add to that I had previously cultivated my farm unfortunately I was unable to purchase the maize seeds at my cost. all I can say is that GiveDiectly came to my rescue and finally was able to get the seeds and even plant them timely as I continue with the irrigation exercise. Apart from the above, I purchased a goat, at $40. Because of the many needs that I had within my family I never had the chance to rear a goat in my homestead. I now believe that it will help me to face any financial crisis that might arise. Also, I managed to buy spare parts for the lortobuke that my spouse uses in his daily activities. It had broken down which affected them because he has been the breadwinner. Glad to mention that it's now functioning well and he is back to his business. I also tuition of $10 for my six children who are in primary school. I aim to see them finish study without any interruptions.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($145 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer from GiveDirectly remains vividly imprinted in my mind. Engrossed in household chores, I suddenly heard the ringing of my phone. Intrigued, I swiftly checked the device, and to my immense delight, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. A surge of happiness engulfed me, and I felt an overwhelming excitement as the realization of newfound possibilities dawned upon me. In that very instant, I began formulating strategies to maximize the potential of these funds, driven by a deep desire to forge a brighter future for both my family and myself. The sheer joy accompanying the reception of the transfer served as a defining moment, fueling my determination to employ it judiciously and transform our lives for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my everyday life is my family's newfound ability to indulge in three meals a day. The financial assistance I received played a pivotal role in this positive change. With the aid, I was able to acquire a sack of maize, a valuable resource that now ensures an abundant food supply within our household. This starkly contrasts the hardships we endured previously, where making ends meet was a constant struggle. I am overflowing with gratitude for the support provided, as it has significantly elevated our overall quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my initial transfer from GiveDirectly, I chose to utilize the funds to procure building materials, aiming to construct a decent house. The dilapidated state of my current dwelling, with its leaky roof and mud walls, had hindered me from pursuing this endeavor earlier due to financial constraints. As a farmer, married and blessed with six children, I recognized the importance of improving our living conditions. Hence, I allocated $87 towards the purchase of building materials, which marked a substantial investment. Additionally, I allocated $30 to acquire a goat and $62 to procure food supplies. Remarkably, I managed to save $80 from the transfer as well. The support extended by GiveDirectly has profoundly impacted my life, surpassing my wildest expectations. The opportunity to invest in a new home and acquire essential provisions has brought immense relief. I am sincerely grateful for the assistance received and the positive transformation it has brought to my existence.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We have two major projects which we have set aside for the transfers. The first project is to build a house. We plan to spend about 500 dollars on this. Our house is made of mud which gets ruined by termites and water and with the transfers we will be able to build a semi-permanent house. The second project is the fencing of our farm. Since the rains have come we will be able to grow maize and wheat. However, we get disturbed by livestock which destroys our crops. I plan to use 750 dollars of the transfers to make this a success. The transfers will surely assist us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the past six months has come majorly from the rains. It rained for three consecutive days which made me very happy since I know that I'll be able to grow crops and also manage to go for casual work since I won't have to look after my livestock.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I face many challenges in my life but the most pressing challenge that I'm faced with is the drought. Our village has not experienced heavy rains for the past 2 years which has led to a lack of water and grass for our livestock. This has forced me to go a whole day looking for leaves for the livestock to eat which has made life very difficult. I sometimes have to go hungry because of the lack of food since we've not had productivity on our farms for a long time.