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 > Lydia's Profile
Lydia's family
Lydia
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($360 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and therefore my plans are to expound on the daycare center that I established and be able to accommodate more children. I also plan to join a fashion and design college where I will be able to put creative my skills and passion into action and be a good dressing fashion designer in our community. This will elevate me financially and help me cater for my family needs in future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Everything was done clearly and perfectly. The transparency in the processes was very admirable. I wouldn’t recommend for anything to be changed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Of the transfer, I used $110 for offerings and tithing. I felt it was my duty as a Christian to praise the Lord for providing me with this kind of favor and to ask the Lord to bless the source of the money. I also spent $100 to pay off certain debts because they were really annoying me. It was a huge relief to pay off the debts since it meant I could finally breathe easy without worrying about being pursued by someone. I invested an additional $100 in launching a daycare since I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity in our neighborhood considering that there are many children in our neighborhood. The remaining funds were saved for my future endeavors.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($378 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I'll never forget that moment. It was a quiet morning, and I was sitting in a religious conference, engrossed in a sermon when I noticed a message icon on my phone's silent screen. Curiosity piqued, I discreetly checked the message, only to realize I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart skipped a beat, and I fought to contain my excitement amid the solemn congregation. But inside, I was bursting with joy; I wanted to jump up and down right there. It was like a ray of hope had touched my life, a confirmation that things were changing for the better. At that moment, surrounded by the peaceful serenity of the conference, I felt a surge of gratitude for the opportunity that GiveDirectly had given me, a chance to create a brighter future for myself and my loved ones.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was like a dream come true for me. I had always wanted to start a daycare institution, a project that would not only fulfill my passion for working with children but also provide me with a reliable source of income. This idea had been stuck in my mind for so long, held back only by the constraints of limited funds. But now, everything has changed. With the financial support I received, I am finally able to turn my vision into reality. It's incredible to think that just a short while ago, my daycare project was just an idea on paper, and now, it's on the brink of becoming a full-fledged reality. As October approaches, so does the launch of my daycare institution, and I couldn't be happier or more grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly has given me to transform my life in such a meaningful way.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfers from GiveDirectly. It was like a dream come true, a chance to turn my aspirations into reality. First and foremost, I fulfilled my longstanding wish of owning a Bible and a hymn book, which cost me $18. As a person of faith, these books hold immense significance to me. I also dedicated a part of the money, $110, to offerings and tithes, aligning with the teachings close to my heart. Practicality was key, too. With $50, I constructed a granary to safeguard the maize we had harvested. But my dreams didn't stop there. A beacon of hope in my mind was the idea of starting a daycare institution. With $120, I managed to gather all the necessary supplies and even put down a $30 deposit for a suitable facility. To ensure the success of this venture, I invested $100 in securing a freshwater connection which is a vital resource for the project. As the pieces came together, I was left with a sum that I wisely saved, determined to see my vision come to life. With everything falling into place, I'm counting down the days to October 1st, the day when I'll proudly launch my dream project, knowing that GiveDirectly's support was the catalyst for this incredible journey.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a single mother of one child. I did certificate in early childhood education and I am now working as a teacher at Gloria Academy earning approximately $80 per month. I did not do my certificate examination due to shortage of money . This makes me under paid at the school. I will use $ 500 to but a piece of land at the town center and build a structure to start a day care business. The structure will cost $400 and I intend to make a profit of approximately $120 per month. The center has so many working class people and there is no one day care so the market is good for me. I will also use $200 to install water tap at home for business and for family use. This is also a source of income for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month we had social Sunday at our church. This comprises playing games and eating delicious food.That day made me happy and forgot my stresses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable source of income has been a challenge in my life. I do teaching at Gloria Academy earning approximately $80 per month. If it comes to payment then I get $20 and the rest is carried forward to the next month. This has really affected me especially meeting my recurrent needs like food .