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.
Happy Holidays!
GDLive updates will be slower while GiveDirectly's Africa offices are closed over the holidays.
Cicilia's family
access_time 1 month ago
Cicilia received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is their cash program, which allowed me to address my needs in the best way possible. The freedom to decide how to use the funds has had a significant impact on my life and my family's well-being. I deeply appreciate this approach, as it empowers recipients to make choices that best suit their unique situations. My recommendation for GiveDirectly is to consider sending additional transfers beyond the third and final one. This would enable us to experience even greater transformation and continue improving our lives in meaningful ways."
Paulina's family
access_time 1 month ago
Paulina received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is their unconditional cash program, which gives individuals the freedom to address their needs. This flexibility has been very helpful, as it allowed me to prioritize what is most important for my family. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider adding more transfers beyond the third transfer. This would provide continued support, helping families like mine sustain and build on the progress we've made. The additional transfers could make a big difference in further improving our lives."
Jeremy's family
access_time 1 month ago
Jeremy received a $347 second payment.
"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with gratitude and immediately set my plans into motion. Previously, I did not own any livestock, and I saw this as an opportunity to invest in these valuable assets that create a sustainable impact. I used $270 to buy livestock, including one cow and two sheep. My goal is for them to multiply and become a source of income while providing a safety net for future emergencies. I also allocated $40 toward my wife’s college education. In the past, I relied on farming and fundraisers to support her studies, but this support from GiveDirectly has ensured she can continue her education uninterrupted. This will help her become competitive in the job market and open up better opportunities in the future. Additionally, I spent $50 on new clothes for my family, including my wife, our child, and myself. This has brought us comfort and confidence, making it easier to interact and associate with others in the community. I own a motorbike, which I use to transport people and goods around the village as a source of income. I spent $40 on repairs to ensure it remains in good working condition, securing this vital income stream for my family. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy food, as it is an essential need that no household can go without, especially when there is money available. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to address multiple important needs and create a foundation for a more secure and sustainable future for my family."
Josephine's family
access_time 1 month ago
Josephine received a $347 second payment.
"I was overjoyed to receive $450 from GiveDirectly, and I am deeply grateful for their support. I used $350 of the transfer to buy iron sheets because I am planning to build a new house. Currently, my family of five children and I live in a traditional manyatta house, which is not sufficient for our needs. I hope to complete the construction with the help of the next transfer from GiveDirectly. With the remaining $100, I leased a piece of land for maize farming. Previously, I lacked the capital to start farming, but now I have the means to pursue this goal. This farming will help ensure my household is food secure, and any surplus can be sold to generate income. I am thankful for this opportunity, as it has given me the means to improve both my living conditions and my family’s future."
Rebecca's family
access_time 1 month ago
Rebecca received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is their strong determination to alleviate poverty through unconditional cash transfers. Their approach is impactful and has truly made a difference in my life and the lives of many others. I have no specific recommendations for them because their program is already effective and well-structured. My only hope is that they continue with their current model, as it is transforming lives and bringing hope to many communities."
Debra's family
access_time 1 month ago
Debra received a $347 second payment.
"What stands out for me about GiveDirectly is their transparency, which I truly admire. They ensure that everything they do is clear and fair by always asking for consent before taking any action. This approach makes recipients feel respected and valued. I highly recommend that GiveDirectly expand its program to other areas that have not yet been enrolled. By doing so, more people will have the opportunity to transform their lives, just as I have. Their work is truly impactful, and I believe it can benefit even more communities."
Masha's family
access_time 1 month ago
Masha received a $27 eighteenth payment.
"Since I am still in school, my primary goal is to successfully complete my four years of high school and excel academically. I am focused on ensuring that by the time I graduate, I will be prepared to pursue my passion: working in the Kenya Defence Forces. Currently, I am in my third year and have already started preparing for my final exams next year. My priority is to concentrate on my studies to achieve this goal. I am deeply grateful for the support I receive, which is helping me inch closer to realizing my dream. I use my monthly transfers to pay school fees, supplemented by some help from my brother. Once I achieve this dream, I will be able to support my mother, who needs me the most as a widow, and I will finally live the life I have always envisioned with a stable and fulfilling job."
Sidi's family
access_time 1 month ago
Sidi received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"My primary goal right now is to build a two-room house for my family. The current house has only two small rooms, which barely accommodate my family of six. We’ve been squeezing into this space for a long time, and I feel it’s time my children have the privacy they need, especially now that they are growing up. To achieve this goal, I already have 12 iron sheets, but I need at least 20 to complete the construction. I plan to purchase the remaining materials using funds from my upcoming transfers, savings from the small business I run, and additional support from my husband. I believe that once this dream becomes a reality, it will bring my family the comfort and happiness we’ve been missing for so long. As a mother, completing this house will not only restore my dignity but also bring me a sense of fulfillment that has eluded me for years."
Vincent's family
access_time 1 month ago
Vincent enrolled.
"My biggest challenge currently is a lack of money. I have three children of whom I'm paying fees for and since my wife passed on I have been left with the burden of providing for them. It's challenging for me since I depend on being hired as a driver which is not enough to cater for my household needs and also my children's school fees. This has left me so stressed and worried for the future of my children."
Edward's family
access_time 1 month ago
Edward enrolled.
"Prolonged period of drought is the biggest hurdle we are currently facing. I am a livestock farmer and it is our major source of livelihood yet we receive minimal rainfall in our region. Animal feeds has become scarce and moreover, this has brought about the ripple effect and getting school fees and cash for domestic use is now an uphill task. I, therefore, intend to spend my first transfer on clearing school fees arrears and do away with the fears that has built in my life. This is the corner stone in realizing a fulfilled life as a parent and I am glad that I will be among the beneficiaries of GiveDirectly."