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.
Kenga's family
access_time 3 months ago
Kenga received a $27 thirty-seventh payment.
"In the coming months, I plan to spend my transfers on purchasing food for my family. The weather conditions have been unfavorable, and I haven’t been able to harvest anything from my farm. This has forced me to buy food from the shop at high prices, which has been difficult. I hope that next year, the climate will improve so I can farm and expand my fruit-selling business, allowing me to earn a better income. I am very appreciative of the financial support that has helped me take care of my family, especially during these challenging economic times."
Sila's family
access_time 3 months ago
Sila enrolled.
"I live around Lake Baringo, a place that boasts an abundance of water. However, despite the lake's size and beauty, I find myself deeply concerned about the safety of its water for drinking. The high fluoride levels present in the lake can lead to serious health issues, including browning of the teeth and weakening of bones. I have seen the effects of this firsthand, and the thought of my children experiencing the same problems fills me with fear. As a parent, I feel a strong responsibility to protect their health and well-being, which is why I have made the decision to purchase water from Marigat town instead. It is a tough choice, especially knowing that the water is not just a convenience but a vital necessity for their daily lives."
Sidi's family
access_time 3 months ago
Sidi received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to invest in a project that will generate sustainable income once the transfers come to an end. This project will help me escape the difficult life we’ve lived in the past. I’m glad that I’ve been using part of my transfers to acquire goats—so far, I’ve managed to get seven, which is a good start. Additionally, I’ve been using the transfers to pay my children’s school fees, allowing them to focus on their studies without interruptions. I’m very grateful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity. As the five years of support will soon come to an end, my priority is to invest in my children’s education and create an income source that will allow me to support my family with ease. By investing in goats, I’ll be able to sell some when needed to pay school fees and buy food for my family once the transfers stop. I don’t want to return to the poverty we faced before GiveDirectly’s support, so I’m committed to using these transfers wisely to secure our financial future."
Winny's family
access_time 3 months ago
Winny received a $348 second payment.
"For years, my children and I lived in a house that couldn’t protect us. It was made of grass and mud walls, and every time it rained, the roof would leak. I felt helpless, watching my children sleep in damp conditions, knowing I couldn’t do much to change it. But when I received the cash transfer, it felt like a miracle. I used $430 to build a proper one-room house with iron sheets. Now, my children have a safe, dry place to call home, and for the first time in years, I feel like we have security. In addition to the house, I knew we needed clothes. Our old clothes were so worn that finding something suitable for important occasions was impossible. So, I spent $20 on clothes for my children. As a mother of three, and with my husband gone for four years, I wanted to make sure they had something decent to wear, especially now that life was slowly improving. Lastly, I used $10 to buy food for my family. Life before this support was a constant struggle, relying on casual jobs like charcoal burning, where I barely earned $3 a day, hardly enough to feed us. But now, after receiving the cash transfer, I finally feel like there’s hope. I am deeply grateful for this support because it has transformed our lives and given us the chance to focus on a better future."
Abigael's family
access_time 3 months ago
Abigael received a $348 second payment.
"GiveDirectly has done a great job by not discriminating against anyone; as long as you have a household, you will be enrolled. If someone does not have an ID, they will be assigned a trustee to ensure they still receive the money. I appreciate how committed the officers are to their work, always busy helping people in the community. Their dedication shows that they genuinely care about making a difference. I have not seen anything negative from GiveDirectly; all my experiences have been positive. I appreciate your support."
Pauline's family
access_time 3 months ago
Pauline received a $348 second payment.
"Having a place to call my own has always been a dream of mine, especially after separating from my husband three years ago. I was living at my brother’s house, which was not ideal for me and my three children. With the unconditional cash transfer, I finally had the chance to construct a one-room house made of iron sheets for $350. This new home is a significant step towards stability and independence, allowing us to create our own space. In addition to building the house, I allocated $60 to buy a bed and mattress. Previously, I was using my brother’s bed, but now I have my own things, which brings me a sense of comfort and pride. I also set aside $40 for food, as we had been struggling to make ends meet. This money helped me provide meals for my children and allowed me to take a break from casual jobs, giving me the chance to focus on our new home and family life. Life has improved significantly since moving into my own house. I no longer carry the stress of living in someone else's space, and I feel more secure in my situation. My children are happier, and I can now plan for our future without worrying about where we will sleep at night. This cash transfer has truly changed our lives for the better, and I am grateful for the support that made this possible."
William's family
access_time 3 months ago
William received a $348 second payment.
"When the cash transfer arrived, I was very stressed about how to pay my children's school fees. I had two kids in secondary school, and I paid $250 for their fees. Before this, I used to farm and sell livestock to support their education, but I had to sell all my animals to cover overdue fees. Heavy rains also damaged my maize, and I had to spend $150 for workers to help with the harvest because the floods almost took everything away. Luckily, GiveDirectly helped me just when I needed it most. With the remaining $50, I bought clothes for my five children. Their old clothes were in terrible condition, and they didn't have decent outfits for visiting the hospital or going out. My wife and I are just farmers, and life has been hard, especially when it comes to meeting our basic needs. However, after receiving this cash transfer, I can now focus on other important things without constantly worrying about school fees.The floods have really affected us, destroying 15 chickens and damaging parts of my maize farm. Still, I am thankful for the support from GiveDirectly because it has greatly reduced my stress. Now we can finally relax a bit and think about the future, knowing that our children's education is secure and that we can work on rebuilding our lives."
Lebana's family
access_time 3 months ago
Lebana received a $348 second payment.
"The officers at GiveDirectly are very respectful and know what they are doing. They educate us well and are truly good people. GiveDirectly is very organized, and we have never seen a company like this before. I appreciate the positive attitude of the officers, and their happiness is contagious. Honestly, I have not noticed any weaknesses or problems; everything has been great. They focus on good things, and I can honestly say that my experience has been completely positive."
Jennifer's family
access_time 3 months ago
Jennifer received a $348 second payment.
"In the coming years, I plan to lease a piece of land to focus on farming, particularly planting maize, as it thrives even during the dry seasons. I believe this will provide a steady source of income and help us sustain our family’s needs. With the profits I make from farming, my priority will be to pay school fees for my children so that they can continue their education without interruption. Additionally, I aim to improve our living conditions further by expanding our home. I want my family to be comfortable and secure in the long term. Farming will be our main source of stability, and I am confident that with hard work, we will succeed."
Katilia's family
access_time 3 months ago
Katilia received a $348 second payment.
"In the coming years, my main focus is to expand my farming activities and secure a steady income. I plan to use the capital from my third cash transfer to lease more acres of land and increase my agricultural output. With more land, I can grow a variety of crops that will ensure a good harvest, even during tough seasons. Farming has been my source of livelihood, and I want to make sure it continues to provide for my family, especially with six children to take care of. I am determined to make the most out of this opportunity and create a stable future. My goal is to grow enough to not only feed my family but also sell in the market to generate more income."