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 > Sheila's Profile
Sheila's family
Sheila
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My newest goal is for me to be able to own a dairy cow, in that, with it I would be able to cut down on the expenses of buying milk daily, I plan to achieve this goal through small mary go round groups in the village(micro-finance groups).
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does a wonderful deed in giving out cash equally without discriminating against anyone, at the same time the enrollment process is transparent. Throughout my interaction with the GiveDirectly staff, I have not witnessed any malpractice. I am grateful for the support that lifted our lives amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a teacher by profession, though I have not been absorbed by the government, I am married and blessed with two children, my husband is a plumber, We lived in a small grass-thatched house due to financial constraints, this is because we use the little money that we earn in paying school fees and other necessities, therefore when I received my first transfer I committed it In building a decent house for my family, so when I received my second cash I bought sofa set seats at KES 14,000 so that we would have a decent place to sit on, the seats that we had before were old and worn out, but we were unable to replace due to unreliable source of income, I then paid fees for my two children who are still in a primary school, then lastly, I bought foodstuffs and clothes. I am so grateful for the support that lifted my living standards thus bringing so much joy and happiness to our family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 9 am when I heard my phone vibrating loudly, I was at my working station, upon checking my phone to see what the message was all about, I was so overjoyed to confirm that I had received the promised transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately reach out to my wife and informed her of the good news that I had received, when I reached home that evening we all celebrated throughout the evening with endless touches of laughter. I am grateful to have received the support that brought so much joy and happiness to our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I had started building a house, though, the project was left halfway due to inadequate funds, when I received my transfer I saw it as an opportunity for me to continue with the construction, therefore the biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to continue building the house, In addition, I saved up some money just in case of any additional cost that would be incurred while doing the finishing touches, I am grateful for the support that gave meaning to my life and brought so much joy to my home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a trained teacher by profession, though I am still waiting for the government placement, we had started building a house in the village but it was incomplete due to inadequate funds, the cost of building a house currently is high due to the high cost of living. therefore when I received my transfer I used KES 30,000 in building a house, I then used KES 6000 in paying the school fees arrears of my two children, lastly, I saved up the rest of the remaining money for any miscellaneous in the construction of the house, I am so grateful for the support.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has been to complete this newly constructed house. I work as a plumber within the community and since this is not a full-time job I sometimes work as a motorcycle rider within this sub-location. Raising a big sum of money enough to furnish my two-roomed house and the kitchen requires a lot of time. Receiving these transfers is a good opportunity for me to fully complete my two houses and live comfortably. To complete these houses requires at least $600 for cement, sand, transportation of these materials, and labor. For me to make Give directly a living testimony of my success I shall buy a dairy cow worth $300.This will enhance food security and nutrition for my family. In terms of wealth and asset possession, I shall also grow because the cow will multiply as time progresses. This money means a lot to my whole family and we have been waiting for it for a longer period now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After getting my kids ready for school in the morning and letting their father drop them at school.I also leave for work at kaboson primary where I interact with several pupils from different backgrounds.This makes me exhausted because of the tedious work I do with kids until noontime.Afternoon is the happiest part of my day because I get time to relax and go through Facebook .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I got married in the year 2013, the shelter was a great challenge for me and my wife. I was in Kaplong polytechnic and had no income at all. Although embarrassing we had to live in my brother's house who worked in Kiambu. Since that time we have had to work extremely hard to earn some income using all the available means. As a result of the hard work we have been able to build these uncompleted houses and we can at least live peacefully in it.