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.
Kauchi's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Kauchi received a $545 initial payment.
"I saw the notification in the morning having been tipped off by a neighbour that money had been sent. I went for my phone and checked through my messages and to my surprise, it was indeed true that GiveDirectly had honoured their promise to us. I was instantly overjoyed and happier than before because I have never imagined that I could one day receive such a fortune in my life. I thanked God for using GiveDirectly to improve my life."
Kadzo's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Kadzo received a $545 initial payment.
"I was filled with happiness the moment I saw the message from GiveDirectly on my phone that my first transfer had finally been sent into my Mpesa account. I could not believe them at first due to past experience with other organizations but seeing the money in my account did away with every doubt and I realised that they had fulfilled the promise they had made to us."
Furaha's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Furaha enrolled.
"I live in a very small house that cannot accommodate my 5 children and I. This has forced two of them to seek shelter in my neighbour's house something which embarrasses me. Besides, I am also worried about their security every night since I am not available to monitor their movements. This situation has really pushed me to construct a bigger house but I do not have the capacity to do so. Therefore, I will use this transfer to fulfill my ambition of providing better shelter for my family. I will also purchase livestock and start a small business that will solve my financial problems and respond to basic needs like school fees, food and medical care."
Ruth's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Ruth received a $198 initial payment.
"I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to buy a goat and remaining amount I paid school fees for my nephew who had stayed home for two weeks due to lack of money to settle the lump sum arrears she had in school. I also partly paid my enrollment fees to college for a hair and beauty training course."
Elizabeth's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Elizabeth received a $545 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have utensils which I can hire to events organisers for an income in return. This is my source of income which I started with GiveDirectly transfers when I bought the utensils after receiving my first transfer. The income I get has enabled me to meet the family's basic necessities in time unlike before when I had nothing at all to generate income from."
Glades's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Glades received a $444 second payment.
"My life has changed because I own my piece of land for Agriculture which I'm planning to cultivate my food crops when the rainy season starts. Before, I had to rent which was expensive and at times the piece of land would be far away from home."
Kelvin's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Kelvin received a $364 second payment.
"I always admired the dream of being my own boss and having my success through venturing into a lucrative business. Lack of capital barred me to reach this dream. I spent the most recent transfer to start two small retail businesses and the profit from each I use to enhance the sustainability of the two as they compliment each other. The surplus profits I am able to pay my college fees with ease."
Willis's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Willis received a $364 second payment.
"I spent the most recent transfer that I received from GiveDirectly to build a decent tradition house 'Simba' in the countryside. I am at peace because I am certain of a shelter to sleep in when I visit the countryside. Before I would look for a place to sleep either at my friend's or relatives whom at times were unwelcoming. The remaining amount I spent on buying food and transport."
Juma's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Juma received a $444 second payment.
"My life is different now, my dreams and plans have come to pass. I am happy and my mind is settled because I have constructed a two bedroomed iron roofed house and I am hopefull of marrying a wife. I used to gamble with life and completely had no hope."
Samwel's family
access_time over 4 years ago
Samwel received a $23 twelfth payment.
"In the next six months, I expect to have fully engaged in potato farming. I already have a piece of land ready for this activity. It is an activity that I hope will change my life since the business in this sector is currently booming. My plan is also to sell sheep and have my next step -to buy a young cow and I hope to have accomplished this by the end of the six months."