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 > Victor's Profile
Victor's family
Victor
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($277 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into vegetable farming as an additional source of income for my family of five. The water pump, acquired through the transfers, will play a crucial role in irrigating the crops during the dry season, ensuring a successful harvest. To initiate this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital of $100. My plan is to raise this amount through casual jobs, particularly land clearing. This approach not only provides the necessary funds for the initial investment but also aligns with my commitment to actively contribute to the success of the vegetable farming venture. I am optimistic that, with careful planning and dedication, the upcoming year will bring positive changes and increased prosperity for my family. The combination of the water pump and the additional income from vegetable farming holds the potential for a more sustainable and diversified livelihood. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new venture may bring.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly uplifted our lives through the invaluable assistance it has provided to our community. Personally, the transfers I received allowed me to acquire a water pump, a resource I aim to utilize to generate income through vegetable sales. The positive changes brought about by this support have been significant, and I find everything about their approach to be fine; nothing needs to change. The assistance has truly made a meaningful difference in my life and the broader community, and for that, I am truly grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the transfers, I strategically allocated the funds to enhance my family's livelihood. Allocating $155 to purchase a water pump was a thoughtful investment, intended for irrigating my farm during the dry season. This initiative aims to cultivate vegetables, ensuring a sustainable source of food and income. Another $90 was wisely spent on purchasing maize, contributing to our food security. Allocating $10 for essential farm tools, such as a farm hoe, ensures that we have the necessary equipment to efficiently work the land. Furthermore, celebrating Christmas festivities with a $50 allocation allowed my family of five to enjoy the holiday season, fostering a sense of joy and togetherness. Additionally, $10 was dedicated to acquiring a school uniform and investing in the education of one of my family members. The remaining funds were given to my wife to save for her clinics. This strategic decision not only supports family planning but also contributes to our long-term financial stability. I am grateful for the assistance received, as it has uplifted my life by addressing immediate needs and providing opportunities for sustainable growth. The diversified allocations showcase a thoughtful approach to utilizing the funds for both immediate and long-term benefits.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my goal is to construct a more substantial and comfortable house for myself. Currently, my dwelling is small and constructed with mud walls. To achieve this objective, I intend to utilize the profits generated from my beekeeping farming activities. I am optimistic that this endeavor will not only improve my living conditions but also provide a more secure and durable shelter for myself and my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate GiveDirectly for fulfilling their promise of providing the money as stated. The field officers deligently documented the household income in the village, ensuring accuracy by relying on firsthand information rather than hearsay. Thus far, I haven't identified any areas that require improvement in the process.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I generate income through my beekeeping business and occasional job opportunities. I am married and have three children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made the decision to invest in purchasing a cow to provide milk for my family. Previously, buying milk was costly at $1 shillings per liter. I spent 3,000 shillings to cover my wife's medical expenses and used the remaining amount to buy essential food items. This was a significant shift from our past situation where most of our resources were solely directed towards food expenses. I am overjoyed that we now own a cow, fulfilling a long-cherished dream.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($126 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Having attended a parents teacher meeting at school that day, I hadn't anticipated receiving any money . When I got my first transfer, my excitement was such that I decided to purchase a kilogram of goat meat on my way home. It was indeed a joyous day, celebrating with my family over a hearty meal.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my life at present ever since I received my first transfer, compared to two or three months ago, is the absence of worry about securing food for my family. This has significantly freed up my time and mental resources, allowing me to focus on planning and undertaking additional tasks that will benefit my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my first transfers, I opted to use $100 to secure enough food for my family of seven, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a full meal every day and was content. Secondly, I embarked on my journey into goat-keeping by investing $80 in two goats to replace the ones lost to drought. I am confident that my improved knowledge and skills will enable me to successfully rear these goats, not just for sustenance, but also for business purposes, rather than keeping them and risking loss during droughts.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We are faced with a multiple of needs but we have no means of meeting them. This unexpected transfers from GiveDirectly has restored hope and salvaged us from the otherwise bad situation we have been afflicted with.It could not have come at a better time than this, we are now certain that at long last there is light at the end of the tunnel, the universe has indeed conspired for us since this has never happened before in our lifetime. We intend to use $70 to purchase a 90 Kg bag of maize that will last us for 2 months. In an effort to create wealth we plan to use the rest of the transfers to purchase goats for keep. Goat farming is the mainstay economic activity and source of livelihood in our area, there is plenty of pasture.That way we will improve our standard of living and an ensured source of disposable income in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
A week ago I was able to harvest some honey, about 8 Kg which I was able to sell at $ 26. It helped me to purchase foodstuff for our consumption. It has ease our struggle and the pain of having to look for casual jobs which are to come. We still have the food and we expect to last us some more days. Such are always the best days for us since there is no worry of where the next meal will come from. We are in perfect peace of mind and we can afford good sleep devoid of stress.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life is hard and unbearable more so when it comes to food insecurity. We have had three failed rainy seasons in the passed that resulted in the situation we are in now. Essentially, we have to look for casual jobs to be able to put food on the table, the said jobs are erratic and hard to come by. Sometimes I have to trek long distance to the highlands of Mosop to look for it, sometimes I am lucky to get one but other times I am not and that means my children goes to bed hungry on such days. I am afraid it is going to be worse now that the cost of living has continued to shoot up in the recent past. The little we get from the casual jobs is hardly enough to meet the daily demands and that means we are left to survive on the little we get.It is bad.