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 > Dorcas's Profile
Dorcas's family
Dorcas
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, my goal is to start my own grocery business. The driving force behind this decision is the desire to generate income in a manner that is considerably less tidious than my previous job, which had become physically and mentally taxing. The grocery business seems like a promising avenue to not only alleviate the challenges of my past employment but also to create a stable and sustainable source of income. My ultimate aim is to utilize the profits from this venture to meet the diverse needs of my family, ensuring a better quality of life for them. I am optimistic that this new endeavor will not only provide financial stability but also bring a sense of fulfillment as I contribute to the well-being of my loved ones.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving us cash transfers which has enabled me to own my house and even meet my necessities. additionally, I feel there is nothing that the organization should change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the unconditional monthly cash transfer from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer for my family. With the recent $70, I was able to complete the construction of a two-bedroom house, providing a more secure and comfortable living space for my family. Previously, my five children were scattered, some even sleeping at their grandmother's place due to limited space. Now, with the new house, all my children are under one roof, allowing me to monitor and care for them the way I've always wished. I invested $220 in purchasing two beds with mattresses, a significant improvement from the small mattresses they used to sleep on the floor, impacting their health. This not only brought comfort but also joy to their lives. Allocating $11 for food was a relief, ensuring that my children no longer had to endure hunger throughout the day. Additionally, I prioritized education, using part of the money to pay school fees for all five children. For the first time, they settled into school, and took their exams, and I couldn't be prouder. In the past, our income from my charcoal-making hustle and my husband's casual work was unpredictable, but thanks to GiveDirectly, we've been able to make substantial improvements in our living conditions and the well-being of our family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($377 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember the day, I was at home around 4pm, engrossed in cleaning, when I received the good news. The excitement I felt was beyond words because this was an opportunity to improve our living conditions. At the time, my family of eight was living in a cramped, single-room mud hut with a grass-thatched roof. This arrangement was far from ideal, and my children had to seek out additional places to sleep in the neighborhood, which was neither comfortable nor safe. The first decision I made after receiving the transfers was to allocate funds towards building a better and more spacious home. This decision was not just about improving our living conditions; it was about providing a safe and secure environment for my children. The transfers from GiveDirectly have been a lifeline, allowing me to take a step towards realizing this dream of a better home. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to creating a more comfortable and secure living space for my family's well-being.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfers from GiveDirectly couldn't have come at a more crucial time for my family. We were facing financial difficulties, especially when it came to paying our children's school fees. With the support of the transfers, we were able to clear these fees and ensure that our children could continue their education. One of the most significant changes that these transfers have brought to our lives is the ability to provide our children with a comfortable home. Before, we struggled with inadequate housing, but now we have a place where our children can sleep soundly and comfortably. This has been incredibly fulfilling for us as parents. Looking ahead, I'm excited about the prospect of starting a small business selling vegetables. This venture will sustain our family and also allow us to afford other necessities in our home. Before receiving the transfers, this dream seemed out of reach, but now it's becoming a reality. The support from GiveDirectly has truly transformed our lives and brought happiness and hope to our family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers from GiveDirectly have been a turning point in my life. They provided me with the financial means to address some of my most pressing concerns. I directed $250 of the funds, towards building a new home. The previous living conditions were far from ideal, and it was a top priority to provide my family with a safe, comfortable, and spacious dwelling. Additionally, I used $120 to clear school fees arrears and pay for the entire term. These was crucial because my children's education is a top priority for me. In the past, I struggled to cover these fees through the inconsistent income generated from selling charcoal and my husband's casual work. Furthermore, I decided to save $20 from the transfers with the intention of starting a small business. This initiative aims to generate additional income for our household, providing us with more financial stability. Overall, the assistance from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline for my family, allowing us to address immediate needs while also planning for a more secure and prosperous future.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A decent house and farming project top the list of my priorities. Achieving this in my life will mean improved social status and we will be living a satisfactory life with my family. With my current house, I have lost confidence because I always feel shy about welcoming visitors at home. This makes me feel the need to own a better house. I, therefore, plan to spend $500 of my money to construct a 2-roomed iron-roofed house that will spare us from these life worries. On the other hand, I also intend to have a reliable source of income to stop over-dependence on my husband. To ensure this comes to reality, I plan to venture into farming where I can plant vegetables and start supplying to our nearby market. This will provide me with the opportunity to have financial independence. I plan to spend the remaining amount ($600) to install fresh water at home and also to purchase a water tank for storage. This will help me to have the opportunity and courageously start my project. What a change in my life!
What is the happiest part of your day?
The pain of hunger in my household is something that I consider putting to an end in the next 1 month. This is because, since April this year, we have been receiving heavy rainfall. This made me take the challenge and work extra hard on my farm. At the moment, 2 acres are full of green maize. This makes me feel so proud as a responsible mother since my family will not be suffering anymore. Hence, I consider this as what has been giving hope to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Staying idle at home due to a lack of basic skills for a decent job makes my life so difficult. In 15 years now since married to this home, I have remained a housewife and I fully depend on my husband who is a casual laborer. His monthly support is usually $20 which we use to buy food. This means my 6 children suffer the most especially in terms of school fees. In most cases, they are sent home, a situation that has contributed to their low performance. In addition, we usually spend our nights on the floor while 3 of them seek shelter in their grandmother's house. The pain of watching my family suffer has robbed away my joy as a mother and hence, I consider the financial instability as my biggest challenge.