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 > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
40
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($523 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have experienced a great change compared to my previous life. I now posses so many things which I never expected in my life. My children can now go to school without any hindrance, I have cultivated my two acres of land and have already planted sugarcane, out it I will be a rich man out of my farm production.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has given us power in decision making in terms of expenditure. I have noticed that people can do so many things which are economically benefiting. The community members have engaged themselves in school fees payment, buying livestock, sugarcane farming, building decent houses and many more. There is also a loophole in the policy of unconditionality of the package and this has led to the misuse of the transfer. Some people use the transfer in drinking alcohol, doing none profit making activities, as a result, they end up leading a life of hopelessness.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy three cows and three goats and remaining amount I used to pay college fees for the daughter of my late brother . I have children who still need nutrition support and I believe that we shall have milk from my cows for the family and the surplus for sell. Education is the only inheritance that a parent can give to his children, for futures economic stability and global job market, I decided to invest in it by paying fees to my late brother's daughter.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have my own livestock. This is a measure of wealth and I can be respected like the others.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was seated with my friends late in the evening and he saw the message first, but he was doubting and in less than a minute, I also received mine. I was super excited. I confirmed that GD keeps their promises.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying livestock for rearing and also managed to plough a sugar plantation and the remaining on food for my family consumption.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money makes me so happy. I will use it to build a new semi permanent house for my family. Currently I stay in a very small house that is about to fall down due to the heavy rains we have been experiencing lately.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am having dinner with my children and talking about the days events.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life was the loss of both my parents that left me an orphan. This forced me to drop out of school because nobody within our extended family was willing to pay my school fees.