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 > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
39
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($515 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If I never received the transfer, I would have really struggled to earn a living. I would have managed to buy a motorcycle as I did with the very first transfers I received, my income wouldn't have been steady like it is currently.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has helped many improve living standards. Most of the grass thatched houses have been turned to iron sheet roofs. I can say what GD does well is to improve the livelihood of people.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Through the second payments I got from Give Directly, I finally managed to plaster my house and started a poultry business. This makes me happy because life is easier and manageable. I find it cheaper to maintain a plastered house compared to a mud-walled one. It is also easier to clean plastered houses.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received this transfer is that I now have a spacious bed. Before I received this transfer, I used to strain sleeping because the bed was too small. When I received this transfer, I used it to buy a bed so that I could enjoy my sleep. My bedding too were too old and I needed new ones. Now, when I go to sleep, I feel at peace because of GD.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly, I was so excited. I knew my problems had come to an end immediately even though I had not began spending it.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
For a long time, I had to sleep in a very squeezed bed with my wife which was not so comfortable. When I slept in one position, I could not turn lest I fall off the bed. This was tiring, sleeping in one position for 8hrs is not easy not even healthy. When I received money from GiveDirectly, I bought a bigger bed and a new mattress given that the one we had before had worn out too. I do feel so strong having to wake up from a comfortable bed and always ready to face another day. Some of it I spent on buying food for my family consumption.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means that I shall be able to buy some cows from which I shall be obtaining milk for sales and also for my household consumption. Through this, my household's life style will greatly improve.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have accomplished all my daily planned activities. I feel happy whenever they are all successfully done.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I currently face is difficulty in providing food for my household. I do not have a reliable source of income hence struggle to make both ends meet.