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:

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Transfers

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Newsfeed > Margaret's Profile

Margaret

Country:

kenya

Occupation:

Casual labour

Age:

Household Size:

Campaign

Standard Kenya

Upcoming Stage

Next Payment

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

2nd Payment

Transfer Amount

50000 KES ($493 USD)

over 6 years ago

What did you spend your second transfer on?

I spent the entire transfer on buying ironsheet, timber and nails, and build an iron roofed house for myself.

Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.

I now live in a good iron roofed house as oppased to the one I lived in which was in poor condition.

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

10000 KES ($99 USD)

over 6 years ago

What did you spend your first transfer on?

I bought a bed at 4,500 KES. I gave 1,000 KES to my son. I spent the remaining amount on food.

What are you planning to spend your upcoming transfer on?

I'm planning to build a house.

Enrolled

7 years ago

What are you planning to spend your transfer on?

I'd like to build a better house for my grandchild and I. I'd also like to have a cow for milk.

What is the achievement you are proudest of?

I an proud of my resilience. I have lived a long life, but I have always been poor. Being a widow, I am proud of never having to depend on others for sustenance. I would rather do casual labour for others to sustain myself.

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

I have seen a lot of hardship, but the one I most remember is when one of my sons almost died in Uganda. He was a fisherman, but he became sick and his employer abandoned him without a penny. I had to sell part of my land to raise money to bring him home,

What is the happiest part of your day?

I am happiest when I have food in the house because only then can I rest.