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.
Ali's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Ali received a $24 sixth payment.
"Towards the end of the year, my aspiration is to invest in livestock, primarily focusing on goats. The idea is to raise these goats and encourage their reproduction. As their numbers grow, I intend to sell a portion of them and reinvest the proceeds in acquiring a dairy cow. With the cow, I'll have an additional income stream from selling milk. By following this plan, I aim to achieve financial stability and effectively support my family."
John's family
access_time over 1 year ago
John received a $317 third payment.
"Upon receiving the most recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately set to work on my tomatoes farm and a new piece of land that needed preparation for the upcoming planting season. With the funds, I spent $250 on completing the management practices for the tomatoes farming and getting the additional acre of land ready for planting maize, with the aim of using the crops for both home consumption and selling any surplus to cover other household bills. I spent the remaining $200, to cover labor costs for planting maize on one acre, and this included the installation of new irrigation pipes across the entire area. Having access to sufficient water for irrigation greatly facilitated our work, and we are optimistic about achieving a bountiful harvest by the end of the season, which will undoubtedly benefit my family of seven."
Paulina's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Paulina received a $317 third payment.
"Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly, my main goal was to complete the ongoing construction work, as it would be the last support I had to receive. With my husband's contribution and the $100 from the transfer, we pooled our resources to ensure the completion of the house. He used $40 to purchase sand and paid $80 for labor. I am delighted that our house is now complete, providing ample space for my family. We also allocated $25 to invest in three goats and a cow, with the intention of breeding them and selling their offspring in the future. Despite having two other children currently in primary school, I prioritized using some of the funds to clear my daughter's tuition fees for her distant secondary school, relieving her of the need to travel home within the term. The $10 pending fee was settled, and I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for easing the heavy burden I carried, especially since our livelihood was predominantly dependent on crop farming, which is sometimes affected by drought, unlike the more reliable livestock farming."
Christine's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Christine received a $317 third payment.
"I used the entire transfer of $450 to start a small kiosk business in a center close to my home. I spent $20 to rent a shop and used the remaining $430 to stock the shop with goods. It's been two months since I opened the shop, and I'm thrilled with its success. On average, I make $3 in daily sales. This thriving business has become a lifeline for my family, allowing me to provide for our basic needs. The reason I started this shop was to move away from the strenuous work I used to do, such as working on people's land and burning charcoal to make a living. Now, I can rest more and use less energy. Having my own business has been a fantastic experience, and I feel a sense of freedom and an opportunity to build a better life."
Lona's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lona received a $317 third payment.
"In my opinion, GD has been a true blessing in our lives, providing us with the much-needed transfer that has made a world of difference. When I found myself in a situation where I had nothing else to rely on, this timely assistance gave me the means to do something truly important: enrol my son in school. With financial assistance, I was able to take my son to school, giving him a chance at a brighter future."
Philip's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Philip received a $317 third payment.
"One of the aspects I truly loved about GD was the enrollment process, especially the registration stage. The officers involved took the time to explain everything thoroughly about the transfers, imparting valuable knowledge that inspired us to make the most of this opportunity for our future. Their guidance was both informative and motivational, encouraging us to utilize the funds in a manner that would have a positive impact on our lives. Additionally, I was impressed with the practical training they provided on navigating through Mpesa. Learning how to withdraw funds and check balances using this digital platform was incredibly useful and it enabled most of us to withdraw our money successfully without involving third parties as this might have increased vulnerability to thefts."
Kache's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kache received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"My current objective is to gather sufficient building materials, such as building poles and iron sheets, and begin constructing a new house. To achieve this, I've adopted a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I am purchasing some materials every month, steadily building up the resources needed for the construction. Additionally, I've joined a merry-go-round, contributing $10 regularly. This way, once I accumulate enough savings, I'll be able to purchase all the required materials to start the construction. In the coming year and beyond, my ultimate goal is to build a decent, spacious house where I and my children can comfortably live. The determination to provide a secure and stable home for my family drives me forward, and I eagerly anticipate the day when we can move into our new home"
Bahati's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Bahati received a $24 fourteenth payment.
"My current priority is to ensure that my children's education is not disrupted due to a lack of funds. My son is in college right now, and my daughter is in high school. Raising the required fees has been a significant challenge for me. I am unable to work in the menial jobs I used to do due to my poor health. As a result, I rely heavily on the monthly transfers to cover my children's educational expenses. Fortunately, I have been able to use the monthly transfers to pay for their education and have even cleared part of the fees. My ultimate hope is that this financial assistance will keep them from being sent home from school on a regular basis. They had previously experienced this when I was unable to pay their fees on time. I am extremely grateful for the support that has allowed me to give them a chance to shape their future through education."
Sharlet's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sharlet received a $387 second payment.
"My main focus is on building a brighter future for myself and my family through entrepreneurship. My aspiration is to start a retail shop, a dream that is not too far off as my current business is picking up and showing promising signs of success. With each profitable venture, I am determined to diligently save and reinvest those earnings into my retail shop venture. I believe that by carefully nurturing my business and making wise decisions, I can create a thriving retail store that caters to the needs of our community. This endeavor is not just about financial gain; it is about achieving independence and creating a legacy that can support my loved ones for years to come."
Gladys's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Gladys received a $373 second payment.
"As a civil servant and a recipient of GiveDirectly's unconditional money, I am immensely grateful for the support they have provided without discrimination. GiveDirectly's inclusive approach has been truly commendable, as they recognize the value of every individual, regardless of their profession. This financial assistance has uplifted me during challenging times and allowed me to meet my family's needs without the burden of discrimination. The respect and dignity they have shown me as a civil servant have made a significant difference in my life, and I can confidently say that GiveDirectly's commitment to equality is one of the many reasons why their initiative has been so successful and transformative for individuals like myself."