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 > Martin's Profile
Martin's family
Martin
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
44
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($529 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has totally changed compared to my past life. I had a single roomed, grass thatched house, and now I have built a three roomed, iron roofed house. I did not have social dignity among my community because of my marriage to a woman from different tribe, but due to extreme poverty in my family, I could not manage to pay dowry and this has generated a lot of mockery and gossip among my people. Now I have paid dowry and I could be invited into marriage dispute solutions when it occurs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Practically, GiveDirectly has improved the lives of our entire society I included. The effect of the organization as per economic empowerment is practically seen. Personally, I had two children in different Secondary schools and paying their school fees was very difficult to me, but now I have paid full school fees and my two sons continue to attend their lessons. I believe that they will excel after their fourth years course.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying livestock, that is two cows and three goats I used to pay as dowry to my in-laws. I also foodstuff to improved my family nutrition. My children are able to access good and timely meals, unlike the past when my children were unable to eat food of balance diet and as a result, suffered from the nutrient deficiency infections like, kwashiorkor and anaemia. Now I am happy that I have a healthy family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that I have a house which has been my major worry since last year. The one I had could not accommodate me well with my family. My children have always had to go to my neighbours house to spend there which is not the case now.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very happy. I thank God for bringing GD in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying building materials such as iron sheets, nails, timber, steel door and windows which I used in building a new house, paid school fees for my children, paid masons who constructed the house and food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy iron sheets and cement that will be used in expanding my house. I will spend the remaining amount on buying a dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I go to my farm to plough maize. This makes me happy because it is the source of my livelihood.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that my income is very low and I have a large family that depends on me for food and school fees which at times I am not able to provide.