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 > Daniel's Profile
Daniel's family
Daniel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($306 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?
My aspirations are fueled by the transformative impact of the GiveDirectly transfers on my family's lives. With a comfortable home now standing as our foundation, I'm eager to explore opportunities beyond our village, seeking activities that can generate sustainable income for my family. The security of knowing my family is well-housed allows me to venture out with confidence, knowing they are safe and sheltered. As I embark on this journey, I also eagerly anticipate watching my children grow and thrive. The improvements we've made in our living conditions, thanks to the transfers, have set a positive trajectory for their future. I'm excited to provide them with the best opportunities possible, ensuring they have access to a good education and a comfortable life. Looking ahead, I am committed to maintaining and even enhancing the positive changes that the GiveDirectly transfers have brought into our lives. The newfound financial stability, comfortable living conditions, and expanded horizons have opened up a world of possibilities for my family, and I'm determined to make the most of them.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It warms my heart to say that our family is now living in a state of happiness, all thanks to the invaluable support we received from GiveDirectly. The positive impact on our lives has been nothing short of remarkable. We now have a comfortable and secure home, which has significantly improved our living conditions and overall well-being. Furthermore, the assistance from GiveDirectly has empowered us to diversify our sources of income. Like many families in our village, we have ventured into livestock rearing and farming. These activities have not only provided us with additional income but have also brought our community closer together. We share knowledge and experiences and support each other, creating a stronger and more resilient community. The ripple effect of GiveDirectly's support is evident not only in our family but also in our entire village. We are all witnessing positive changes in our lives, and this has fostered a sense of hope and unity among us. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead happier, more secure lives, and we look forward to a brighter future filled with endless possibilities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I invested $300 of the GiveDirectly transfers in building a new home for my family. Previously, we were living in a cramped mud house with just one room, and this upgrade was long overdue. Not only has this new home provided us with much-needed space and comfort, but it also protects us from various inconveniences, including crawling animals. $80 of the transfers went towards securing our food supply. Before, making ends meet was quite stressful as I relied on selling charcoal, which often didn't generate enough income for our family. Now, with the ability to buy food regularly, we are no longer plagued by food scarcity, and this has brought relief to our household. Another valuable investment was the $30 I spent on a water pipe. This allows me to engage in irrigation, ensuring that our farm receives adequate water during dry seasons. This not only supports our food production but also contributes to our overall well-being. Furthermore, I purchased a Neem tree for $40, which serves multiple purposes. Apart from improving the environment around our home, Neem is known for its medicinal properties, which will benefit us health-wise. Additionally, the tree will provide much-needed shade during sunny seasons, making our outdoor space more comfortable. In essence, the GiveDirectly transfers have enabled me to address essential aspects of our lives, from housing and food security to improving our environment and health.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($317 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?
With three children to support, the responsibility of school fees is becoming a concern, and I must find ways to protect myself from financial embarrassment. To address this challenge, I am eager to establish a hotel business in a central location. I believe this venture could be the answer to ensuring a stable income and meeting my family's financial needs, including school fees. Furthermore, I have a strong desire to acquire a cow as I recognize its significance as a domestic animal. Cows provide essential resources, such as milk, which can contribute to our well-being and even offer an opportunity for additional income. In the face of these financial responsibilities, I am determined to find practical solutions to improve our circumstances. Establishing the hotel business and owning a cow can be important steps towards achieving financial stability and securing a better future for my family. As I move forward with these aspirations, I am aware that careful planning and dedication will be essential for success.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We are truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their neutral and unbiased enrollment processes. As a community, we feel immensely blessed and fortunate to have been among the selected recipients of their support. The assistance we received from GiveDirectly has made a significant impact on our lives and has been instrumental in helping us address our priorities. With the transfers provided, we have been able to make wise investments in accordance with our individual and community needs. The funds have been utilized in a manner that aligns with our goals, and we are thankful for the flexibility that was given to us in deciding how to use the support. The positive outcomes of this assistance are evident throughout the community. Many of us have discovered and unlocked our potentials, and we are now more motivated than ever to pursue our dreams and