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.
Bethwel's family
access_time 8 hours ago
Bethwel received a $341 third payment.
"My goal for this year is to open a maize store and grow my business. With the success of my current farming activities, where I cultivated 1.5 acres of land for maize, I believe this goal is achievable. The profit I generate from this venture will be used to provide my three kids with quality education. Unfortunately, there are no good schools nearby, but I am determined to give my children a better education than the one I received. The thought of this fills me with happiness, gratitude, and satisfaction."
Zainab's family
access_time 21 hours ago
Zainab received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"I have the sole responsibility of taking care of my school-going children while my spouse works away in Mombasa. Thus, upon receiving my recent transfers, I prioritized allocating $48 towards paying their school fees promptly to ensure their education wasn't disrupted. With the remaining funds, I invested $20 in hiring farm labor during the land cultivation season to secure our agricultural activities. Furthermore, I purchased food essentials worth $15 for my family's sustenance, saved $10 in our merry-go-round group, and acquired two chickens at $5 each for domestic rearing. This support has significantly lightened my financial burdens, for which I am deeply grateful."
Halima's family
access_time 4 days ago
Halima received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"I used $20 of the quartely transfer to restock my tailoring business, where I sell materials like deras, khanga, and vikoi. The little profit I make from this business goes towards supporting my husband in educating our six children. Another $20 was used to support my daughter who is in college, doing her community health attachment. With six children in school, these transfers have provided crucial support for their education, easing the financial burden on my husband, who is a businessman but doesn't always earn enough to meet all our needs. The remaining money was spent on buying food and essential household items for my family. I'm incredibly grateful for this support because it's helping to educate my children, and I hope that in the future, they will find good employment opportunities and be relieved from the strain of difficult jobs."
Daniel's family
access_time 4 days ago
Daniel received a $26 twenty-fourth payment.
"In the future My is to focus on starting a goat-rearing venture and expand my flock. As the goats multiply, I aim to sell some and reinvest the proceeds into new projects. Additionally, I have a piece of land where I plan to build rental houses using the resources from goat farming. My aim is to begin this right after my son finishes school next year, as a lot of my money currently goes towards my education. With the food I still have, I'm confident I can manage my basic needs while working towards these goals."
Kanyalu's family
access_time 4 days ago
Kanyalu received a $415 initial payment.
"Before GiveDirectly came into my life, every day felt like an uphill battle. I had no assets to my name, and as a mother with school-going children and no job, I often felt hopeless, constantly worrying about securing their future. My spouse was also unemployed, leaving us reliant on my daughter's sporadic income from odd jobs just to put food on the table. The prospect of my children pursuing a higher education seemed like an impossible dream. However, everything changed with GiveDirectly. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. With the cash transfers, I made a strategic decision to invest in goats. These animals weren't just livestock; they were the seeds of a brighter future for my family. As my children grow and prepare for higher education, I know that the goats will become invaluable assets. By the time they're ready for university, I'll have built up a substantial herd, providing the means to pay their fees without the burden of financial strain. GiveDirectly didn't just bring money into my life; it brought hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for my children."
Sidi's family
access_time 4 days ago
Sidi enrolled.
"My life has been of sorrow because of the nature of my house which was grass thatched and it collapsed. This made me to seek refuge from my daughter's house which is also not complete. My desire has been to construct a decent iron-roofed house for both the three of us. This will guarantee me a peaceful life since we will no longer feel the discomfort of having our beddings exposed to any passerby. This plan will cost me utmost $600 of the transfers. Part of the remaining mount ($200) will help me to buy 4 goats to act as my long-term investment project to support us in the future. The remaining amount will support my grandchildren's education. Thus, this is what receiving this money means to me."
Kadzo's family
access_time 4 days ago
Kadzo received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"The transfers have been instrumental in ensuring that my son, currently in high school, does not face school fee-related interruptions. Previously, he was frequently sent home due to unpaid fees, which posed a threat to his academic progress. However, with the $60 I allocated from the transfers, I cleared his fee arrears, providing him with the opportunity to continue his studies without worry. I am relieved knowing he can focus on his education, and I am determined to manage future payments with the help of these transfers, ensuring he achieves his educational goals. Additionally, I invested $25 in purchasing five chickens for a poultry project in my homestead. Since I have no other source of income, I aim to expand this project and eventually sell the chickens to meet our financial needs, especially for my son's education. Furthermore, I've been diligently saving $10 each month in a savings group comprising seven members. When my turn to receive the savings arrives, I plan to use the savings to purchase a goat, adding to my current livestock of three goats. The goats serve as valuable assets that will help us sustain ourselves financially. I used the remaining funds to buy essential food items such as beans and maize flour, ensuring that my family is well-fed. I also acquired some household items and toiletries that were lacking, further enhancing our quality of life."
Bendera's family
access_time 4 days ago
Bendera received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"My primary goal at the moment is to ensure that my four children can continue their education without interruptions due to school fees. Currently, I rely on subsistence farming as my sole source of income, while my co-wife works as a nanny. With the monthly transfers, my plan is to promptly pay my children's school fees and support their educational aspirations. Recently, I joined a savings group where I contribute $10 monthly, aiming to accumulate funds to purchase goats when my turn comes. With six goats already in my possession, I am confident that when the time comes for my children to further their studies, raising the necessary fees won't be a challenge. I can sell the goats as they multiply, using the proceeds to cover their educational expenses. With these strategies in place, I am confident that my children will have the support they need to achieve their educational goals without financial constraints holding them back."
Sidi's family
access_time 4 days ago
Sidi received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"I am currently responsible for taking care of my two high school grandchildren. It has been challenging for me to afford their school fees, especially since one of them is in a day school and I have to pay for his rent. Unfortunately, I do not have a steady source of income that would allow me to comfortably provide for their educational needs. However, receiving financial transfers has been a huge relief for me because it has enabled my grandchildren to continue their studies without any interruptions. My only goal now is to ensure that I pay their fees on time and help them achieve their educational aspirations despite my financial hardships."
Rukia's family
access_time 4 days ago
Rukia received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"I am currently surviving by taking on menial jobs such as burning and selling charcoal and sometimes selling snacks to make ends meet. However, despite engaging in these income-generating activities, I have always found it difficult to provide for my family. Due to the many household needs, even paying the school fees for my five children has been a challenge. I am, however, at peace because receiving my monthly transfers has ensured my children stay in school. This is because I have been able to pay for their education on time whenever I receive the transfer. My main objective currently is to ensure that my children's education is not interrupted due to financial constraints. I plan to continue using the transfers to pay their fees on time, allowing them to achieve their educational goals despite my financial struggles."
education