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 > Fancy's Profile
Fancy's family
Fancy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Tailoring
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($490 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The new business, improved farming, and the two cows I bought after receiving the transfer have brought a great difference in my life that would not have happened if I had never received the transfer. I am grateful that I can comfortably raise school fees for my kids unlike before when I could be caught up by timelines that would lead to my children being sent home to collect the school fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Having changed a lot within a very short period is reason enough to thank GiveDirectly for the great work done in our village. Infrastructures improved in almost every household, and just like I did, many improved their farming especially the livestock sector as everyone needed at least a cow. GiveDirectly did everything fairly as no one so far can complain since every household within the village received the same amount of money and was allowed to spend on whatever they felt it was worth.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having bought a heifer with the first transfer, I felt it was not good enough to keep just one cow in our field as I have hoped to be selling surplus milk to the neighborhood as an additional source of income to my family in the future. I spent 22500KES from the second transfer on buying another cow. I also spent 18000KES on improving my hairdressing business. I had to obtained new pieces of equipment and stocked other hair products to be using within the shop as well as selling to the customers who normally pick whenever they need them. I also bought new clothing for my children, obtained barbed wire and fencing poles that I intend to use in partitioning my grazing fields, and the remaining amount on paying school fees for my children.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my first transfers, I felt so happy because I knew that the money would be so helpful to me. It was my first time to get support of this kind. All along, I have been struggling to make ends meet.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that the money which I received from GiveDirectly, has enabled me to boost my business. My profits has increased since I earn more from blow-drying services and sale of braids. The profits has enabled me to meet my daily needs with less struggle. Again, I got a dairy cow which I couldn't afford to buy anytime soon. I believe this would start giving us milk on the next few months.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
At the time when I received my transfers, I was in the process of constructing a kitchen. I then spent KES 5000 on fixing windows and doors and it's now complete. My second goal was to have a dairy cow and I bought one at a cost of KES 30000. I am so glad that I bought one which would have taken me longer to buy. I invested some portion on my saloon business where I bought a blow-dryer at a cost of KES 5000 and some braids for sale at a cost of KES 8000. Lastly, I bought some maize and rice for consumption at home. This costed KES 5000.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always dreamt of starting a small business to guarantee my family a reliable source of income.I am passionate about beauty and I want to start a salon. I have been working for someone in the same business and now I feel I should start my own. From it, I have acquired the experience and expertise of successfully running my own business.This business earns a profit of 2000 shillings and because I have build a customer base, I am sure of even making beyond that.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of my day.When I return home with some food for my family gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Providing for my family has been the greatest challenge I have faced I my life. I am a mother of 2,and sufficiently providing for my children has not been an easy task. My husband and I have tried to make them comfortable but many times we have fallen short of that. Skipping meals has been the order of the day and our children keep going to the neighbours to try their luck of getting food. This is really bringing us a lot of shame and I feel l should not have given birth in the first place.