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 > Dzendere's Profile
Dzendere's family
Dzendere
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
59
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($421 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Education for my kids is top on my priority list since in the past this has been a challenge and they have ended up being kicked out of school quite often. Apart from that, I intend on looking into nourishment since it is constant challenge in my household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I completely have no complaints when it comes to the organization and the work that it has done so far, but rather I would prefer to praise it for its generosity they extended to us. The funds were completely life-changing and now I am quite proud to look at my house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I intended to use this funds to build a better house for myself.Therefore,immediately after I withdrew the money I proceeded to buy a dozen pieces of iron sheets and a couple of other building material which cost me about KES 30,000. Afterwards I proceeded to spend KES 14,000 in purchasing four goats. I also spent KES 4,000 in paying tuition for my two kids and then used the remaining balance on nourishment.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($460 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when I heard a message tone on my phone. I requested my grandson to check who had sent the text at such an hour since I was not expecting to hear from any of my relatives. I was overjoyed with happiness on hearing that I had received my first cash transfer. I couldn't keep calm since I knew I would finally own goats.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I can proudly mention is the fact that I now have a good number of goats on my homestead. I had been yearning to at least own one but I couldn't afford it because they were very expensive. Since I am an old widow without any source of income, I thought having the goats would be helpful since once they increase in number, I will sell one or two and cater for my basic needs. For all that time I have been relying on my children who also depend on temporary jobs. It is now a relief to me because currently, some have started to reproduce. In a few months to come, I will be in a position to cater for all my needs without having to bother my kids.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying five goats which cost around KES 20000. I opted for them because they take little time to mature and require minimal supervision as compared to other domestic animals. I later bought a piece of land( an acre) because the previous one was no longer productive. Every planting season, I had to lease from friends which were too costly. Apart from that, I bought a few building materials like iron sheets. I am intending to construct a new house because the initial one was very small and in a poor state. I late paid fees of KES 4000 for my grandchildren who are in primary schools. With the remaining amount, I have been buying food for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow living with my son and his family. My first two daughters were married and they have been helping me to source for my basic needs. I am living together with my siblings in the same compound who poses livestock. Keeping livestock is a prestigious activities and regarded as a source of wealthy in my society. Therefore receiving this transfers will mark the start of owning livestock in my family . I will buy indegenous cattle and goats since they work best in a drought areas. My home area is a semi arid land but indegenous livestock does best especially goats. I believe they will multiply in large numbers and render me to have wealthy hence change my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter visited me last month. She brought me 25 kilograms of rice.This brought joy and happiness to me because apart from maize flour I have, I can cook rice with beans.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am living alone and sometimes lonely without some people to share Ideas. If my son goes to town with his family, I remain alone in the house. If I fell sick sometimes I dont have some one to care for me. Living on the same meal because of luck of money to buy other foods is also a challenge to me. I have been thinking of owning livestock but luck of money to purchase then is the greatest challenge I have so far.