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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Completed
Newsfeed > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
59
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Esther's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal this year and beyond is to find a new place to live. The recent floods in Baringo swept away my household goods, forcing me to seek refuge with neighbors on higher ground. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly and some surplus from my farm, I will look for a safer place to build a new home. This permanent relocation will protect my family from future floods. GiveDirectly has given me the means to plan for a secure future. Their support allows me to move to a safer area, bringing peace of mind and stability to my family. We are deeply grateful for their assistance, which has made it possible to dream of and achieve a safer, better life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the kindness of their officers. They are very polite and listen patiently, even if you say something that doesn't make sense. They correct you without making fun of you, and I loved that. Their support has made my life easier because I no longer have to seek casual jobs on an empty stomach. I hope GiveDirectly continues the transfers even after the third one, as we still need their help to grow and develop further. Their assistance has been a lifeline, and with their continued support, we can achieve even more
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, my life changed in ways I never thought possible. Before this, I struggled for a long time without farming due to a lack of capital. But now, things are different. I used $50 from the first transfer to buy insecticide for my two-acre maize farm, which I planted with the first transfer from GiveDirectly. With the insecticide, I am hopeful for a good harvest. This farm is crucial because it will provide food security for my family and allow me to sell some produce to meet daily needs and save for future farming. I also plan to support my son's family with the harvest, as they were not enrolled in GiveDirectly. I allocated $10 to buy two goats as a long-term investment. Goats multiply quickly and do well in our hot climate, making them a valuable resource in emergencies. I used $8 to address the immediate food problem at home. Before GiveDirectly, my grandchild and I sometimes went to bed hungry due to inconsistent casual labor. Now, we have plenty of food. Lastly, I spent $15 on a school uniform for my grandchild. He didn't have a uniform before, but now he can go to school with pride, just like his classmates. GiveDirectly has given us hope, security, and a brighter future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($152 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Coming home from a day of hard work at my neighbor's farm not knowing good news awaited me. I hadn't taken my phone with me, upon checking my phone in case of any missed call or text, imagine my surprise when I saw a notification for a receipt of $200 from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with happiness! I couldn't keep this joy to myself, so I immediately shared the news with my children. We all burst into excitement. Our Needs that had felt distant seemed within reach. I felt thankful to GiveDirectly for keeping their promise.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before, getting enough food was a big problem for me, but now things are better, and we have food. Seeing my land, which had been empty for years, getting ready for planting again has lifted my spirits. It makes me feel hopeful that we'll have a steady supply of food and a better life ahead. Thank you GiveDirectly, Your support has brought back my hope for the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to make sure we had enough food. So, I spent $80 on essential foodstuffs like maize, beans, and rice. Getting food on the table has always been a struggle, especially since my income comes from odd jobs here and there. It's just me and my grandchild at home, but I also try to help my son and his family living with us in the same compound. In addition, I bought 3 plastic chairs to save us from the old containers we have been using as chairs since we had none, costing $650 each. Moreover, I have an acre piece of land right near the river. I haven't farmed it in a while because money for capital has been a problem. Even when I could start something, the cost of keeping the crops healthy, like weeding, adding fertilizers, and even renting a generator was way beyond me hence losses. The last time I got any harvest from it was four years ago. But now, thanks to GiveDirectly. I've set aside $100 specifically for getting back into farming. I've already used $30 to clear the land, and the remaining $70 for plowing, furrowing, and planting my maize. There's a feeling of hope. I believe that this year, I'll harvest and sell the extra to support my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 8 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
It is devastating that we do not have a latrine in our homestead. This is so sad and unhealthy, to detach myself from this shame. I will prioritize construction of a pit latrine for my family with the first transfer. I have big and arable land but finance and capital to venture into farming is my headache. With GiveDirectly's transfer, I will set aside KES 50000 and start farming maize, beans and vegetables. We will have enough food for the family and ready income. I am happy that it will also safe me from low paying casual jobs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Although life has never been easy for me, I am happy that my family has never gone to bed without food. We had plenty of rains in the last three months and many people planted crops. This gave us the opportunity to work casually on farms and earn a living. Unlike other months, I was struggling to find casual jobs and put food on the table.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising my family as a single parent has never been easy at all. I totally rely on casual work to earn a living and put food on the table. I am paid KES 300 daily which is drop in an ocean compared to our family needs. We are living the life on hand to mouth, no savings neither investment. I am even worried that when we are faced with major problem like sickness, I will have nothing to run to.