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.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Julia's Profile
Julia's family
Julia
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($313 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the years ahead, my primary focus is on ensuring the highest quality education for my five children, who are currently in primary school. As part of this plan, I intend to send two of them to boarding school starting next year. This decision is driven by the desire to provide them with a conducive environment for studying, free from the distractions that can arise at home. By investing in their education in this way, I aim to equip them with the best possible foundation for their future endeavors.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GiveDirectly is commendable for consistently fulfilling their promises. We received the transfer exactly as they had assured us, and it was delivered on schedule. I have not seen anything that the organization needs to improve on since it is doing its work perfectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I allocated a significant portion of the funds, totaling $400, to install a perimeter fence around my one-acre plot. This involved purchasing materials like barbed wire, chain links, poles, and nails. The fence not only demarcated my land but also effectively safeguarded my crops from zebras and wandering domestic animals. I am pleased to say that the successful completion of the fence has proven beneficial, as my crop cultivation, including tomatoes and maize, has flourished. I anticipate a fruitful harvest. The remaining funds were used to acquire a sack of maize, providing sustenance for my family of seven during the period before the maize crops are ready for harvest. This is particularly vital since my sole source of income is farming, and having this food supply helps bridge the income gap.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($326 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the coming year, my primary objective is to fence my land to safeguard it from intruders and wild animals. I have set a goal to save the funds from my second transfer in order to accomplish this. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support we received, as it has provided us with a sense of financial freedom and opened up new opportunities for us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
From my perspective, the assistance provided by GiveDirectly has significantly elevated our standard of living and brought about a transformative impact in our lives. They have empowered and supported our community without any form of discrimination. I cannot find any flaws or instances where their actions lacked integrity. Their commitment to excellence and integrity shines through in everything they do.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving my second transfer presented a unique opportunity to enhance my living conditions, particularly by investing in new sofa sets and seats for my house. It was a meaningful way for me to remember and appreciate the generosity extended to us by the organization. With that intention, I allocated the entire amount of $450 towards purchasing these comfortable furnishings. The support I have received has had a tremendous impact on improving my life in remarkable ways. Previously, due to limited income from my farm, it was challenging to adequately meet the needs of myself and my two children.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($151 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At approximately 3:15 p.m., while I was busy tending to household chores at home, my phone rang. Although I don't usually check my text messages, I had developed a habit of being attentive to my phone since I was expecting some cash transfers. When I paused to read the message, I was elated to learn that GiveDirectly had sent me some money. It was a moment of sheer happiness, and I was overjoyed. As soon as my husband arrived home, I shared the news with him, and he was equally thrilled. We immediately started planning how to make the most of the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my daily life was my newfound ability to construct a storage room, which had been a daunting task due to financial constraints resulting from our obligation to pay school fees. However, thanks to a generous gift, I was finally able to fulfill my dream of preserving my farm produce for a longer period of time. I am forever grateful for this life-changing gift, which has led me down a path of success and prosperity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving my transfer, my primary objective was to construct a storage room where we could safeguard our farm's produce and store it properly for an extended period. Unfortunately, the urgent need to pay for my children's school fees exceeded my budget, and I had to prioritize the fees over the storage room, which I had planned to construct after harvesting the watermelon. Consequently, I utilized the entire $200 transfer to cover the school fees. Later on, I was able to replenish some of the funds from the watermelon sales, and I used the money to purchase the building materials for the storage room. This was not an easy feat since my husband and I depend on farming and casual jobs to support our family of five children. I am so grateful for the support that has uplifted our lives.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Having dropped from school at early age has pushed me to ensure my children get quality education. Taking them to a private school is costly but worth it even though it is an uphill task. My husband and I depend on farming to earn a living but the proceeds are unreliable. Sometimes we lack money and we are left with arrears. Receiving this money will mean paying school fees for the the whole year for them. It will make them stay in school full-time which will improve on their performance. The remaining money will go into purchasing a water tank to harvest rain water for future use. I am delighted to be lucky and change my life using this money.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Four months ago, my husband and I built a three roomed house from proceeds I got after harvesting tomatoes. I am happy that we no longer share a sleeping area with my children hence privacy. Also, I am able to host visitors unlike before when I would request my neighbors for space.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As they say water is life but the story here is different. We do not have water for use because of lack of rains for the past three years. This has forced us to buy drinking and water for use thirty kilometers away. I spend two hundred shillings after every two weeks which I find expensive as I rely on casual jobs to earn a living.