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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Samwel's Profile
Samwel's family
Samwel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
55
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($423 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After losing all of my livestock, which I had placed a high value on in the hope that they would help me pay my children's school fees. I currently have two daughters in secondary school, and while paying their school fees is difficult, I am hopeful that the help I will receive from my neighbors will supplement the meager income I earn from subsistence farming and operating a motorcycle taxi. I'm hoping to clear all of their school fees in time to allow them to study with other students.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We are grateful for the changes that have occurred in our village since GiveDirectly's visit. It was the first time in my life that I received monetary support that I could spend however I saw fit. The criteria were clearly explained, and everyone was treated fairly from the first to the last day. I appreciate the support, and I hope that all other households in the following villages will have the same experience and support that will improve their living conditions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was eager to put my plans into action after receiving the first transfer and, later, the second transfer, which marked the climax of the support we were to receive. After completing all of my plans in the first patch, I needed another cow to increase milk production. I then spent $300 on a lactating dairy cow, which instantly increased the amount of milk we were receiving from the two cows by three liters. We have been selling milk to nearby restaurants as a source of income, which has covered the majority of the household bills. It was unfortunate that all of the cows I had on my farm died a month ago after eating a poisonous plant that killed them. It was a tragic experience that had never occurred in our village. I am grateful that the majority of the villagers grouped together and are planning a fund-raising event to assist me in paying the school fees for my two children. I used some of the remaining funds to pay for school fees for my two daughters and one son who recently graduated from college. In addition, I used the remaining funds to repair my motorcycle, which I had been using to provide transportation to the local community since then.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am while going about my motorcycle mechanic work. That's when I heard a message alert on my phone. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and continued with my work and withdrew end of day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is building an Iron roofed house. This is more decent and spacious compared to the grass thatched roof. I had desired to build one for the past five years but couldn't afford due to school fees arrears. I have also bought a young bull which is a long term future investment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorcycle mechanic for 30 years and am a father of nine. From my job, I get KES 200 a day which has helped feed my family and school my kids over the years. I also do small-scale maize farming majorly for household consumption. When I received my transfers I spent KES 35,000 on the construction of a 15 Iron roofed house kitchen. This is because the previous one was old, grass-thatched, and was built over 20 years ago. Secondly, I spent KES 14,500 on a young bull. This is because there is enough grazing field and bulls grow fast than heifers. Hence one fully grown can be sold for a dairy cow which is a be a very good income source. Thirdly, I spent KES 7,800 on two tables sofa seats, and KES 2,400 on a mattress. This is because earlier I had an old table which was not compatible with the seats. Lastly, I also spent KES 8,000 on two bags of maize. This is because before I could only afford two kilos of maize each day from motorcycle mechanic work. So far we have consumed one and a half bags of maize meal and the remaining half can sustain us for the next two weeks.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a father of 9 who works as a cobbler.I opted for shoe making after selling out all my livestock to cater for school fees.My incomes ranges from KES 700 to 1000 in a week.This money is insufficient to meet the household needs as well as pay School fees for my children. Receiving this money means I will be able to expand my business and also buy a dairy cow.I will be able to buy shoe soles and threads .
What is the happiest part of your day?
The peace and unity within my household members have given me joy in the past 6 months. Despite the inadequacy of resources such as food, clothing, and shelter they have been able to understand and appreciate the efforts I make to give them what they get.This makes me happy as a father.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints is the biggest challenge we are currently facing.My ability to meet the household needs is limited to the amount of incomes I get from the cobbler works .This amount is usually KES 1000 per week and is just enough to purchase the food stuffs.Other family needs such as clothing and fee payment for the children are forsaken .This pains me as a father because two of my children have had to drop out of school due to my inability to pay their school fees .