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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Benter's Profile
Benter's family
Benter
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
40
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($522 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been if I never received the transfer in that, I could not have managed to build a spacious house or take my child to college on time. I have a sugar plantation that I normally depend on but I had to wait for the plants to mature so as to get money from its sales which could have taken a long time to accomplish my goals. Seeing my children pursuing their education makes me a happy mother. The fact that I know that they will not be sent home due to fee arrears for some time has given me peace of mind since I had paid for other terms too.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I love the fact that GiveDirectly uplifted our living standards. The money was unconditional. The best part of it is that it was not a loan that could be repayable. This enabled us to have the confidence to work on our long term projects without panicking.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on building a house. I used to live in a tiny house which was old. This is the house which my late husband had built many years ago. Today I feel happy living in my dream spacious house. I also paid school fees for my two children in college and high school respectively. I had been thinking on how to pay their school fee and being that I was depending on my sugarcane produce to mature up, I was worried of the timing but I am glad that GiveDirectly money came in handy. Apart from that, I also bought a dairy cow for milk production. I am happy because the previous ones died and I had to buy milk from my neighbors which was expensive.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have a nice better house. Something that I never knew could come that early.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy. I have never handled that kind of amount before.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying building materials that I am using to build a new better house like the one I used to stay in was not in a very good condition. Some part of the money I spent on buying a cow for rearing and leasing a piece of land where I since grown sugarcane.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money to means an opportunity for positive life transformation. I shall use this money to adopt new farming techniques that will contribute to an increase in my farm produce.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in morning when I have woken up strong and able to carry on with my daily chores. I feel happy because I always count it as a special favour from God to be alive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face is the inability to acquire food since I am not employed. In addition, I am widow and I have no one to look upon for support.