GiveDirectly: Send money directly to the extreme poor

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

Transfers

Completed

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Newsfeed > Merceline's Profile

Merceline

Country:

kenya

Occupation:

Other

Age:

Household Size:

Campaign

Standard Kenya

Upcoming Stage

Next Payment

Follow to be updated on Merceline's next check-in.

2nd Payment

Transfer Amount

50000 KES ($494 USD)

over 6 years ago

What did you spend your second transfer on?

I bought a mattress worth 4,500,school fees worth 2,500,a sack of maize worth 2000,and cleared a dept worth 1000

Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.

I have been staying in the center for 15yrs paying 600shillings rent nad now i am happy because people can listen to my opinion in the village i have built my own homestade

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

10000 KES ($99 USD)

7 years ago

What did you spend your first transfer on?

I used my token payment to buy a mattress (4000), school uniform (2000) and food (4000).

What are you planning to spend your upcoming transfer on?

I am planning to build a new house and buy chairs with my upcoming lump-sum payment.

Enrolled

over 7 years ago

What are you planning to spend your transfer on?

I would like to use part of the transfer to build a house because I do not have any house at home. Secondly l would wish to open up a business to generate income to support my family. Finally l would wish to use the rest of the money to do poultry farming.

What is the achievement you are proudest of?

My proudest achievement is that l have struggled and managed to up bring my children.

What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?

My biggest hardship in life is poor lack of shelter for my family.

What is the happiest part of your day?

My happiest part of the day is in the morning when my children are able to go to school without being sent home for school fees.