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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Judy's Profile
Judy's family
Judy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($455 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to buy a sewing machine and open my tailoring business. I have completed my tailoring course but could not make use of my skills. After separating from my husband with four children, it has been difficult to buy a machine and open my business. I plan to buy the machine and start my business in my house before I can afford a small shop.  
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly has done well, because of the improvements in my village from people building new houses, buying cattle, children going to school, and new businesses booming. There is change and families are happier because different people have achieved their goals, which are in line with their dreams. I have not yet seen anything that Give Directly is not doing well so far.  
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before withdrawing the money, I had already set the plan on how best I would use it. Upon withdrawal, I took KES 13,000 and bought the sewing machine. I also paid KES 5000 school fees for my three children in a public primary school. I also used KES 12,500 and bought five sheep to act as my investment. In case I cannot raise school fees next term. I can easily sell one of them. I paid a loan of KES 11,000, which I had borrowed from a group of ladies, hence allowing me to access more if need be in the future. The remaining cash was spent to buy food that can sustain my family for the next month and to buy my children second-hand clothes because most of their outfits are torn and rugged.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am a tailor by profession when my transfer came, I recall it was a normal working day for me where I was sewing a clients cloth, I heard my phone ringing and vibrating, upon checking my phone, that was when realized that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy, in that I forgot what I was engaged in for a minute, This is because I knew that I will be able to execute all the plans that I had previously. I am grateful for the support that brought so much happiness to my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that I feel empowered and loved, this is because I now own a dairy cow which never crossed my mind, GiveDirectly has given me the will to forge ahead and I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, I am ambitious and positive that I will be able to sell the cow at a more profitable price, then use the profit in acquiring the piece of land that I have been yearning to have, I am grateful for the support that lifted my life amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother of four children, My dream was for me to buy a parcel of land so that I can have my place, but when I received the transfer, I decided to purchase a dairy cow so that I will be able to sell it in future and thereafter buy the land with the profit that I would have accumulated, I have four children to take care of, yet what I earn is only enough to cater for their basic needs, therefore, I used KES 25,000 in purchasing a dairy cow, I then started a poultry keeping project at KES 1000, Lastly I bought foodstuffs and clothes.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was in an abusive marriage for twelve years before deciding to end the marriage and moved back to my parents home where I was given a quarter acre of a farm to live in and cultivate. For two years now I have been raising my four children single handendly. I plan to purchase my own piece of land and build a decent house to settle in with my four children. I plan to use KES 60000 to accomplish this.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The peace of mind I have gotten at my home after my brothers understood my challenge and welcomed me back home has brought me joy in the past 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of capital and resources to sustain my family are the challenges am currently facing.I left all my belongings in my marital home after I separated with my husband two years ago.Starting life a fresh has been a struggle especially with no source of income and with 4 children.