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 > Rael's Profile
Rael's family
Rael
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
63
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($306 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With a 0.5-acre piece of bare land waiting to be cultivated and the much-anticipated rains approaching, I have decided it is time to take action. My family of three is eager to make use of this land by sowing beans and maize to sustain ourselves. However, we know that to protect our future harvest, we first need to fence the property. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, I plan to reach out to my dependable neighbor and propose a joint effort to build the fence. I am confident that together we can achieve our mission of a plentiful harvest and nourishing food for our family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's transfer programs have had a remarkable impact on the lives of many families. These initiatives have provided essential support by ensuring families have access to food, helping them acquire assets, and even enabling them to build homes. This approach has been instrumental in uplifting families from poverty and improving their overall living conditions. By staying committed to their mission, GiveDirectly can keep making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, ultimately fostering economic empowerment and a brighter future for these families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family of three often depends on maize farming to earn a living. Unfortunately, the harsh climatic conditions have made the land unproductive, therefore lowering the yield as well as income for the household. GiveDirectly has marked a turning point for me and my family through the transfers. When I received the transfers, I spent $346 on constructing a 2-room house besides the 1-room house I currently have. I am glad my family now has a spacious and comfortable house. I also spent $24 on barbed wire that I wish to fence my farm with. Additionally, I paid $10 in school fees for my children, $20 on household goods, and saved $50 for emergencies. GiveDirectly did not just provide us with financial assistance; they provided us with the opportunity for a better life, and for that, we are truly elated and grateful.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($318 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
We held high hopes for the future as they nurtured our newly acquired goat. They understood the potential for the offspring of the goat to multiply, paving the way for a more stable financial future. With each passing day, we cared for the goat with love and attention, ensuring its well-being. We learned about proper breeding techniques and sought guidance from experienced goat farmers in our community. We eagerly anticipated the arrival of newborn kids, envisioning a growing herd that would bring us economic stability.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
During a time of great hunger and desperation, an unexpected lifeline arrived, bringing forth a glimmer of hope. It was an opportunity to address my greatest challenge, a chance to prioritize the well-being of my children and make their dreams come true. And for that, I am eternally grateful to GiveDirectly. The transfers came at a time when our struggles were at their peak. It brought much needed relief and allowed us to focus on what truly mattered. With the support we received, we were able to provide our children with a good home, a dream that had seemed unattainable for so long. The weight of hunger lifted from our shoulders, replaced by renewed hope and the opportunity to create a brighter future. We seized the chance with gratitude in our hearts, determined to make the most of this newfound stability. Seeing our children happy and secure in their new home was the greatest gift we could ever ask for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our previous home was small and inadequate for our growing children, who often had to seek out alternative places to sleep in the neighborhood. Determined to provide a better life for our family, we began constructing a new home. Although the house was modest, it held the promise of comfort and happiness. As the construction progressed, our anticipation grew. Finally, we completed our new abode, valuing it at $390. Within these walls, we hoped to create a haven where our family could thrive. Not content with just improving our living conditions, we also had an eye toward the future. Recognizing the potential in investments, we purchased a goat for $40. This seemingly unconventional choice was made with a clear purpose in mind. We believed that the goat could become a valuable asset, whether through breeding or utilizing its products for additional income. In addition to our investment, we understood the importance of sustaining ourselves. we wisely allocated $20 to purchase food, ensuring that our loved ones would never go hungry. Through GiveDirectly transfers, we transformed our living situation, created a home, and took steps toward securing our future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($129 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just going about usual duties in the farm when I received a messaging confirming that I had received money from Givedirectly.I was filled with joy upon confirming and I was glad that they kept their promise of sending the transfers within the time that that had promised to do so.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change in my life is that I am no longer required to sell my goats in order to meet my other requirements. Despite the drought, we are currently irrigating our farm in Marigat with the support of the cash we received from Givedirectly, and we are optimistic that in the near future, we will harvest some food for family consumption. I was also able to employ and pay someone to prepare my land for tilling.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We have a farm close to Marigat town, and since accessing water there is considerably simpler, we usually plant food crops like corn and practice some irrigation. We therefore spent $20 to buy water for irrigation using the first transfer received. There is currently a drought here, making it practically hard for plants to survive on their own, therefore this is the only reliable method of obtaining food. In addition to the goats I already own, I also spent $30 on a goat for rearing. Goats are relatively draught-resistant and inexpensive to maintain and thus the reason we keep them. I bought food for my family and paid for land tilling with the remainder of the transfer.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The drought has made it difficult to get food. It's important to buy food that will sustain us for 2 months. That will give us peace of mind as we plan for the other months. I will spend $100 on food. Due to damages caused by animals on my farm. I plan to secure it by fencing a 1 acre of land. I will be able to grow maize during the rainy season. Costing approximately $50. I will also use $400 from planting up to harvesting of millet. This will give me enough food in the coming year. To store my harvests, I will build storage. For both maize and millet. That will cost $200. Additionally, I will use $200 to increase my stock and will buy at least 5 goats. This will help grow our stock for future emergencies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What makes me happy are my 6 children and the 40 goats are have. It brings me joy having a family and having to support them in whichever way I can. The goats provide me with a source of livelihood.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to the drought, it's really difficult puting food on the table. Last year I planted some millet and due to no rains I harvested nothing. This has led to the food instability we're experiencing now. To get food I was forced to sell all my chicken and some some goats. We had no other choice due to hunger. This has been the biggest challenge facing us. It's sad not being able to eat and worrying everyday about food. To also survive I've been depending on my children.