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.
Chengo's family
access_time 2 years ago
Chengo received a $27 fifth payment.
"I spent a portion of the money from the transfer to pay for solar lights that I purchased on hire purchase. I am happy that my children can study well during the night. Unlike before, my house is well lit and my expense have reduced since I no longer buy paraffin for my lanterns. In addition, I spent KSH 250 to cater for a three-day meal for my child, who was sitting for his final primary examinations. He could do his exams well and we are looking forward to him having excellent results. Because of the drought, I no longer work on the farm and have made it difficult to provide food for my family. The money from the transfer was a major boost for me as I bought food and they have not slept hungry since then."
Wilson's family
access_time 2 years ago
Wilson received a $482 initial payment.
"Before GiveDirectly, I owed many people. As a result, I used to have sleepless nights because creditors would come to my house very early each morning for their money. Most times, I used to leave my house early in the morning and at times my wife would lock me in the house to hide me from persistent creditors. Luckily, when GiveDirectly came I used KES 30,000 in repayment of long-standing debts dated two years back. As a result, I and my family have peace and can sleep well void of stress. Furthermore, KES 15,000 was spent on a heifer as an addition to the dairy cow I had. This is because it will soon reproduce and be a source of milk and income for my family Thirdly, I also bought a solar lighting system at KES 10,000. This has helped light my house, especially at night, and has helped my kids to study comfortably. their studies. Additionally, I used KES 4000 to purchase sofa set cushions because I had seats already. KES 3000 was also spent on a 210 liters water container which now helps store lots of water, especially during rainy seasons. Lastly, I spent KES 6000 on two bags of maize which will sustain my family for a longer time. Before we used to buy food daily from daily casual labor income but GiveDirectly has relieved us."
Richard's family
access_time 2 years ago
Richard received a $467 second payment.
"The dark village that was marked by small grass-thatched huts with latent lamps that would only be lighted late in the evening due to the high cost of kerosene has completely changed and lighted up but the solar lighting system that many obtained after the transfers. In my opinion, GiveDirectly did great work by allowing us to spend the money in addressing the challenges we had without it getting involved in planning. I have no complaints and have not gotten any complaints from the villagers towards GiveDirectly. We are thankful for every step that we have taken in transforming our living standards."
Zedy's family
access_time 2 years ago
Zedy enrolled.
"Receiving this money means that my children will be able to have a conducive environment to do evening studies at home. I would like to build a 2 roomed house adjacent to the one I currently have where it will serve as a study room and also a bedroom for the kids. I will also have to install solar lighting in the house because we are not yet connected to the national electricity grid. This will ensure that the kids study without any problems. At the moment they do not get enough time to study because I think we disturb them a lot in the main house and they cannot concentrate. The lighting we have also is not bright enough and the battery depletes so fast. I believe that they could do better in school if good study conditions are provided at home."
Margaret's family
access_time 2 years ago
Margaret received a $468 second payment.
"I spent KES 7000 of my second transfer to construct to a small mad structure to start a shop. In addition, I used KES 35,000 to stock my shop as well as the food outlet. Furthermore, I spent KES 4500 to purchase a solar light system to light my house, previously, I was using small spotlight to light my house. Lastly, I used KES 3500 to purchase a new mattress for my children who were using sacks as bedding . For the remaining amount, I bought food for the family."
Edwin's family
access_time 2 years ago
Edwin received a $484 initial payment.
"I spent KES10500 on a solar lighting system and charging battery. This has helped in lighting my house unlike before when I used to rely on the small Dlight which was lighting dimly. I also spent KES6000 on purchase of new sofa cushions and a table. The rest was spent majorly on food and clothing."
Maitha's family
access_time 2 years ago
Maitha enrolled.
"Three years back I was living in a dark house with no light. one day a sales agent for D.light solar lighting was passing by so I decided to take one which I am now paying on credit. I am happy that my house is lightened every night and I don't struggle with charging my phone as before."
Juddy's family
access_time 2 years ago
Juddy received a $484 initial payment.
"I spent KES 20000 on payment of school fees for my sons in high school and college.I also spent KES25000 on purchase of a solar lighting system to help my kids while studying because I didn't have a good lighting source before.I spent the rest on clothing and food and cushions for my seats. Initially, I relied on dairy and maize farming in order to pay school fees and feed my family."
Baraka's family
access_time 2 years ago
Baraka received a $484 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving my transfer is owning a goat and a sunking solar. Owning a goat is a sign of wealth in my village and from the flock, I shall be able to begin keeping cows. Consequently, having clearing paying for my solar, I find it easy to charge my phones. I also do not incur any cost in buying kerosene since the solar lighting is sufficient for my household. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly."
Lily's family
access_time 2 years ago
Lily received a $484 initial payment.
"I spent KES25000 on payment of school fees for my kids in college and high school. I usually depend on dairy and maize farming in order to pay school fees. I also spent KES 10000 on a solar lighting system, KES 5000 on food and clothing, KES 5000 on two sofa set seaters and KES 2000 on funeral expenses."
solar light