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 > Sophia's Profile
Sophia's family
Sophia
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($464 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal was to buy a bed and invest in livestock which I fulfilled. I don't have any new goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The transformation in our village as a result of the transfers is evident and I applaud GiveDirectly for helping people improve their standards of living by offering unconditional transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When hen my husband was employed as a motorbike rider,he used to earn a very low commission of 200 KES a day. our dream was to buy a motorcycle so that we can earn a meaningful income. I also had plans to start a salon business but all these dreams seemed to be slipping far away because we couldn't afford to raise enough capital to fulfill our dreams. Receiving this money meant that we were a about to start fulfilling our dreams. I spend 10000 KES to clear balance of land that I was buying, 30000 KES to buy a second hand motorbike and the balance to open a salon business. I thank GiveDirectly for making this happen.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in the house sleeping, I remember it was at midnight when I decided to check the time on my phone. I noticed a strange message indicating that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt very happy and leaned down to pray to thank God for the transfer which would change our lives for the better. After that, I called my husband to informed him about the transfer since he was away because of work.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning proper beddings for myself is the biggest difference in my life. This has reduced the body ache which was adding up on impacting my health conditions negatively. In addition, I was able to seek proper medication and l am pretty sure that I will be able to return to my normal job.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15,000 of my transfer to purchase a new bed and mattress. This is because the one I had earlier had broken legs and I was fearing that it might fall anytime while we are asleep. Similarly, my mattress was small, old, and worn-out. I was constantly feeling backache everything morning because of its state. In addition, I spent KES 8,000 to seek proper medical care for myself since I have been suffering from severe ulcers. Furthermore, I bought a plot of land at our nearby market for KES 20,000. I intend to construct a small salon shop once I recover from the ulcers disease. Earlier, I was advised by the doctor to stop working due to my health condition. Lastly, I bought 3 goats at KES 300 each, this was a long term investment for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a good health to boost my fertility. I have been trying to get a baby for almost 7 years now in vain. In all the hospitals I went the doctors recommended for further check up and examination but according to my financial status this has been a challenge. I understand that getting a baby is a gift from God but I need to know why or who has the problem between me and my husband. Therefore, I plan to use this money to facilitate all the steps required for me at least to get the joy of my life, which is a baby.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In my village and our society; if a woman doesn't conceive within the first year of her marriage, she is considered to be infertile and useless. But I want to say I married a very loving and understanding husband because despite of all the challenges of unable to give my husband a baby, he has continued showering me with love and care. Something that has been giving me hope and joy that one day God will bless me with a baby.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My current problem is a stomach problem known as ulcers. This condition was diagnosed in 2018 after a very long stomach pain. Some of the doctors I visited suggested that it's because of this condition that am unable to conceive. This thing has affected my mental, physical and emotional health very much.