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 > Winny's Profile
Winny's family
Winny
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
24
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($438 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am currently employed as a private tutor in a local primary school, where I tutor lower grades. Every month, I save at least $5 from my wages with the intention of purchasing a piece of land in the future. Even though I intend to start an electronic business with the portion of the second transfer that I saved, I am relieved that saving for the piece of land is still feasible and will be bolstered in the future by the profits from the business once it is up and running. I currently have $150 in my savings account and hope to continue saving for this new goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did an outstanding job in our community, for which we will be eternally grateful. Many households saw significant changes in a short period of time after receiving and spending the money on a variety of ideas such as livestock, school fees, and the construction of new homes for their families. We had not anticipated such generous help at first, but receiving a direct deposit, the first transfer into our accounts, changed our minds. I was relieved that the promises were kept and that the cash transfer met everyone's needs because no one was forced to spend in a specific way. GiveDirectly started everything and finished strong, exceeding all of our expectations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the second transfer, I had a simple plan to open a new business selling electronic appliances in a nearby shopping center. With the current high cost of goods in the markets, I had to wait and watch the trend before investing. It is my expectation that the prices will soon fall, which may result in a loss if I purchase the stock at a higher price only to sell it at a lower price. I already have a shop space in a strategic location where I believe many customers will come to buy our products. In the last few weeks, my son suffered an injury to his left hand, requiring us to rush him to the hospital and pay a $100 bill, reducing the initial capital I had to $450. I am relieved that my son is now doing well and that his hand is gradually returning to normal. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their assistance in shifting my focus, and I am very excited to begin the business that I expect to earn at least $20 per day, which will come in handy while sorting household bills and paying school fees for my cousin who is currently staying with us.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($464 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received my transfer, I can recall that after a long day of hard work. I was at home busy preparing an evening meal for my family when I suddenly heard my phone ringing. Upon checking my phone, I saw a message notification showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was so excited and happy because I knew that I would be able to accomplish my dreams in a short time. I then broke the good news to my husband and family who were all happy and grateful. We celebrated for the better part of the evening and then embarked on planning how we would utilise our transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life is different because I was able to purchase a dairy cow with my initial transfer. This is a dream come true because I am hopeful that I would be able to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. Secondly, I managed to purchase enough foodstuffs, especially maize which was very expensive. I am so grateful for the support that boosted my living status to a higher level.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and I depend on farming to earn a livelihood, together we are blessed with a child. My husband is a graduate but he is still unemployed. The moment we received our transfer, we opted to buy a dairy cow worth KES 38,000 to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. I was unable to purchase it before due to financial constraints as a result of unreliable sources of income. I then used the remaining amount on foodstuffs, utensils and clothes. I am so grateful for the support that empowered our lives greatly.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We are a young family of 1 child who is 1.5 years old. I did an artisan course in Automotive Engineering, a field highly dominated by men. I was inspired to do the course and I am passionate to pursue it further. I have always wanted to go back to advance to certificate and subsequently to diploma level but this has not been possible because of a lack of finances. We struggle to make ends meet and this has derailed my ambition. It has been disturbing me a lot and I have been praying to God to open the door for me. At long last my prayers have been answered through Give Directly and I am so thankful about it. With this help I will be able to resume my studies. I will use KES 52000 to pay for the entire certificate course and use the rest of the money for upkeep expenses and pay for the house help who will take care of my child while I study.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband is a video producer. Last November he got some work of video production in Nakuru county where he was paid KES 6000. Since he married me he had not gone to my biological parents in Mauche in Nakuru county home to officially present himself to my parents as the son in law as custom demand, largely because he had no money. When he got money he send the clan elders to my parent's home and they were received well.It gave me joy and made me to feel free to be a wife having fully been recognized as so, we had not followed the due process.The acceptance and recognition of our marriage signified a blessings to my children and my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I currently face is with my profession and ambition of achieving my dreams. The community I come from feel that engineering courses are meant for men and that I will not make it. It breaks my heart a lot and compound with the challenge of raising the school fees.It is tough out here, had it not been for my husband who has been encouraging me I think by now I would have dropped out of school and leave it completely.