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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 > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
20
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($313 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?
My plans for the future are centered around growth, education, and providing a secure and fulfilling life for my family. One of my primary goals is to extend my studies, a journey that was unfortunately interrupted due to the lack of funds. Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to new opportunities and expands one's horizons. By continuing my studies, I aim to acquire valuable knowledge and skills that will contribute to the well-being of my family. Equally important to me is raising my family well and ensuring their basic needs are met. I am also committed to providing a loving and nurturing environment where my family can thrive. I want to instill strong values, offer guidance, and create cherished memories. These include providing for their education, health, and overall well-being. The transfers from GiveDirectly have given me a stepping stone towards achieving these goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The positive impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly on our lives has been remarkable. We no longer experience the distress of lacking food, and am not required to seek casual work as frequently as before. This change provides me with a valuable opportunity to dedicate more time to working on my farm. The commitment and determination I bring to my agricultural endeavors are driven by the knowledge that through effective farming practices, I can generate the income needed to support my education paving the way for a brighter academic future. I am determined to seize this chance and use it as a stepping stone toward achieving my educational goals and creating a better life for my family. Looking ahead, am filled with hope and anticipation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The GiveDirectly transfers have brought about transformative changes in my life, paving the way for a brighter future for me and my family. One of the impactful decisions I made was to build a home for my family with $240. Previously, we were living in a cramped space that was far from ideal. This new home has provided us with the space and comfort we need, allowing us to live more comfortably and freely. Furthermore, I invested $130 into tomato farming. This venture was a dream that I could not bring to life due to the lack of funds. With the GiveDirectly transfers, I seized the opportunity to kick-start my tomato farming business. As a former farmer, I understood the potential of this endeavor, and the funds enabled me to acquire the necessary resources and inputs. The tomato farming business not only generates income, but also fuels my passion for agriculture. The transfers also alleviated the burden of food insecurity, as $80 allowed me to secure food for my family. Previously, I had to rely on occasional casual work to put food on the table. I am filled with gratitude for the positive changes that have come our way.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($326 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Over the course of the next one to two years, my aspirations center around the growth and expansion of my farming endeavors, aiming to bring about a significant improvement in the lifestyle of my family. With great optimism, I set my sights on the promising future of my tomato farming enterprise, envisioning its potential to elevate our circumstances. I plan to provide my child with better educational opportunities by considering a school transfer, and I am determined to construct a secure and comfortable home that accommodates all three of us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In addition to providing unconditional transfers, Give Directly did very well by giving every individual regardless of age, financial status, gender or level of education the chance to use their own funds in the best way we can by holding us accountable to every penny that we received . Give Directly recognizes that people have different financial needs and priorities, and they gave us the support to achieve our goals.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my second unconditional transfers I decided to embark on a journey of tomato farming, ultimately transforming the lifestyle of my struggling family of three. On the face of adversity, I recognized the potential of agriculture as a means to secure a sustainable income and uplift my family. I decided to allocate about $300 of the unconditional transfers towards tomato farming, a venture that held promise and opportunity. I also used $15 of the unconditional transfers to purchase five chickens, a move that brought multiple benefits to our family. Not only did the chickens provide a consistent supply of fresh eggs, but they also served as a potential source of additional income through the sale of eggs or breeding. I also made sure that I have stocked up enough food in the house since it has been so hard to secure a meal in a day and I wanted to change that narrative in my household, I bought food worth $40 that i still had and i hope it will be enough for us in the next three weeks.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($149 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At approximately 3:00 p.m. while I was at home, a notification on my phone caught my attention, and upon checking it, I learned that I had received the money in my account. At that moment, my sister was present, as she had paid me a visit, and I took pleasure in informing her and my family of the exciting news. After three days, I proceeded to withdraw the funds from my account.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving the payment, the biggest difference in my daily life has been the abundant supply of food. In the past, I would engage in casual labor and purchase food items in limited quantities. However, with the current funds, I have been able to accumulate a substantial stock of provisions, which have provided a cushion as I continue to work on casual labor.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Providing for my family of three has been a challenging endeavor, particularly as we rely on unpredictable subsistence farming and casual labor for sustenance. However, since receiving my initial transfer, I have been able to allocate $70 towards purchasing essential food items that we continue to utilize. Furthermore, I spent $32 on acquiring new wall nets and tablecloths, which have enhanced the appearance of my residence. As I depart for my casual labor each morning, I am filled with gratitude towards GiveDirectly. Additionally, I invested $15 in the purchase of five chickens, which I am currently raising with the intention of breeding and selling their products in the future. Moreover, I spent $30 to procure a chicken coop, which I transported back home for a mere $5.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Farming is my passion and so I desire to venture into full-time agribusiness. When I completed my secondary education three years ago, I was not able to further my studies due to a lack of finances. With the half-acre piece of land, I inherited from my father, I do tomatoes farming which earns a profit after three months. This income is not sustainable and to be able to have a constant stream of money I plan on using the transfers to start up sheep and poultry farming. I will be able to have multiple sources of income hence an increase in profits. I can then provide all the basic needs such as food and clothing for my family of two comfortably. I am so delighted because the transfers will come in the time that I needed it most and our lives will never be the same.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I got married to my lovely wife a year ago and my life has changed for the better. She has brought me happiness and two weeks ago we were blessed with a bouncing baby girl. Seeing her grow healthy is always my prayer. I am so thankful to God as I am a first-time father which has given me status among my peers.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge in this area. It has been three years since we got a good harvest from our farms due to a lack of rainfall. Being a farmer, I shifted from cultivating land to rearing goats to earn a living but it is not productive as they also lack enough feeds. This has forced me to supplement my income with casual jobs to provide for my family.