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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Joyce's Profile
Joyce's family
Joyce
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($527 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my life is to have bought two bulls to plough my farm. I used my hands to till, spend a lot of energy and prepare a small part of my farm. With the bulls, I will have to relax, take less time and prepare the whole of my farm. I will be able to increase my productivity which can last me up to the next harvest as well as selling the surplus to make a profit in return. Honestly, were it not for GiveDirectly I wouldn't have achieved this much.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have seen people buying livestock, constructing new houses, investing in new farming methods and opening businesses. Personally, I feel empowered because my life has taken another course. I never dreamt of having livestock or even owning one. Thanks to GiveDirectly now I am very proud of livestock that has brought honour to my family. In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done nothing wrong other than to actualize dreams that had lost a long time ago
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer to pay school fees for my two children who are in primary school. I did not go to school therefore, I have been unable to read or write or seek formal employment. I feel ashamed of myself and vowed to educate my children. I would want them to complete their education, this will help them to secure a good job, live a good life and be able to take care of me in future because of old age. Secondly, I want to repair my house which is not in good condition. It is made up of mud and old iron sheets that are leaky. I fear it might collapse on us when we receive heavy rains. Thirdly, we are experiencing drought in our area, part of the transfer I will use to buy food. I planted maize in the month of October but because of drought, we expect to harvest less. Lastly, I gave part of the transfer to my inlaws to help buy stones for building a permanent shop that had stalled in our local market. When complete it will be rented and use the proceeds to sustain our life or even open a business in future to support our upkeep.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My life is totally different. I am now happier than before. I have never even received such an amount of cash at once. I used to suffer with my children due to lack of funds. My husband earns meagerly from casual work at a bakery. I am happy to have the solar lighting in my house and grateful for that too.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I saw the notification message of cash receipt I was in disbelief. I thought it was a fake message because we are used to many fraudsters who keep sending us dummy messages of cash receipt. Nevertheless, I still went to the agent to withdraw and confirm if it was true or otherwise. I indeed received the physical cash in my hand and I believed it! I was elated to say the least. I went back home and planned to buy the solar panel immediately having communicated with my husband on phone and we agreed to buy it.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have been using a traditional kerosene lamp to light my house in the evenings for a long time - 11 years since I married. Sometimes there would be no kerosene at the shop and we would stay in the dark just like that. So when I got the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to buy a solar panel & bulbs for lighting our house. The solar energy has cut the daily kerosene expense and we are relieved. We are sorted big time as our house is now well lit. I am grateful for this because I never knew I would own such in my lifetime. I still have some balance with me. I plan to buy a cow because we buy milk. It will give us milk for consumption. Should there be some in surplus we will then sell it.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to cater for our basic needs, pay college fees for my brother in law and repair the walls of my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when my family comes together and I see them safe and sound after spending the day in different places. Eating together and chatting about the day's events also makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is insufficient income for my household because I am unable to cater for their basic needs. It pains me a lot that we sometimes have to sleep without eating due to lack of money to buy food.