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.
Damaris's family
access_time 10 months ago
Damaris received a $139 initial payment.
"For a long time, my family and I used our neighbor's toilet because we couldn't afford to build our own. While we were grateful for the help, sharing a toilet with many people made it difficult to keep it clean and posed a risk of contracting diseases. Unfortunately, I couldn't do much about it until I had the means to build our own toilet. The lack of financial resources made it impossible for me to afford the materials needed. However, things changed after I received the first transfer. I was able to purchase the necessary building materials such as iron sheets, poles, and bricks, and finally built our own toilet. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me to complete this project, which has significantly improved our living environment. Thanks to this support, we no longer have to share a toilet with others, and I don't know how long it would have taken us to achieve this without the transfer."
Kang'ombe's family
access_time 10 months ago
Kang'ombe received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to get two plowing bulls. These bulls will enable me to transform my farm and secure a better future for my family. I will use them to plow my farm efficiently, increasing the crop yields. Additionally, I plan to lease them out to my neighbors for a small fee, thus providing an income. To make this dream a reality, I have devised a careful savings plan. Each month, I set aside $15 from the money I received from GiveDirectly. Considering that a small bull costs $100, I will be able to buy my first bull in just over six months and the second one shortly after. This disciplined approach will not only bring me closer to my immediate goal but will also pave the way for long-term prosperity and stability."
Kavumbi's family
access_time 10 months ago
Kavumbi enrolled.
"School fees for my children is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband and I do casual jobs making approximately $30 per month which caters for food and school fees though not enough. My children have been missing classes due to lack of school fees thus dropping in their performances. Some have even dropped out of school."
Sidi's family
access_time 10 months ago
Sidi enrolled.
"My husband and I do casual jobs making approximately $30 per month which caters for food and school fees. Sometimes it takes a whole month without any job and this has affected my children's education since they miss classes due to accumulated fees balance of $30 now. Lack of reliable sources of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life."
Zosi's family
access_time 10 months ago
Zosi received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My goals for the coming year and beyond include purchasing a new bed and mattress, fixing a door on my house, and acquiring more livestock. The bed and mattress will provide me with much-needed comfort during my sleep, while the door will ensure the safety of my property inside the house. By investing in more livestock, I will have a valuable resource to fall back on in the event of an emergency, even after the financial aid ends. I plan to achieve these goals by saving a portion of my transfers each month. I am very appreciative of the financial transfers, which are helping me work towards these goals and improve my life."
Pauline's family
access_time 10 months ago
Pauline received a $153 initial payment.
"As I walked back from the farm to plough, a message suddenly popped up on my phone, confirming the receipt of $200 from GiveDirectly. My heart swelled with happiness, and I couldn't wait to share the news with my husband, who was away from home. I immediately called him to break the news, and his response was filled with excitement and gratitude. The first thing that came to my mind was fulfilling the plans we had already discussed with my husband, and I was eager to start making progress on those goals."
Zawadi's family
access_time 10 months ago
Zawadi received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"I currently have three goats, all purchased with the help of the transfers. My goal for the coming year and beyond is to purchase more livestock with my subsequent transfers. I plan to save a portion of my transfers each month, and once I have enough money, I will purchase another goat. Over time, they will multiply and grow the herd. In the future, when I need money, the livestock will come in handy because I can sell some and use the money to attend to my needs. I am very appreciative of the financial transfers and how they have helped me improve my life."
Esther's family
access_time 10 months ago
Esther received a $344 third payment.
"I rely on farming my one-acre land, primarily growing maize for sale to the Kenya Seed Company. However, last year, a severe drought devastated our crops, resulting in significant losses. This unexpected disaster left me unable to pay my son's school fees in full at the beginning of the year, as I usually do. When I received the third transfer, I prioritized using $150 to cater for his second-term fees. He is currently in his final year of secondary education, and ensuring his fees are cleared keeps me relieved of the worries of him being sent home. This is crucial, so he can focus on his studies without interruption. Additionally, I allocated $210 to purchase building materials to construct a bigger, better house for my family. I have already acquired the necessary iron sheets and frames, and I only have to purchase nails, doors, and windows, and pay for labour. Our current dwelling, which serves as both the living room and bedroom, is too cramped and uncomfortable for my family of five. Expanding our living space will greatly improve our living conditions and overall well-being. I also used $40 to buy new clothes for my children, supplementing their few clothes. This ensures they have adequate clothing for various occasions and seasons. I used the remaining $50 to purchase food supplies for my family, ensuring we had enough to eat."
Gladys's family
access_time 10 months ago
Gladys received a $421 initial payment.
"I was relaxing in the afternoon when I decided to check my phone, as it doesn't show message notifications. I had heard my neighbors rejoicing about receiving their transfers from GiveDirectly, so I was curious. When I saw the message, I was so excited that I immediately thought of my father, who doesn't know how to check his messages yet he was also expecting the money. I rushed to him, since the helper that had been assigned to him had travelled. I checked his phone and to our surprise, the money had also been sent to him. I told him about the message and it got him very excited as well."
Brian's family
access_time 10 months ago
Brian received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I don't have any specific goals but to save the little income I get from casual jobs that I do at home. Additionally, I save a part of my monthly income, around $20, to put towards paying my college fees. I am really dedicated to pursuing a plumbing course. Currently, my parents are peasant farmers and they can't afford the $600 needed to send me to college. This means I have to work very hard to find ways to join college. I am passionate about this course, and it's not as costly compared to other courses. I also like the idea of being self-employed after completing my studies. I believe I can sell my skills through good work. I am optimistic that with support from Give Directly, I will achieve my dream of supporting my parents and myself in the future."