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 > Benson's Profile
Benson's family
Benson
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, I put my focus on securing a sustainable future for my children. I am looking forward to investing my efforts in vegetable farming. I am planning to rent land in Kipterkech because of its water availability, which presents an optimal environment for cultivating high-quality vegetables through irrigation. Additionally, I hope to start buying and selling of chicken business, the scarcity of chicken trading opportunities in the area positions my venture as a unique and potentially lucrative opportunity. Collaborating with neighbors who rear chickens allows me to access resources and establish a reliable supply chain. Through a dedicated commitment to modern farming and exploring the untapped potential in chicken trading, I hope to create a legacy of sustainable prosperity and provide a comfortable life for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am truly grateful to have directly benefited from GiveDirectly's approach of offering unconditional cash assistance along with essential education on prudent spending and ensuring our security. This cash aid has been an absolute game changer for me. As a casual laborer solely raising my two children, it has enabled me to provide meals, fence my goat's barn, and purchase clothing and uniforms for my kids. My life has taken a significant turn for the better. In my view, I would sincerely appreciate receiving more cash assistance from your GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was filled with immense happiness and joy upon receiving my last transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, as promised. I immediately allocated $120 for food to ensure my two children wouldn't go without. Additionally, I dedicated $33.5 to completing the goat barn fence that I had started from the previous transfer, securing their safety. Another $30 I spent on purchasing clothes for myself and my children, relieving us from the embarrassment of worn-out attire that poverty had enforced upon us. Prioritizing my children's education, I invested $7.5 in buying them new uniforms, ensuring they feel confident in their studies. Sadly, my wife left due to our financial struggles, leaving me with the sole responsibility of ensuring our children's happiness. Despite an unreliable income from working part-time as a casual security guard at Perkera, I made a conscious decision to purchase a power saw for $250. This tool will liberate me from inconsistent casual jobs, providing stability and I will save $4 for future unexpected expenses. I'm immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity to improve our lives, especially considering the challenges posed by the high cost of living.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($308 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, I have plans to construct a small one-room house for my son. He is growing up quickly and approaching adulthood. Currently, he shares a house with his sister, which is not ideal, as he needs more privacy and his own space. This new living arrangement will provide him with the independence and personal space he requires as he continues to grow and develop.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I truly appreciate about GiveDirectly is its commitment to assisting everyone in our village, without any form of discrimination. The fact that nearly everyone in our community received the transfer and utilized it in meaningful ways is commendable. Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity it provided me to expand my livestock holdings, which is a passion of mine. This inclusive approach has made a positive impact on the lives of many in our village, and it's heartening to witness such positive change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Growing up, I understood the value of livestock not just as a way of life but as a reliable source of income. With $215 of the transfer, I fulfilled this passion by expanding my livestock holdings by purchasing five goats and five hens. This brings me immense satisfaction to know that this decision will secure my children's educational journey, especially my eldest child, who is nearing junior high school. Additionally, I used $110 to ensure that my family would never go hungry. As a provider in a household relying on sporadic casual work for survival, having a consistent food supply is crucial. I also cleared a $50 food debt I had. I did this not just to settle accounts but also to maintain harmonious relationships with the owner, knowing that in the future, I might need his support too. Understanding the significance of looking presentable during special occasions and church gatherings, I invested $50 in clothing. My children and I needed new attire as our previous clothes were showing signs of wear and tear. Life can get lonely, especially when my children are not around. To combat that solitude, I decided to treat myself to a $25 radio. This provides me with peace of mind as it becomes a companion during those quiet moments, and it eases the ache of separation since my wife and I parted ways in 2015.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($126 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was working on the farm, I received an unexpected message that filled me with joy. It was about receiving a significant amount of transfers from GiveDirectly, the likes of which I had never experienced before. I decided to finish up my tasks quickly so I could head back home and make use of the wonderful news. The first thing that came to my mind was to use the money to buy food for my family. Our home area has a challenging environment, and food is often sold at very high prices. So, I had to travel to another place where I could find more affordable options to make the most of the money I received. The thought of being able to provide my family with sufficient food brought me immense happiness. It's a basic necessity, and I wanted to ensure they have enough to eat without constantly worrying about the high costs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
In this tough economy, I find comfort and relief knowing that my children can now eat well and even enjoy simple pleasures like tea with sugar. The financial support I received has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing me to provide for my family's basic needs and send my children to school. One of my biggest worries was losing my goats to illnesses because I couldn't afford proper treatment. However, with the assistance I received, I was able to purchase medicine for the goats, ensuring their health and well-being. This has brought me immense joy and peace of mind, knowing that I can take better care of them. Moreover, I am grateful to be free from the burden of debts. Clearing the debt I had accumulated for food has lightened my financial load, and I can now face each day with renewed optimism. With the improved financial situation, I am now considering making long-desired improvements to my house. It has been challenging to do so with limited income, but now I have the opportunity to create a more comfortable living space for my family. Additionally, I am eager to invest in my poultry farming to enhance the breed and improve its overall productivity. This will not only contribute to our income but also open up new opportunities for growth and sustainability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the $450 I received, I allocated the transfers carefully to address various needs. First and foremost, I used a $100 to purchase food for my family. Living in an area with high food prices, this ensured that we had enough to eat and eased the financial strain. Another important use of the money was to clear a $30 debt I had taken on for food. During times when my casual work didn't provide enough income, I had to rely on the kindness of the shopkeeper, who allowed me to take food on credit. Now, I am relieved to have settled the debt and no longer carry that burden. I also set aside $40 to buy some presentable clothes for myself. Before this, I had no suitable attire for special occasions, but now I feel more confident and ready for any event that comes my way. Recognizing the needs of my beloved goats, I allocated $41 to build a chain link enclosure for them. Previously, they had no secluded place to sleep, and we had to tie them with ropes to prevent them from running away. With the new enclosure, they can rest safely and comfortably, bringing peace of mind to me and better care for them. The impact of this financial assistance has been immense, improving our living conditions and providing us with a more stable future. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for the support, which has made a positive difference in the lives of my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time 11 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this transfer will be a big enabler and a changer for my family. We have been tussling with a myriad of challenges, food insecurity tops the list. Due to uncertainties and unsustainable sources of income, I intend to use the transfers to sort out the basics first, which is the purchase of foodstuff that will cost $100 which will be enough to last for 6 months. I also want to go back to poultry farming since it assisted us a great deal in the past, this time round I intend to do it on a large scale. If the remaining amount will still be sufficient to do fencing and buy school uniforms for my children I will gladly spend it on them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I used to do poultry farming, it assisted me a great deal to meet household goods and food. Sometimes in January at the peak of the drought, I sold up to 6 cocks and it fetched me $36 that I used to purchase foodstuffs at the nearby Koriema market. The recent biting drought had made life unbearable and the cost of maize flour had shot to an unprecedented high. With the sale of the poultry we were able to afford and at least had something to eat. It made our lives easy and promising.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life has become so unbearable because the cost of living has gone up. The cash I usually earn from engaging in casual jobs is hardly enough to meet my daily demands. I separated from my wife sometimes time in 2017 due to irreconcilable differences and so I have been left alone to fend for our two children, the burden of providing for them is an uphill task, it breaks my heart when I fail to provide adequately for them. Caring for children is the most reassuring and rewarding endeavor but at the same time it can drive someone nuts especially when there is not enough-ness of money.