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.
Kanang'a's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kanang'a received a $25 tenth payment.
"My primary goal for utilizing my transfers in the coming year and beyond will be to acquire goats. As an elderly person, my primary source of income from house construction is not financially rewarding. Concerned about the limitations of physical labor as I age, I see goat keeping as a worthwhile investment. Goats are low-maintenance animals, which makes their care easier for me. Furthermore, their ability to be sold provides a potential source of income during difficult economic times. I will diligently save a portion of my monthly earnings to achieve this goal."
Mercy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mercy received a $318 second payment.
"In the coming years and beyond, my main goal is to focus all my efforts on farming as a dependable source of income. I am particularly keen on cultivating tomatoes and vegetables for commercial purposes, as they hold promising potential for profitability. I aspire to create a thriving agricultural enterprise that will provide me with financial stability and support my family's needs."
Jonathan's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jonathan received a $318 second payment.
"In the coming year, I have set my sights on looking for casual jobs around my area and using the saving from the hustle to add more sheep to my livestock. With four school-going kids to support and the constant worry of financial emergencies, I believe this venture will provide a secure backup and help me pay their school fees. By combining these resources, I hope to build a stable financial foundation that will benefit my family for years to come."
Mwaro's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mwaro received a $388 initial payment.
"As I sat down under a tree to enjoy my late lunch around 3 PM, my stomach grumbling with hunger, I saw a message notification on my mobile phone. Curiosity sparked within me, and upon checking, I discovered it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Instantly, an overwhelming wave of joy washed over me as I realized that this unconditional cash transfer would change my life. No longer would I have to endure the discomfort of sleeping in a small house made of ropes; instead, I could finally dream of owning a proper home, a place where security and comfort would be my newfound reality."
Furaha's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Furaha received a $388 initial payment.
"As the recipient of GiveDirectly, I couldn't believe my luck when I received my first transfer. It all happened while my phone was charging at a power center while switched off. Unbeknownst to me, a life-changing message was waiting for it to be switched on so that it could pop in. It was my daughter who came across it when she switched the phone after picking it up. Her excitement was undeniable as she rushed to share the news. $550 had been deposited into my account, and the significance of that amount overwhelmed me. At that moment, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me, leaving me unsure whether to laugh, cry, or shout with joy. Gratitude and relief flooded my heart, knowing that this unexpected windfall would alleviate some of the challenges we faced."
Vidzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Vidzo received a $388 initial payment.
"It was in the evening at around 4 pm while I was fetching some firewood. Deliberately I had left my phone at home fearing it might be lost in the bushes. On returning home, My daughter told me that she heard a message tone from my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I asked her to check what kind of information was in that message. Upon checking, she informed me that I had received $550 from GiveDirectly. It was an unimaginable moment as if a dream had come true. My heart raced with excitement as I thought about the possibilities that awaited my family. I couldn't contain my joy, and tears of gratitude streamed down my face."
Dzendere's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dzendere received a $388 initial payment.
"While attending to my customers at my grocery store, a message popped into my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I kept the phone till evening when I returned home for my son to read and interpret the message for me. My heart raced with anticipation as my son read the message aloud, telling me about the unexpected blessing that had arrived in the form of a transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with gratitude, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the boundaries between joy and disbelief. It felt like a dream come true, a lifeline amidst the struggles that had consumed our lives for so long. With this unexpected support, a glimmer of hope was ignited within me, promising a brighter future for my family. As I hugged my son tightly, I whispered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, knowing that this act of kindness would forever change our lives."
Zawadi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Zawadi received a $388 initial payment.
"The cash transfer has transformed my life in profound ways. Before, my family and I struggled to find a comfortable place to rest our weary bodies, often resorting to sleeping on the hard, unforgiving floor. However, with the newfound financial support, we were able to purchase comfortable beds that provided us with a sense of peace and restfulness we had never experienced before. Now, each night, we lay our heads on soft pillows and drift off into a deep, rejuvenating sleep, waking up refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. The simple act of sleeping well has revitalized our spirits and given us renewed hope for a brighter future."
Kanze's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kanze received a $388 initial payment.
"At around 3 pm while resting at home from grazing my livestock, I heard a message tone from my phone that rang twice rapidly. I asked my daughter who was next to me to read and interpret the information for me because I am illiterate. She informed me that I had received the initial promised $550. I could hardly believe it, I felt a rush of emotions overwhelm me, and at that moment, joy exploded from deep within my heart. I couldn't contain my happiness, and an ululation of pure delight escaped my lips, reverberating through the air. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and a glimmer of hope shone brightly in my life. With that first transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew that a new chapter had begun, and my dreams of a better future suddenly seemed within reach. This reminded me that kindness and compassion still exist in this world."
Lucy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lucy received a $388 initial payment.
"Upon receiving the unconditional cash transfers, my life took a hopeful turn. Being a widow and relying on charcoal sales was a constant struggle, especially when it came to paying for my children's education. However, the transfer provided a much-needed lifeline. With the money, I prioritized my children's education by paying their school fees. My eldest, studying in college, required $150, while my second child in secondary school needed $100 while my younger two children in primary school, required $90, ensuring they all remained in school, opening doors for a brighter future. Recognizing the importance of building a sustainable future, I invested by purchasing two goats for $60. Goats are known for their rapid reproduction, giving me the potential to sell their offspring for additional income if the need arises. This investment provided me with a sense of security and the opportunity to generate income in the long run. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family, alleviating some of the constant worry about putting meals on the table. With the combination of improved education prospects and a small investment, I am filled with gratitude for the positive impact that the unconditional cash transfer has made on our lives."