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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Leonard's Profile
Leonard's family
Leonard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Teaching
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After accomplishing most of the projects I had budgeted with both transfers, I look forward to focusing more on dairy farming. Currently, I am planting some feeds for the cows. I am now focusing on acquiring more dairy cows hence will be able to generate more income to cater for school fees in the future since my family is growing.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well by sending officers to enlighten us about the company and giving us adequate information. In addition, I appreciate the fact that Givefirectly went house to house during enrollment without going through Chief, a village elder. I do not have any complaints.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of my second transfer, I spent KES 33,000 on paying college fees for my wife. I am a farmer and the income I get doesn't sustain all my family's needs. I am so grateful that she was able to do her final exams and she excelled well. With KES 20,000 I purchased a heifer which was an addition to my livestock. In the future, it will calf and will get more milk for both consumption and sale to get an extra income.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 6a.m on a Thursday morning when I received a notification from my phone bearing good news , I could not hide my happiness and I informed my family members and everyone was excited and we gave gratitude to God for the blessings he had granted us.This was the best moment in my life because we had many project to put to an end before the year ends.the f happy.knew all the issues I had would come to an end.It wason Thursday early morning 6a.m.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is having my all grazing land partitioned. I am really happy that this has at least reduced animals from my neighborhood grazing on my land. Planting adequate maize means enough food after harvest.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We were initially constructing a house but due to financial constrain it had taken so long as none of us had a consistent source of income that made it hard for us to make consistent saving.On receiving the first transfer, we had to prioritize some amount to buy construction materials - cement , iron sheets and painting which costed Kshs.20,000.I also had to till my land and buy a certified seeds to prepare for rainy season at Kshs.7,000 .I also obtained fencing poles, a barbed wire, that has made my field to be completely fenced that costed Kshs. 6,000 .I also spent Kshs.5,000 in constructing a dam where I could fetch water for my livestock hence not having to go long distances in search of water.With the remaining amount, I spent in buying foodstuffs for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My area is prone to drought and whenever it strikes we have a water shortage and feed for livestock. So when I get this money I will dig a big dam that will collect water enough to last the drought season. To dig it I need around KES 50000 and the remaining amount I will spend on planting dairy feeds like Napier grass. With water and food availability my cows can yield more milk which will generate income and also for household use since Milk contains vital nutrients for the development of children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We had a merry-go-round that we use to attend for money contribution. In June 2021 it was our turn and we got a good amount of money which enabled us to build an iron-roofed house. This brought joy and happiness into our lives since we now have a more spacious house to stay in.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is financial constraints. I am a teacher in the nearby school but my monthly income is only enough for my household needs like food and clothing. In my plan, I needed other sources of income like milk from dairy cows so that I do not strain much in terms of money but this has not been achieved due to lack of money.