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.
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1 month ago
Dama
received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My family is currently facing a difficult and trying time. My eldest son, who is our primary breadwinner, was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident. As he continues his recovery, my immediate priority is to support him with the medical bills and provide food for our family using my transfers from GiveDirectly. His well-being means everything to me, and I am committed to supporting him until I see him back on his feet. I am also working toward securing a stable future for my family. I have been developing a plot of land which is by the roadside where I am building rental houses. I envision that this will be a dependable source of income especially when this program eventually comes to an end. To achieve this, once my son is back on his feet, I plan to save a portion of my transfers through our local savings group so that I may use the accumulated funds to purchase additional building materials and continue construction until the project is complete. This vision fills me with hope and determination. I know that with careful planning and perseverance, I will achieve this goal, creating a legacy that will support my family for years to come. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their support during these challenging times. Their assistance has not only provided immediate relief but also renewed my hope for a brighter and more secure future."
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1 month ago
Monicah
received a $347 third payment.
"What I like about GiveDirectly is the straightforwardness of their cash transfers. They inform us transparently about how the program works, which makes it easy to trust and appreciate. The support they provide has made a real difference in my life. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to reach out to more people and enroll as many people as possible, so that more families can benefit from this life-changing support. I believe the program has the potential to help many others, just like it helped me."
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1 month ago
Francis
received a $347 third payment.
"After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I saw this as an opportunity to get my life back on track and create a way to generate income consistently. I decided to invest the entire amount in farming, as I am physically disabled and had previously relied on my family and neighbors for support. I used $250 to buy ready kale seeds and the remaining $20 to maintain my farm by purchasing the necessary pesticides and setting up irrigation. I planted the kale on half an acre of land, and I’m hopeful that I will have a consistent harvest for the entire year. This will provide my family with both food and sustainable income, helping me pay school fees and meet other immediate household needs. This investment in farming has given me a sense of independence and hope for the future."
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1 month ago
Jeniffer
received a $347 second payment.
"My goal for this year and beyond is to ensure that my two children stay in school by paying their fees without interruptions. I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to clear any remaining balances, making their education my top priority. Education is very important to me because I see it as a long-term investment, not only in their future but also in mine.
When they complete their studies and secure employment, they will be able to take care of themselves, and their families, and even support me as I grow older. This thought gives me hope and motivation to prioritize their education above everything else. I am grateful for GiveDirectly’s support, which is helping me make this dream a reality."
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1 month ago
Patronilla
received a $347 second payment.
"I have two primary goals for this year and beyond to complete the construction of my house and to invest further in my business. The completion of my house will depend on the last transfer from GiveDirectly, which I plan to use to finalize the construction. This will be a significant milestone for me because the floods destroyed my previous home, and owning a house again will bring stability and security to my family.
Additionally, I plan to invest in the business I started with the first transfers. This step is crucial as it will ensure a steady flow of income to my household. With this income, I will be able to meet my family’s daily needs without constant worry. These goals fill me with hope and determination, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for allowing me to rebuild and work toward a better future."
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1 month ago
Mercy
received a $347 second payment.
"Going forward, my immediate goal for this year and the years to come is to complete the payment for the cow for which I have already made a deposit. Once that is done, I plan to focus on improving my home by purchasing necessary furniture. This includes a closet, a table, and sofa sets that will not only bring comfort to my family but also enhance the appearance and functionality of our living space.
The thought of achieving these goals and creating a more comfortable and organized home fills my heart with deep satisfaction and gratitude. I am excited about the positive changes these plans will bring to my family’s daily life."
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1 month ago
Juliet
received a $347 second payment.
"I was overjoyed when I received $450 from GiveDirectly. At the time, I was broke, but I had already planned how to use the money wisely. First, I spent $240 to buy four sheep, marking the start of a long-term investment. Owning sheep was a new venture for me, and I am confident that as they reproduce and grow into a larger flock, they will provide me with the means to face future challenges without worry.
Next, I used $100 to lease land where I plan to plant maize early next year with seeds from the Kenya Seed Company. This farming initiative will not only help me generate extra income but also address the urgent food needs of my family.
When I received this transfer, I had already planted tomatoes using the first transfer, so I allocated $50 to buy pesticides to ensure a healthy harvest. This will further strengthen my food supply and income.
Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy food and clothes for my three children. Despite not having a harvest due to the recent floods, we now have enough food to sustain us, and my children feel supported and included. This support has brought hope and relief to my family, and I am incredibly grateful for it."
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1 month ago
Alex
received a $347 second payment.
"I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for their support. Recently, I received $450 from them, and I decided to focus not only on addressing my most pressing needs but also on investing in things that will help me generate more income in the future.
First, I used $50 to clear the school fees balance for two of my children in primary school. They had missed a few days of school because of unpaid fees, but since I made the payment, they haven’t missed a single day. This transfer came at a critical time because I had been struggling after floods swept away my farm, which was my only source of income for paying fees. This shows just how timely and impactful this support was.
With that taken care of, I used the remaining $400 to invest in farming. This amount went toward buying farming equipment I didn’t own before, including water pipes, a water pump, and a generator. These tools have transformed my farming activities, as I can now pump water from the river to my farm. This shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation will ensure that my farming is more consistent and reliable.
With irrigation, I am confident that I will have a steady income, enabling me to raise my family’s standard of living by providing better education and ensuring food security. This support has given me hope and a clear path toward building a brighter future for my family."
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1 month ago
Grace
received a $347 second payment.
"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness. I immediately set aside $250 for my son's education. He completed a certificate in education five years ago but has struggled to find employment. This money has allowed him to advance his education to the diploma level. As a teacher, this upgrade will equip him with practical skills for Kenya's new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), significantly improving his chances of securing a job after graduation.
With my son's education sorted, I focused on farming. I had already planted beans on 1.5 acres of land using seeds from the Kenya Seed Company. I used $150 to maintain the farm and ensure a good harvest. This amount covered the cost of pesticides, herbicides, and irrigation. I am hopeful for a successful harvest that will not only provide food for my family but also help me pay school fees to keep my children in school.
The remaining money was used to settle a small debt at the local shop, where I had been buying food on credit. Clearing this debt has helped me maintain good relationships with the shopkeeper. I also bought food for my family, ensuring I had the energy to focus on my farm work.
This support has given me hope and has made a significant difference in my life and that of my family."
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1 month ago
Geoffrey
received a $347 second payment.
"I appreciate GiveDirectly for supporting people without discrimination, as this ensures that everyone in need has an equal opportunity to receive the transfers. The follow-up on the transfers has been highly effective, encouraging recipients to spend their money wisely, which has led to positive changes in our community. This impact is further reinforced by the sensitization on wise spending during community meetings, which has helped us make better financial decisions, especially with the unconditional nature of the funds. Moreover, receiving the money directly through our phones enhances security and ensures it reaches the intended person without delays. Overall, I believe GiveDirectly is doing an excellent job, and I see no areas for improvement; they should continue with the same approach."
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