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.
Jackson's family
access_time 11 months ago
Jackson received a $309 second payment.
"Givedirectly has truly transformed lives within our community, including mine. Personally, I have been able to pay school fees for my children and boost my grocery business, all thanks to the assistance provided through the transfers. These transfers have not just provided financial support; they have also instilled a sense of dignity within our community. Through initiatives like house construction and asset acquisition, individuals are empowered to improve their living standards and secure their futures. From my perspective, everything about GiveDirectly's approach is working exceptionally well. The enrollment process has been smooth, and the staff members have always treated us with respect and dignity. When a program is yielding such positive results and positively impacting the lives of its recipients, there is little need for change. I am grateful for the support GiveDirectly has provided and hopeful for what the future holds."
Pauline's family
access_time 11 months ago
Pauline received a $309 second payment.
"In the upcoming year, my goal is to lease a 4-acre piece of land along Lake Baringo. I intend to sow maize on this land, not only to generate income but also to provide food security for my family of eleven. The advantage of this location is that I can utilize irrigation methods to ensure consistent crop growth, despite the challenges posed by adverse climatic changes. To kickstart this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital investment of $2000. I plan to allocate the profits from our current farming activities towards this new endeavor. By reinvesting in our agricultural efforts, I aim to create a sustainable source of income and food production for my family. Leasing this land presents an opportunity for expansion and diversification, which is crucial for our long-term financial stability. I am optimistic about the potential of this new venture and remain committed to maximizing its success for the benefit of my family."
Wesley's family
access_time 11 months ago
Wesley received a $308 third payment.
"My wife and I rely on crop farming and livestock keeping as our main source of income. We practice our crop farming on an acre piece of land , focusing mainly on contract farming under the Kenya Seed Company. This company provides certified maize seeds and offers financial support for land preparation as a loan. Planting and crop management is on us. We frequently experience severe droughts, forcing us to rely on crop irrigation. During extreme droughts, the rivers dry up, leading to poor crop. When the harvest fails, the contracting company expects us to pay the loan back within a period of one year. If we fail, they auction our assets, making it difficult to meet our needs including better housing. I used the last $450 transfer to construct a two-room house with an iron sheet roof because my current one-room muddy house was too small, forcing my wife, our four children, and me to share a single room. The limited space meant we had to cook outside, which became particularly challenging during the rainy season. When we had visitors, we were compelled to ask our neighbors for additional space for them to spend the night. Although the new house is nearly complete, I have yet to install the doors and windows, primarily due to financial constraints. The money from the third transfer was insufficient, but I plan to finish the house as soon as I secure the funds. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has significantly changed our lives."
Zainab's family
access_time 11 months ago
Zainab received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Having established a vegetable-selling stand through the cash transfers, my next objective is to open a kiosk shop in the village. Recognizing the market demand for fast-moving goods in this community, I aim to capitalize on this opportunity and create a sustainable livelihood for my family. To kickstart this venture, I estimate that a minimum of $90 will be required. I plan to accumulate the necessary capital through savings from the existing business and the ongoing cash transfers. I am optimistic that by September of this year, I will have gathered enough funds to launch the kiosk shop successfully."
Mwenda's family
access_time 11 months ago
Mwenda received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"My ultimate goal is to be able to support the education of my four children and provide daily meals for them. I am glad the cash transfers have played a crucial role in supporting these aspects over the past few years, but I am aware that they will not be here for the long run. To secure a sustainable source of income, I have set a goal for the coming year and beyond—to establish a livelihood through livestock ownership, specifically by rearing chickens and goats. As they multiply, I intend to sell them, creating a continuous source of funds that will enable me to meet the ongoing needs of my children."
Katana's family
access_time 11 months ago
Katana received a $363 second payment.
"On receiving the second transfer, I used $80 to pay my daughter Sofia's school fees. She's in secondary school and has a huge debt. The school wouldn't let her eat lunch or even send her home until we paid. Sometimes she'd go hungry all day until we could give her dinner at home. I also spent $180 on my other daughter, Zawadi. She didn't do well in school and wanted to join a beauty school. I hope she'll help us in the future. She promised to. Then, I bought a piece of land, 35 by 35, for $150. We can finally have our own home. Lastly, I used $180 for my niece's medical bills. She had an accident. I'm a casual worker, sometimes earning only $30 a day. My wife sells charcoal, but we barely make enough for our nine children's food and basic needs. Am so grateful to Give Directly for the great support. May God bless them abundantly."
Nakoroi's family
access_time 11 months ago
Nakoroi received a $308 second payment.
"I believe in working hard, and I trust that God will help me succeed. I'm going to do my best to make my farming successful so I can see the results. I have a plan: after I harvest tomatoes, I'll plant green grams. Meanwhile, I'll save up the money I make to improve my living situation. Right now, my house is made of mud and grass, so I want to build a better one. I also want to make sure my grandchildren have an easier time getting an education. My own kids are grown up now and no longer in school, so I'll focus on helping my grandchildren instead."
Harrison's family
access_time 11 months ago
Harrison received a $137 initial payment.
"It was around 6:30 PM when I received a message notification on my phone, and upon checking, I realized it was from GiveDirectly confirming the receipt of my first transfer. At that moment, I was with my spouse and our three kids. I hurried to show her the message, and we shared an exciting moment together. I had no doubts about its authenticity since the indicated amount was exact as promised, and the sender's identity matched the explanation we had received during the initial sensitization meeting. Despite our happiness, we couldn't collect the money the same day, even though all the plans were set. Instead, we visited the nearby shopping center the following morning."
Sintayon's family
access_time 11 months ago
Sintayon received a $125 initial payment.
"As the day ended and darkness crept in, I trudged wearily back home. I had spent the whole day working hard on my neighbor's farm under the hot sun. It's tough work, but it's how I make $3 a day to feed my family of six. Exhausted, I finally got home and decided to check my phone for any missed calls, having been too busy to do so throughout the day. To my surprise and immense relief, I found a message confirming the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I couldn't help but kneel down in my bedroom and offer thanks to God for this timely blessing. With my son about to start Form One, we were facing financial strain, especially since the irregular farm work during the dry season offered limited opportunities for income. Despite community assistance through Harambee that raised $200, we still lacked funds for essential school supplies like uniforms and books, as this could only cater for the term one school fee. The arrival of the transfer lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, ensuring that my child could attend school comfortably. I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for this support during our time of need."
David's family
access_time 11 months ago
David received a $308 second payment.
"I aspire to purchase a business vehicle to secure a stable source of income in the future. To make this dream a reality, I intend to sell some of my assets, such as goats, and also consider borrowing from the sacco. I am confident in my ability to achieve this goal, and it fills me with hope."