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 > Sylvia's Profile
Sylvia's family
Sylvia
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
52
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($384 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After having a long, deep discussion with my family, we came up with a new plan. In the next few months, I will want to purchase a piece of land. I have been leasing from friends simply because mine was small, unproductive, and had a few disputes. Therefore, owning the farm will bring more joy and peace to my homestead. Also, this will serve as an asset; for instance, if I need to borrow a loan, I can easily be granted one.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by giving out an equal number of cash transfers to its beneficiaries. Through that, some of us have accomplished our long-time goals, which has equally brought about a positive change in our living standards. Therefore, according to me, I cannot point out anything that they did wrong.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For so many years, I have wanted to rear livestock since they are one of the reliable assets I can rely on in a scenario where there will be a financial emergency. I can easily sell them once they increase in number to sort out any pending bills. I therefore bought two goats for $100. My vegetable hustle has not been doing well due to the stiff competition in the village; hence, nowadays, I have not been meeting my needs like before. I am, however, positive that through these livestock, I will be able to provide for my family in any hard situation. In addition to that, I managed to clear an arrear of $100 for my daughter in Form 2. I am so happy that for this particular academic year, she will not be sent home as she has been before, which I believe is an inspiration to her to excel. Initially, she was always at home, a situation that pained me the most. After offsetting the fees, I started a new business for my daughter, who has been jobless for a while. I finally bought bales of maize flour and cereal. It took us almost one month, which was a relief to me because of the struggles I have been through to put food on the table.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I recall being in church when I received my transfer. My phone started ringing. When I checked the message, I discovered that my transfer had already arrived. Words cannot express how delighted I was to learn that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. I knew that with the help I had received, I would be able to meet my needs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I was able to buy enough food for my family, as opposed to before, when we used to go to bed on an empty stomach. Second, I've set aside funds for my son's school fees, as he will begin form one next month. I am grateful for the help I received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was told that I would be among the beneficiary of GiveDirectly, I felt that it had lifted a heavy load off my back. This is because I am a mother of nine and I depend on farming and selling vegetables to make ends meet. My husband left for the capital, but the unfortunate thing is that he neglected us and chose to remarry. It left me to fend for my children single-handedly. Life has become unbearable because of the economic status of our country today. Upon receiving my transfer, I used $450 to build a decent house for my family. The one that I had was very old and weak. It was not easy to renovate before due to school fees and responsibilities. Secondly, I bought maize and saved the rest for school fees needs. I am so happy for the support that impacted my life positively.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I can finally breathe again, I can not help but anticipate the day I will receive this transfer. All I want is to buy a piece of land elsewhere and build a home. Somewhere I can run to for my peace of mind. I have no intention of spending the first $550, I will save the money and wait until the second bunch is dispersed and buy the land I want. I can not bare the neglect and hardship I am experiencing in my matrimonial home, it is time I left since my husband no longer wants me. It is painful but it is part of life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find joy in the Lord, ever since my husband left me, I ran to God for solace. My children are also the reason I wake up every morning, as much as I am struggling to feed them I am happy I have them with me, they help keep me sane.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I feel so hurt and abandoned, the weight of the world on me. Never in a million years did I think that I would live the life I am living now. My 51-year-old husband left me for a younger wife not so long ago. I found out a year ago but the pain is still fresh. He has neglected us as his family and I have been left to fend for a family of ten, nine children and I. I have to look for odd jobs( wash clothes, burn charcoal and sell tomatoes) just to earn a living. It is tough I tell you, his parents are also against and I feel trapped since I can not go back to my maternal home because my children are yet to clear primary school. I regret having been married.