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.
Dama's family
access_time 1 year ago
Dama enrolled.
"Reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am just a house wife and my husband does casual jobs at the coastal towns earning approximately $100 per month. The money caters mainly for food making children lack school fees. This has caused my first daughter to miss classes for almost two weeks due to lack of school fees and as a result she has dropped in her performance."
Edward's family
access_time 1 year ago
Edward received a $295 third payment.
"The organization's approach to providing unconditional cash has been a lifeline for me. The simplicity of just receiving cash without any strings attached is a game-changer. It's not just about the money; it's about the trust and respect embedded in the process. GiveDirectly recognizes that I, as an individual, understand my needs better than anyone else. This unconditional support has allowed me to address immediate concerns like housing, ensuring that my family has a secure and comfortable place to live. The freedom to decide how to use the money has empowered me, and I am grateful for GiveDirectly's innovative and impactful approach."
Leah's family
access_time 1 year ago
Leah received a $295 third payment.
"It is truly remarkable how receiving the transfers has transformed my life and the lives of those around me. Personally, I have been able to achieve significant milestones, such as constructing a house for my family and ensuring that we have enough food on the table. Witnessing the positive changes in my community, including the acquisition of assets, has been incredibly fulfilling. GiveDirectly's impact has been nothing short of transformative. Their approach has brought about tangible improvements, not just for individuals like me but for the entire community. The changes we have experienced have been vital in shaping a better present and laying the groundwork for a more promising future. I am grateful for the role GiveDirectly has played in changing my life for the better. Their work has been effective, and I firmly believe that they are making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of many. From my perspective, there is nothing that needs changing about their approach; it has been nothing short of life-changing."
Vancy's family
access_time 1 year ago
Vancy received a $295 third payment.
"When the transfers finally came, it was a moment of relief and hope. I knew I had to plan wisely, allocating funds to address our immediate needs and secure our future. I spent $100 on maize, anticipating the harsh drought in January. Another $100 went into purchasing goats, an investment I saw as crucial for our family's stability. But I did not just stop at immediate needs. With $30, I bought various seedlings—beans, butternuts, groundnuts, and cowpeas—that I hoped would yield food for my family of five, providing sustenance beyond the present. Furthermore,education has always been my priority. I am a student at Kenya Medical Training College Kabarnet, yet fee arrears of $470 loomed over me. I used $150 to clear a portion of the fees, aiming to pave the way for completing my studies. The remaining funds were directed towards clothing, ensuring our basic necessities were met. It has been a tough journey; I have had to defer my studies three times due to financial constraints, but these transfers have brought a ray of hope. They have improved my financial status, allowing me to take steps toward finishing my education and providing better for my family."
Charles's family
access_time 1 year ago
Charles received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has truly made a significant impact on my life by providing me with unconditional cash. The ability to take at least three meals a day might seem like a simple thing, but for me, it's a profound change. This financial support has alleviated the constant worry about where the next meal will come from. Now, my family and I have a more stable and nourishing diet. The organization's approach to directly empowering individuals has worked wonders, giving me the autonomy to address my immediate needs."
Hellen's family
access_time 1 year ago
Hellen enrolled.
"Due to our high dependence in agriculture, we face a lot of challenges. The main one is the inadequate water supply due to the elongated drought period. It's better now, but with time the water becomes inadequate due to many farmers with large farms. It's also hard getting enough farm materials such as fertilizer, chemicals to spray our farms or money to support labour needs. These challenges has led to low family income, making our lives difficult. It's hard raising school fees for our children."
Duncan's family
access_time 1 year ago
Duncan enrolled.
"Since we have been farmers for a long time. The drought has led to limited water supply to our farms. This led to low productivity to zero over the last decade. When there's enough water, life generally becomes easier because our farm produce gets high. It has affected our life's since low productivity leads to hard life. We're not able to support ourselves. Irregular water supply has made our life's difficult since we cannot plan well and also due to losses."
Alex's family
access_time 1 year ago
Alex enrolled.
"My worst worry has been income generation. I depend on irrigation farming, which is labour intensive. It means I take loans from lending institutions to farm, then repay. The interest is high, and sometimes the crop production may not even cover the principal taken. This means one may end up accumulating loans. It has affected my ability to develop myself due to pressure to pay back loans."
Faith's family
access_time 1 year ago
Faith received a $295 third payment.
"I utilized a portion of my recent unconditional cash transfer to completely revamp my living situation. With $300, I purchased essentials like iron sheets, poles, and timber to construct a new house. The previous one was on the verge of collapsing, and it pained me to see my family of four living in such precarious conditions. The stress and frustration were overwhelming at times, as I grappled with the feeling of failing my children by not providing them with a safe and decent home. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford, and it weighed heavily on my heart. Finally, I can offer my family the security and comfort they deserve. This transformation has not only upgraded our living conditions but has also revived my self-esteem. Moreover, I invested around $150 in bolstering my business selling vegetables, honey, and household items. This infusion of capital has brought about a significant change. Initially, I was making a meager profit of $2, but now, with the improvements I've made to the business, the profit has increased to $10. It's been a tremendous relief and boost for our household income. My spouse, who doesn't have a stable job, has been immensely supportive, contributing time and effort to help manage and operate the business. This collaboration not only strengthens our financial stability but also brings us closer as partners, working together towards a more secure future for our family."
Viola's family
access_time 1 year ago
Viola received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has truly excelled in ensuring that the money reaches those who need it most. Their approach to providing unconditional cash transfers has been a lifeline for me and many others. The simplicity of receiving direct financial support allowed me to address my immediate needs with autonomy and dignity. Whether it was improving my living conditions, securing a better education for my children, or investing in income-generating activities, GiveDirectly's assistance has been instrumental. Their commitment to transparency and efficiency in channeling funds directly to recipients has made a tangible and positive impact on my life, empowering me to make the best choices for my unique circumstances."