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 > Joyce's Profile
Joyce's family
Joyce
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
26
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($466 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before receiving the transfer I had an objective of constructing a good business structure since the one I am operating in is not a standard one. Thereafter after I add some stock.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a wonderful organization that cannot be compared to any other organization. It has enabled us to raise from a poverty level to a standard one. Personally the organization helped me to start a business and sustain it. Thank you for support that you gave me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Currently I have not used the money yet but I am planning to set aside KES 20000.00 for constructing a business structure that I will use as a shop. I also kept another KES 20000.00 to add more stock to my existing business of selling fast moving goods that are often used in families such as foodstuff and personal effects. This will enable me to have a steady sale of products to my customers. I am also planning to use the remaining KES 10000.00 to repair my sewing machine that I have been using as an alternative source of income.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home at around 10 am relaxing in the shade outside my house after completing my households chores as a housewife. I heard a message notification on the phone, after checking, I learned that I had received my transfer. I was so happy for receiving my transfer which indicated the beginning of a new transformation in life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in daily life is that we are now happily living in harmony and enjoying our marriage life with my husband. This is after paying the dowry price we had been owing to our parents which brought a lot of stress in our marriage. I am very happy and grateful for the transfer that had restored our dignity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For 5 years in marriage, My husband has not been able to pay the dowry price as required by our traditions. This had eaten away the joy of our marriage since he was constantly under stress. Similarly, he was constantly receiving threats from his father-in-law since he lacked the full right over me. After receiving my transfer, I spent KES 40,000 to pay part of the dowry payment. We are now living in harmony after paying the bride price. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have faced food insecurity in my house for 5 years since I was married by my husband. Me and my husband have dreamed to buy a fertile land in other areas to do farming but because of the financial strains, I could not achieve our dream.Receiving this money means I will buy my land of my choice.I will spend 60,000 KES to buy 1acre of land and keep aside 30,000 KES to start my farming of growing maize ,beans and cassava for food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening when I am taking my supper with my children.I usually skip my meals because of the situation of lucking enough food in my house but I usually have a meal in the evening and this is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been living from hand to mouth with my 3 children for 4 years now. My husband is working for a farm in kilifi and his salary cannot sustain the needs of my family so i usually skip a meal or two in a day. Hunger is my biggest hardship I have faced in my life.