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:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
19
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($524 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My mother started ailing at 2016 and her medication required alot of money . By then , I had completed my secondary education and with the financial constraints it was not possible to raise my college fees . Unfortunately , she passed away and life became harder because my dad who was a casual worker in a nearby factory his income could not support the provision of our basic needs and pay school fees for my siblings too . I had to step up and take some roles that my late mother's did that is doing causal jobs around the village and the money I make went to support my sibling . Since then, fulfilling my dream of going to college seemed not achievable . Through GiveDirectly's transfer, I have another story to tell which I am proud of . I foresee a brighter future because I have gotten an opportunity to go back to college for a teaching course . I believe when I shall complete this course and get employed it will be easier to support my family financially.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly fulfilled it promise of giving us the money it had stated which was 110,000 KES and it has been very helpful in improving the living standards for the majority of my community especially myself since I got the opportunity of enrolling for a diploma course which seemed as a dream before . On the other hand , conducting barazas at enrollment reduced misconception the community members had about the organization .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 40,000 KES of my second transfer to pay my college fees and my brother's as well who studies at Eldoret polytechnic . I am greatful of enrolling to college for a teaching course which was a challenge before . I bought clothing my siblings four siblings and food for my family's consumption . The remaining amount I bought decent sofa set seats.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($532 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Before GiveDirectly came for enrollment, I was always living a stressful life because I had lost all the hopes of continuing with my education. This is because since my mother died, I had to stay at home and play the motherly roles to my siblings. Being able to join college and pursue my dream course is so far the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I now believe that I will have a bright future after I am through with my studies. Also, I can now comfortably go on with my daily work with much ease as I am always jovial.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I realized that I had received the transfers from GiveDirectly in the morning as I was going through my daily routine. I became so happy and immediately knew that I would be able to continue with my education.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Since my mother passed on, I had to always stay at home and look after my siblings since my father is staying in our nearby town and is always not at home. When I received our first transfer, I spent some amount to enroll myself in a tertiary institution. I will be attending my classes during the holidays since I enrolled in the school-based program. Also, I bought a heifer worth KES 15000. We settled on this so that when it reproduces, we will be able to get milk for our consumption. I have my siblings who are still in school and due to this, I spent some amount to pay their school fees and also school uniforms for one of them. I used the remaining amount to buy some seats and three sacks of maize for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In my community, livestock ownership is a source of wealth and prestige while a lack of them, poverty. When we heard of GiveDirectly, I was relieved to imagine that I was going to own a dairy cow for the first time which will become a sustainable source of income. I am now more confident that my household needs are going to be met with ease thanks to the cash transfer. This is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. Having accomplished a busy day's tasks of juggling between feeding livestock and cultivating our banana farm, I treat my self to a rest in the evening in the company of music -which magically soothes my tired self.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I completed my secondary education in 2016, I was determined to transition to college the next year to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, my mother became ill that fateful year and succumbed to meningitis. Suddenly my future became bleak. My dreams were shattered and could not pursue my ambitions. Being the eldest child I soon assumed the role of provider in the household. My younger siblings have to eat and attend school. Till date my dreams continue to remain just that, a dream. This is the biggest hardship I've faced in my life.