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:
Small business
faceAge:
20
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
So far I do not have any new gaol part from the previous one that I had which was to build a decent house. For all those years, I have been living in an unpleasant environment for so many years. The house was very small in size and it would even collapse anytime. That was my worry and I always lived in fear. I am so happy that this dream was accomplished in good time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give directly is an extraordinary organization that I have across in my life. The idea of giving out unconditional transfers to needy individuals so that we can improve our living standards stood out. We now have better houses and all our children are in school. Therefore I can not point out anything that GiveDirectly failed in its operation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on clearing the debt of KES 13000 to a friend. I honestly did not have peace of mind because I have been jobless and the owner has been frustrating me in regards to the cash. I feel I am now relieved from the burden. To add to that, I bought a new motorbike worthy of KES 40000. This has been my dream to own it for a long but I couldn't afford it because it was very expensive. I opted to purchase it to create a job opportunity for my spouse who has been relying on casual jobs. The little he could earn in a day (KES 150) could not fend for my family at all. On most days, we could skip meals and my children were always at home as a result of the fees arrears. I am so happy that with the motorbike business we have been earning good returns which can cater to the family needs and even save little cash for any emergency that might arise.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house preparing breakfast for my kids, I had left my phone on charge at my neighbor's house. At around 8 am I went to pick my phone so that I can receive any updates on my phone. After switch it on I realized I had received my transfer. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer. I had to wait for my spouse to share the good news with him. He had gone to look for casual labor around the village.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a happy life after accomplishing my desire of expanding my farming. Through the transfer, I was able to acquire 1.5 acres of land. I am positive that I will no longer have to suffer to put food on the table since I will be producing enough food from my farm once I start farming.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 to purchase a 1.5-acre piece of land this is because the place where we had been farming was a quarter an acre that very small. The produce from this small piece of land was very minimal that could feed my family of 4 in only a month. I had wished to purchase a farm to enlarged my farming but I lacked the capital to fulfill it. In addition, I purchase 22 iron sheets at KES 880 each, building polls this was for the construction of a spacious house for my family since the one I had was very small. I also bought a small water tank with a capacity of 200litres which will assist me in storing enough water for the family. In addition, I purchase 4 plastic chairs before we use to sit on the floor.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money mean security to my children. Currently where I stay is place nearby road whereby my kids are not safe. When I receive the transfer I will use 40 thousands Kenya shillings buy land to stay because where I live is just an offer that was given by a neighbor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is evening when I see my family taking their dinner and also they are safe and sound after the long day while am away from doing my businesses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The hardest hardship I am facing is unemployment. Iam doing a small business of selling chicken and it is not doing well. So what I really want is to get employed so that I can earn good money to buy land and to fulfill my responsibility as head of family.