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 > Gabriel's Profile
Gabriel's family
Gabriel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
73
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($340 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm old now, and I can't do hard work anymore. I used some money from the second transfer to buy five sheep, but sadly three of them got sick and died, and one went missing. Now I only have one left, so I'll just look after that one.My new plan is to start beekeeping because it doesn't need a lot of energy, and I don't have to spend much money on it. When I collect honey, I can make around $90 each time. I'll use this money to pay for my grandchildren's school fees. I want them to go to university without any problems.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done something great for me by giving me money without any rules. My life has changed a lot. I bought a water tank with the money, and I'm very happy and excited because now I have water at home. Before, getting water was hard because we had to go far to find it.When you go to other villages, please tell people to invest their money wisely so that they'll have something to be happy about in the future. They should remember GiveDirectly for helping them like it helped me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I got some money, I spent it all on food for my wife's burial. She was sick for a long time with something called deep vein thrombosis, which caused her a lot of pain from her head to her legs. I spent about $3000 on her medical bills, but despite all our efforts, she passed away. Now I'm living alone because my children are married. Sometimes my grandchildren visit me during holidays and help me with house chores.Before GiveDirectly started helping me, my life wasn't so good because I relied on my children for everything. But now, thanks to GiveDirectly, I can afford to eat comfortably. I like green grams and potatoes, so when I got more money from GiveDirectly, I bought a lot of them because they're my favorite foods. I'm grateful for the help GiveDirectly has given me, especially for support with my wife's medical bills from the beginning.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 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?
By the end of the year, I aim to make goat rearing my primary investment. To accomplish this, I plan to increase the number of goats, improve their shelter, and even expand it to accommodate more livestock in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly is performing admirably by providing us with substantial financial management knowledge and conducting regular check-ins. This guidance ensures we stay on the right track and fulfill our obligations properly. However, it would be beneficial if the organization could consider extending the duration of the program, particularly for those in more dire circumstances than others.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer from Give Directly, I strategically purchased assets that could generate income for my family. Specifically, I used $300 to acquire six goats, which I anticipate will greatly contribute to our livelihood in the years to come. In addition, I ensured my family was adequately fed and cared for, which has been challenging given that we've had to purchase all our food due to poor agricultural yields caused by droughts.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($142 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly remains vivid in my mind. I was enjoying a moment of relaxation at home when my phone suddenly rang. As I checked the notification, I discovered that I had received money from GiveDirectly, and an overwhelming sense of joy washed over me. The realization that I now had the means to pursue my dreams filled me with excitement, and I immediately started contemplating the most effective strategies for utilizing the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life. Among the notable improvements is the purchase of a water tank, which has provided a reliable and long-lasting source of drinking water. Unlike before, when we had to constantly refill small containers on a daily basis, we now have the convenience of ample stored water. Additionally, the transfer has alleviated my concerns about food insecurity. I was able to purchase enough food to sustain myself and relieve my children from the burden of daily expenses. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this transfer has afforded me, and it has truly made a significant difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my age, I no longer possess the physical capacity for manual labor, necessitating my reliance on my children for financial assistance. However, their contributions prove inadequate at times due to their own obligations. Our household consists of my wife, two grandchildren, and me. With the transfer I received, I made several significant purchases to improve our living conditions. Recognizing the inconvenience of relying on a small jerrycan for water, I spent $30 towards purchasing a water tank. This alleviates the need for multiple trips to the stream. Moreover, I invested $53 in a chain link and iron sheet to construct a goat pen, considering the potential income it could generate. Additionally, I spent $22 on acquiring a phone and a thermos flask for my wife. These purchases were previously unattainable, as our focus primarily revolved around acquiring enough food. We extend our gratitude to the organization for their timely support.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We currently depend on our children a lot. To be self-sufficient we need to start rearing goats. I can comfortably do this since it's a simple task. We will buy 5 goats for a start. It will cost $250. When they expand, I will be able to sell and buy food. They will also help during emergencies or when we have cultural ceremonies. Eggs are expensive nowadays and very marketable. I will also start a chicken-rearing business. Will spend $200 to buy 20 chicken for a start. They'll also need a good structure to keep them. That can cost up to $200. Additionally, I must also buy some chicken feeds. The feeds will cost approximately $50. This will assist us get some income to support ourselves. The remaining transfer amount will be saved. It will help us buy food and also support our chicken rearing business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It makes me happy being with my wife. We stay in peace and always understand each other.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is a big challenge for our household. It's difficult putting food on the table since we are old and both cannot work optimally. My wife cannot do anything at all. We depend on simple tasks such as clearing small bushes, which I do. I also do little farming. Mostly we depend on our children to provide for us. This strains them and sometimes they may not have the money to support us. Old age has affected our ability to fully support ourselves.