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 over 1 year ago
Dama received a $25 fourteenth payment.
"I currently want to invest in raising livestock, mainly goats. I decided on goats since they can handle the harsh climatic condition in our area, they are less expensive to buy than cows, and there is a ready market for them when it comes time to sell. Due to the famine situation, it is challenging to accomplish this all at once, so I came up with a plan to buy at least three hens with each transfer. Thereafter, I will trade them for goats since seven chickens are considered equivalent to a goat."
Kahunda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kahunda received a tenth payment.
"I would love to continue supporting the education of my children who are still in primary school. I want to ensure they have the opportunity to study until they graduate from their desired level of education. Even though I engage in casual jobs to accomplish this, I believe that the cash transfers will play a crucial role in supporting their education and helping them achieve their goals as well."
Mark's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mark received a $129 initial payment.
"As usual, I was performing some manual labor on the farm when my phone notified me of a message. And when I looked, I saw that it was the transfer from Givedirectly that we had anticipated. I was thrilled and knew right away that things will improve in my life!"
Kadzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $394 initial payment.
"My two grandchildren, who are all in my care after their mother died and their father has been unsupportive, were nearly sent home due to fee arrears that had accumulated over time. I could not afford to raise all of the required fees on my own because I do not have a source of income, relying primarily on burning and selling charcoal, which, aside from being tedious, pays little. When I received the transfer, I paid KES 20,000 and cleared the fee arrears, and they were allowed to continue their studies. I also replaced the old bedding that I had been using for many years. They were old and worn out, and they did not provide a good night's sleep. As a result, I spent KES 10,000 on a new bed and mattress to sleep on. I spent the remainder of the transfer money on food for my family, such as maize flour and cereals. Despite the financial constraints that I am facing, this ensured that my household did not go hungry."
Jumwa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jumwa received a $394 initial payment.
"I received the transfer after starting to cultivate my farm because there has been enough rain. After experiencing a persistent drought that made farming impossible for several years, I was faced with the challenge of food scarcity in my household. I had to buy food on a daily basis, which was very expensive, especially since I do not have a source of income that would allow me to easily provide for my family. I had been relying on farming to ensure that food was available in my household after a successful harvest. When I received the transfer, I spent KES 15000 and hired labourers to work on my farm, with the goal of maximizing my farm's utilization for increased harvest. This will solve the problem of food scarcity, and I will no longer have to spend money on food. Furthermore, I spent KES 30000 on iron sheets, a solar panel, and a new front door for my home. My primary need prior to enrolling in the program was iron sheets and doors to finish the construction of my living house. It had been stalled for several months because I could not afford to buy the remaining materials. I spent the remaining funds on foodstuffs, ensuring that my family would not go hungry in my home. I also went shopping for utensils and other household items that I was missing."
Kache's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kache received a $25 tenth payment.
"Well, considering my many needs, there are several goals I wish to accomplish. However, at the top of my priority list is building a new house. The current one has deteriorated over the years, with a corroded tin roof that leaks during rainfall. My wish is to construct a completely new house, even if it means using mud walls and an iron sheet roof, as bricks are expensive. Once the house is built, I plan to invest in a decent bed and a suitable mattress. Currently, our bed is broken, and the mattress is worn out. I hope the cash transfers will help bring me closer to accomplishing these goals in the coming years."
Karisa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Karisa received a tenth payment.
"My utmost priority is to support the education of my three children and two nephews, for whom I have assumed guardianship after the passing of their father, my brother. Since most of the children are still in primary school, it will be a long journey before they complete their formal education. I would be happy to see that each of them successfully graduates from college. To achieve this, I firmly believe that investing in livestock rearing is the most viable means of financing their studies. Through the cash transfers, I have already begun building my sheep herd, and I hope to continue expanding it. As I grow my wealth through livestock keeping, I will sell some of the animals to cover the children's school fees."
Dama's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dama received a $394 initial payment.
"I am relieved because the transfer allowed me to clear fee arrears for my children who are currently enrolled in high school. Paying for them on time has been difficult for me, and at times, I could only pay for some while others could stay at home for an extended period of time. My husband works casual jobs in town, and I make a living by burning charcoal. This is insufficient to pay my tuition and support my family. I am grateful because I was able to clear my children's fees, giving me enough time to prepare for the next payment, and they were able to continue their studies without interruptions due to fees."
Justine's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Justine received a $25 tenth payment.
"Relying solely on one source of income has been expensive because, in the event of its failure, there are no alternative sources to depend on. I am eager to embark on a poultry project as a supplementary income stream. This approach will provide me with multiple sources of income, enabling me to meet the financial needs of my family. I have already constructed a shelter for the future poultry birds, and my goal is to save up sufficient funds to purchase a substantial number of them, along with animal feed, to sustain the poultry project."
Changawa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Changawa received a $25 fourteenth payment.
"My objective by the end of the year is to acquire a new mattress and experience comfortable and restful sleep. Currently, I don't have a proper bed and instead, sleep directly on the cold floor with only a thin 1-inch mat for separation. This sleeping arrangement has had adverse effects on my health, compelling me to seek a mattress for the bed. By doing so, I hope to escape the cold discomfort I often endure during the night. Additionally, apart from purchasing a bed and mattress, I aspire to provide support for my four grandchildren's education. Their father, who works as a casual laborer, earns a meager income, leading to occasional delays in paying their school fees, resulting in their dismissal from school. By utilizing the funds, we will be able to sponsor their education and ensure they can learn without encountering any obstacles."