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.
Erick's family
access_time 1 year ago
Erick received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"As I said I am the only breadwinner in my house supporting my mother, wife, and child. This has been difficult since I no longer make as much as I used to before fuel prices were hiked. I have wanted to help my wife set up a business to help increase our monthly income. I plan to help her open a vegetable stall which will cost me approximately $100. I plan to save from my transfers and my work till I get this amount so that we can start this business."
Daisy's family
access_time 1 year ago
Daisy received a $287 second payment.
"GiveDirectly's most impactful contribution has been the provision of unconditional cash transfers. This support enabled us to address pressing needs crucial to our family's well-being. From securing farming capital to ensuring food, sanitation, and our children's education, these funds have been instrumental in diverse ways, for which we are immensely grateful. In our locality, we're fortunate to have access to a nearby irrigation scheme. My opinion, aside from the unconditional cash transfers, I firmly believe that by extending their support to farming through the distribution of diverse seeds tailored to our region, GiveDirectly could significantly elevate Agricultural productivity. This, in turn, could lead to improved livelihoods in the long run."
Seera's family
access_time 1 year ago
Seera received a $1237 second payment.
"Opened a shop, hope to buy land and relocate there next year using money from her investment from the shop"
Nyevu's family
access_time 1 year ago
Nyevu received a $359 second payment.
"First on my agenda is acquiring chickens—a small but significant step towards expanding my livestock. Alongside my current herd of goats, this addition will not only diversify my resources but also boost their numbers over time. The vision goes beyond mere self-sufficiency; I dream of slaughtering a chicken to warmly welcome visitors, turning moments of hospitality into cherished memories. As the poultry population grows, so does the potential for meeting not only my family's needs but also contributing to the welfare of my extended family through sales. It's a gradual process, but I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, these endeavors will pave the way for financial stability, bringing me closer to realizing these goals and securing a prosperous future."
Samuel's family
access_time 1 year ago
Samuel received a $346 second payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a game-changer for me. Finally, I had the means to kickstart the dry fish business that had lingered in my dreams for far too long, held back only by the constraints of insufficient capital. The income generated from the business not only became a lifeline for my family but also free us from the financial struggles we faced during my days as a watchman, earning a meager $45 per month with irregular payment schedules. With the newfound funds, I invested in essentials—a wheelbarrow and a spade—items scarcely available for community use for hire. Setting up a merry-go-round served not only as a safety net for my business but also as a stepping stone for my future ventures. As a single father for the past two years, following a disagreement that led to my wife's departure, the business is not just a source of income but a beacon of hope. It enables me to meet the needs of my three school-going children, ensuring a brighter future for all of us."
James's family
access_time 1 year ago
James received a $346 second payment.
"In the coming year, my wish is to enhance the security and well-being of my family, particularly my five children. I aspire to expand my shamba, recognizing that the current 2-acre piece of land is insufficient to meet our needs. Farming, for me, is not just a way of sustenance but a potential business venture that could provide a more stable financial foundation for my family's future. To pursue this ambition, I'm relying on the savings I've diligently started with KCB, strictly setting aside funds from my modest monthly salary of $75. I believe that with strategic planning and hard work, I can turn this modest plot of land into a thriving enterprise, ensuring a more prosperous future for my family."
Becky's family
access_time 1 year ago
Becky received a $293 second payment.
"The transfer has brought a sense of hope, offering me the opportunity to pursue a cherished dream of constructing my own house. As a single mother navigating the challenges of raising two children, the journey has been marked by significant hurdles, particularly with the sole reliance on maize farming for income, which has been severely affected by persistent drought over the past three years. Currently residing in my brother's house, it has been uncomfortable, especially with my two children, as it seems to impose a burden on him. My father has generously provided me with land, but financial constraints prevented me from constructing a home. I have saved $300 from the second transfer, and I intend to combine it with the third transfer to commence the construction of a two-room house made of iron sheets. This dwelling has been a longstanding aspiration, and the funds from the transfer have become a crucial catalyst for turning this dream into reality. To diversify my income sources, I used $10 to purchase three goats, expanding my existing herd with the anticipation of breeding and multiplying them. This holds the promise of becoming a sustainable source of income through future sales. I allocated the remaining amount to purchase food for my family. This ensures that, despite the financial challenges, we have a reliable supply of food to meet our daily needs."
Bahati's family
access_time 1 year ago
Bahati received a $346 second payment.
"In the coming year, my aspirations are centered around transforming the quality of life for myself and my family. I am eagerly anticipating the realization of a dream – the construction of my own stone house, a stark contrast to the humble mud house that currently shelters us. I envision a home that radiate comfort and security, a haven for my loved ones. Additionally, my hopes are firmly set on the prospect of my children securing employment. Their success would not only signify personal growth but also contribute significantly to our family's financial stability. As the new year approaches, these goals serve as beacons of motivation, propelling me forward with a sense of determination and anticipation for positive change."
Sidi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Sidi received a $346 second payment.
"I am impressed by GiveDirectly's impactful intervention in my life. Through their unconditional cash transfer, I was not only able to secure a stable roof over our heads in the form of a new home but also relieve the burden of my husband's medical expenses. The simplicity and directness of their approach made the entire process smooth and efficient. The flexibility they provided allowed us to address our most pressing needs with the financial support they offered. The positive outcomes I experienced underline the effectiveness of GiveDirectly's goal. In my view, their services are exemplary, and I believe that nothing should be changed about the way they are transforming lives through their direct and empowering assistance."
Christopher's family
access_time 1 year ago
Christopher received a $130 initial payment.
"The prospect of expanding my house feels like a dream come true. The struggles of living within a single room have been overwhelming. It's been a constant battle—having to turn friends away and refusing visitors due to the lack of privacy. Sometimes it's even challenging to approach people outside because there's no suitable space indoors. During the rainy season, our one room served as everything—our kitchen, dining area, and bedroom. In the dry season, we resorted to cooking outside, which was equally challenging and inconvenient. Expanding our home is nothing short of a game-changer. It’s a shift that will significantly impact our lives. With this expansion, we'll have separate spaces, bringing comfort, privacy, and the freedom to welcome guests without hesitation. The possibilities it opens up for us are beyond measure. I can't express enough gratitude to GiveDirectly for the hope they've brought into our lives."