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.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($393 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My family of six currently lives in a three-room, timber-walled house that is on the verge of collapsing due to the destruction by termites. I am worried that if an immediate response is not initiated, then my family will be homeless any time soon. Therefore, to shun away from this shame, I plan on constructing a four-room brick walled house using the savings from the transfers. I am glad to have bought enough building materials for this task, and I am hopeful that my family's decency will be reinstated.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Nobody knows what tomorrow holds, just as I was not certain my family would benefit from the transfers. I am delighted that Givedirectly boosted my financial status; like the rest of the community members, my life has been uplifted. I am also amazed by the professionalism of the staff, as they are respectful and do not discriminate against the recipients; they reach out to all households, irrespective of their eligibility.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a staunch Christian, I have to abide by the governing rules of the church by paying tithes back to God. When I received my last transfer, I paid 10% to the church as is customary. I further saved the rest of the transfer in readiness to construct a four-room, brick-walled house for my family of six. We currently live in a three-room, timber-walled house that is on the verge of falling due to the destruction by termites, and I am worried that it might collapse at any time. To avoid such misfortunes, I believe prevention is better. Financial problems have hindered me from renovating this house as the $50 I earn from the cooking job at Kimatisio Secondary all goes towards paying the school fees for the children while the alternative source, which is through milk sales, goes towards food. I often sell 5 liters of milk for $3 per day, but it is paid at the end of the month.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My neighbours and I had attended a public participation meeting at the county office the day we received our transfers. Suddenly, I heard a message tone. I was not the only one who heard the message buzz. When I checked the source of the message, it surprised me to discover that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. Since the meeting was still in progress, my neighbour and I exchanged smiles. After the meeting, I went straight home, where I informed my wife. She was also overjoyed. We then started thinking about how we were going to spend our money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most substantial change in my daily life is that I am now able to purchase a dairy cow. This means that in a few months, I'll be able to save the money I used to spend on milk. Second, a heavy burden was lifted from my shoulders because I cleared up a pending debt. I'm happy and fulfilled with the accomplishments I've made.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife is a farmer, and I work as a cook at a nearby school. We have four kids. My desire to own a dairy cow was rekindled when I was assured that I would receive my transfer. I had previously been unable to purchase one due to the financial constraints imposed by school fees. When I received my money, I spent $200 on a cow. I then paid off a $200 debt that had accumulated over time. Finally, I paid a $55 debt. The help has miraculously lifted my life from where it was to a higher level, for which I am grateful.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My homestead sits on a 0.5-acre piece of land and that means I have no space for any agricultural activity. I work as a cook at Kimatisio secondary school where I earn $50 every month. This money is not enough to pay school fees for my 3 children leave alone buy a piece of land. I desire to expand my piece of land to allow for more space for farming. I intend to spend $800 to buy 0.2 acres from my neighbor so that I can grow cabbages. I like cabbages because schools buy them at good prices of $0.2 per piece. This will enable me easily raise school fees for my children
What is the happiest part of your day?
Two weeks ago schools closed for the December holidays. My son Brian emerged position two in his class and I was happy to receive the news. His dream is to join prestigious Tenwek high school and I also share the same dream.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of job opportunities has put my family in a financial crisis. I was recently employed to work as a cook in a nearby secondary school where I am earning $50 every month. I have three Children in Kapkwen Academy where I am required to pay $45 school fees for every child every academic term. Raising school fees is a big challenge because what I earn is less than what the school expects of me. Right now I owe the school arrears amounting to $100 and they wrote me a note telling me that my children should not report to school until I clear. This has caused me a lot of stress to a point that I have lost my appetite.