aspirations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am grateful for the assistance that came from GiveDirectly during difficult economic times. With the transfers they provided, I was able to purchase food worth $110, ensuring that my family of five had enough to eat. Furthermore, I invested $340 to build a new house, as our previous one was a mud house. I believed that improving our living conditions was essential, so I decided to build a house with iron sheets all around. This decision brought happiness and comfort to all of us, as we now had a sturdier and more secure home. The support from GiveDirectly made a significant difference in our lives. It not only helped us meet our basic needs but also enabled us to take steps towards a better future. Having a comfortable and safe home is a fundamental aspect of our well-being, and we are grateful for the positive change it has brought to our lives. As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and gratitude. With our improved living conditions and the support we received, we are motivated to face the future with renewed determination and optimism. We are thankful to GiveDirectly for being a beacon of hope during challenging times. Their assistance has made a lasting impact on our family, and we will forever be grateful for the support that helped us through those difficult days.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($145 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the news from a friend that the transfers from GiveDirectly had arrived filled me with immense happiness. Despite my phone being switched off and not having seen the confirmation message yet, I remained confident and thrilled, knowing that I too must have received it. At approximately 3:00 pm, I powered on my phone, and as anticipated, I received a confirming message. Filled with excitement, I immediately called my spouse to share the good news, and she suggested that I purchase the missing household items on my way home, as I was already in the shopping center. With the following day being a market day, my wife and I went together to collect the money and made the rest of our planned purchases.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the first transfer has brought about the most significant change in my daily life: my current ability to save money that would have previously been allocated to food. Instead of exhausting all my earnings from casual labor immediately, I now have the opportunity to set aside a portion of the funds for future expenses. This has empowered me to address other bills and financial obligations, creating a sense of security and stability. The impact of this change is truly remarkable, and I am excited to continue making progress towards a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In the face of adversity, our lively and spirited family found ways to persevere. Goat farming used to be our main source of income, with sales helping us meet our household needs. Unfortunately, frequent droughts devastated our livestock assets, leaving us with limited options. Nonetheless, we remain grateful for the occasional opportunities for casual labor that allow us to put food on the table. The arrival of the first transfer from GiveDirectly brought hope, and we could not afford to waste even a cent but carefully invested it. With $108, we purchased essential household food supplies, including a sack of maize, 20 kg of beans, cooking oil, and 4 kg of sugar, ensuring sustenance for our family of five. Additionally, I dedicated $66 to acquiring clothes for our children, my spouse, and myself, providing some much-needed comfort. Recognizing the importance of agriculture, I allocated $18 to purchase farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizer to cultivate a small piece of land. I saved the remaining funds to address any future household needs that may arise.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will go a long way in bettering our lives. The most pressing need at the moment is that of food insecurity and so this tops the list of our priorities. We intend to spend $ 100 on the purchase of foodstuff majorly maize and beans. We are halfway glad that at least we will afford to buy stocks of maize and beans that will sustain us for months. We have also had a sit-down and have resolved to engage in an income-generating activity that can sustain us in the future. We plan to purchase a secondhand motorbike that will cost around $700. From carrying pillion passengers I anticipate making up to $4 per day which will be enough to buy food and subsequently enjoy an improved standard of living devoid of worries and uncertainties.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I used to take alcohol a lot and whenever I could get even $ 1 from casual jobs I could spend all of it on it. I had neglected my family and left my wife to fend alone for the children. It was a very bad way of life and I regret it so much, my life was miserable because I had immersed my all life in alcohol. Sometime last December, I decided to stop taking alcohol and it has brought a paradigm shift in my life and that of my family. I can now use the money that I could have others spend on alcohol to provide for my family albeit in a small way. I have also made peace with my wife and we are living happily.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life is hard for us, especially with food insecurity. The cost of living has gone up and this has made the situation horrible to put food on the table. It is so unbearable, our children have borne the greatest brunt of it. Sometimes we are forced to go to bed on an empty stomach. It worries us a lot as parents when young children cry for food yet we are unable to provide any. We have had a delayed rainy season that has further worsened the situation and led to the depletion of pastures for our livestock. Some of them have died as a result of it and made us incur losses. Every day is a struggle for us, it is hope against hope as the situation never seems to get any better.