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 > Sylyvier's Profile
Sylyvier's family
Sylyvier
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
63900 KES ($636 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy a new set of sofa at 28,000 KES, bought two mattresses at 8500 KES, and as well used a better part of the remaining amount on repairing my household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly has enabled many people in the village to be able to build semi-permanent houses and electricity is evident in most houses.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different in that I can pay my children's fees well, we have a house hence the rains cannot rain on us any more. Food is no longer a big issue as it was before.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
44000 KES ($424 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I was tired and sick of living in a cold house-dented roof all over and leaky. It was also small-congested and overcrowded and therefore when I received my first transfer, it was the first thing that came in to my mind-constructing a bigger house and definitely, I achieved it!
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening and I never expected money from anyone so when I saw a message, checked it and confirmed that it was a genuine Mpesa transaction from Give Directly, I felt very surprised but at the same time excited since I would meet some of my development objectives I had been postponing due to lack of money including construction of a better house.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 7 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I face right now is lack of a sustainable source of income. I am the sole breadwinner and even though I struggle to get some income from doing odd jobs, it is often not enough to adequately feed my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is during the day because I can look for some work and if I am successful I can afford to buy my family some food.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow and I often envy my fellow women who have spouses as they do not have problems repairing their houses, but now, because I will be able to hire a worker to repair my dilapidated house, I feel happy and contented.