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.
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12 months ago
Thabu
received a $341 initial payment.
"At precisely 8 in the evening, having just returned from the nearest town where I went to check on my ailing parents, a momentous notification illuminated my phone screen. I asked my son to investigate the source, and with palpable excitement, he confirmed it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Waves of emotion washed over me, knowing that this unconditional cash transfer held the promise to transform not just my life but my daughter's. The realization struck me like a chord, and in that instant, a surge of hope engulfed me. With the financial support I received, I could now afford to send my daughter to college, enabling her to pursue her dreams. The overwhelming mix of joy, gratitude, and anticipation painted a vivid picture of a brighter future, one where possibilities and opportunities were no longer constrained by financial limitations."
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12 months ago
Justine
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"Enrolled in various levels of education are my eight children, with one pursuing college, four in high school, and three in primary school. Affording their school fees has proven to be a challenging task for me, often necessitating the sale of livestock to finance their education. As a subsistence farmer without a stable job or external support, I rely solely on monthly transfers to meet our financial needs. These transfers have been a crucial lifeline for my family. My second wife is also a beneficiary of these transfers, and together, our shared goal is to provide the best education for our children, ensuring that their studies are uninterrupted by financial constraints. The consistent monthly support has become a source of assurance for me, guaranteeing that my children can pursue their education goals without disruptions, even amid financial challenges."
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12 months ago
Kadzo
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"As a skilled tailor facing financial limitations, I've been compelled to run my tailoring business from home. Yet, to expand my clientele and enhance profitability, I am strategizing to establish my own tailoring shop. The plan involves stocking the shop with ample textile materials and acquiring a new sewing machine. To realize this goal, I've been diligently saving $20 each month, with the intention of increasing my savings in the upcoming months. Once I've amassed a sufficient amount, I will be in a position to rent a suitable space and procure the necessary textile materials, enabling me to elevate the scale of my tailoring operations."
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12 months ago
Kang'ombe
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"My youngest son has recently enrolled in junior high school, and my primary objective is to ensure that his education is not disrupted due to a lack of fees. As a single parent with no external support, my livelihood depends on charcoal burning, which does not yield a significant income. I am committed to using the financial transfers I receive to support my child's education, ensuring that he not only completes but also achieves his educational goals."
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12 months ago
Kazungu
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"The significant challenge of food scarcity in my household was alleviated when I successfully cultivated my acreage and reaped a bountiful harvest. Now, I no longer bear the burden of food expenses. However, my reliance on sporadic menial jobs persists, and there are times when securing employment becomes challenging. To address this inconsistency, I have devised a plan to invest a portion of my transfers in acquiring livestock, particularly goats and chickens. This investment holds significant value for me, as livestock serves as a valuable asset that I can depend on, supplementing the uncertainties of the casual jobs that I do. By diversifying my income sources to include livestock, I aim to move beyond my sole dependence on menial jobs. Furthermore, the ownership of livestock opens up avenues to contribute to my children's education, thereby securing their future."
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12 months ago
Kabibi
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"I recently closed down my food vending kiosk because of my health. Due to this, we've had to solely depend on my spouse for most of our bills. I am glad that I am currently recuperating well and I believe that I will back on my feet very soon. For this season,my main focus right now is to start saving my transfers so that I will later use it to revive my business. With this, I will be able to continue supporting my spouse in paying some of our bills at home."
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12 months ago
Kazungu
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"Before the end of the year, I hoping that I will be a motorcycle owner. This is because I am planning on purchasing it on loan so that I can be paying for it in monthly installments. I will be using my transfers and the earnings from this business to pay for it this year. By next year, I will focus my energy and transfers on my children's education. This is my long term goal as I always wish for them to get the best education since in the coming years, life will be so difficult if one does not have any formal education. Currently, I have six children, though five are currently in school and are in different levels. Seeing them fulfill their dreams in life will be the most fulfilling achievement in my life and I know that this will be possible through hard work and support from GiveDirectly."
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12 months ago
Kazungu
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"The main goal that I have in life is to start a big business mainly a retail shop. The business that I currently run is too tiresome as it involves a lot of walking and the proceeds are not that much. Before opening a retail shop, I would first want to make sure that I see my two sons through college. After this, I believe they will be in a good position to continue supporting themselves to achieve their goals in life. Starting a retail shop has always been my ultimate goal since aside from getting enough time to rest, I will be able to meet most of our needs on time."
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12 months ago
Changawa
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"As I said I joined a sacco on enrollment to the program with the aim of being able to buy a new motorcycle. My current motorcycle is always in for repair and this usually makes me spend so much. I do not plan on disposing it but just adding another motorcycle to increase my income as this will be able to allow me achieve goals such as getting myself a wife."
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12 months ago
Patience
received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"I am the third born of seven, my mother is farmer and my farther is a Gardner for hire in the city. I have 4 younger siblings who are still in school and 3 older siblings. My immediate follower finished his secondary school last year and is yet to join any school. I have another younger one who finished primary school and is yet to join secondary school and my parents are still struggling to raise the necessary finances for this. My plan is to ensure I finish school and the redirect the money to educate my siblings."
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