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.
Kahonzi's family
access_time 2 years ago
Kahonzi received a $422 second payment.
"I spent the entire transfer amount to build a four-room house for my family. Before, my family used to occupy a structure that my husband and I had specifically built for rental purposes. We had wished to construct a decent house for years but financial constraints hindered us from accomplishing the dream at that time. Our returns from the practice of making and burning charcoal would hardly cover any expenses beyond food. So, receiving the cash transfer was an ideal opportunity to fulfill our desire. With my husband’s support, I budgeted every penny for the purchase of construction materials like iron sheets, building poles, planks, nails, and labor compensation. As we speak, my husband and I are fully settled in our new house. Gratefully, someone already occupied the business space we left behind and we have been benefiting from the monthly rent. "
Grace's family
access_time 2 years ago
Grace received a $436 second payment.
"I spent $250 on purchasing a heifer. I have only one dairy cow and sometimes I would buy milk and this is so costly for me since I do not have a continuous source of income. When it reproduces in the next few months I will get enough milk for my family and even sell the surplus to earn an income. I spent some amount on building a better and more spacious house. I lived in a small grass-thatched house that could not host all my family members comfortably. Currently, I have a decent and spacious house I no longer get worried whenever I have visitors at home. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and clothes for my family members. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed my living standards."
Denis's family
access_time 2 years ago
Denis received a second payment.
"I spent the first transfer to buy a piece of land. I plan to build a house before receiving my bride and starting a family. Currently, I am in talks with the family and I am hopeful to have to build a house before the day comes."
Christopher's family
access_time 2 years ago
Christopher received a $422 second payment.
"They taught us a lot about money. From the meeting, I got the feeling that they wanted the transfers to empower us. The lessons have helped a lot of us make wise decisions on how to spend the transfer."
Peter's family
access_time 2 years ago
Peter received a $422 second payment.
"Before the transfer, I lived in a house that was not in good condition every day I would wake with the fear that it will collapse. I worked as a night guard getting a pay of $50 a month. This money was not enough to pay school fees for my children and transportation to and from work. Things were tough and most days we would take only one meal a day. Receiving this transfer has enabled me to build a house for my family, I now stay in a two-roomed house, bought furniture, and bought a dairy cow."
Juliana's family
access_time 2 years ago
Juliana received a $422 second payment.
"GiveDirectly has made an incredible difference in our lives. Furthermore, the enrollment procedures were carried out transparently. We all received the unrestricted cash exactly as promised. Because our area is semi-arid, it is less productive; therefore, we are grateful for the financial assistance. So far, I have not observed any inefficiencies in the organization's operations."
Elizabeth's family
access_time 2 years ago
Elizabeth received a second payment.
"The transfers from GiveDirectly were a huge relief to me. This is because I had an operation that damaged my windpipe, and the doctors were forced to insert a pipe to save it. This has forced me to rely on my children and well-wishers because I am incapable of doing anything on my own. I am the mother of six grown-up children. Even though I live with my two grandchildren. I spent $250 on a dairy cow after receiving my transfer. Then afterward used the rest of my medication. I am so grateful for GiveDirectly's assistance that I was able to attend the check-up without having to rely on my children for a short time."
Esther's family
access_time 2 years ago
Esther received a $436 second payment.
"I had always wanted to open a dry cleaning shop. This is because I saw it as a business that was lacking in our community, and the majority of people traveled to Bomet town in search of the services. As a result, I considered purchasing a dry cleaner worth $350. I had a business plan, but the machine was missing. I used the remaining funds to expand my dairy business. I am a married woman with five children. My husband recently retired, leaving me as the sole breadwinner, relying solely on my business. I am overjoyed and grateful for the impact that GiveDirectly's assistance has had on my life because it has enabled me to unveil my business."
Pauline's family
access_time 2 years ago
Pauline received a $422 second payment.
"When I received my second transfer, I considered buying a dairy cow for my family to save money on milk. My husband and I are subsistent farmers, and I also have a small vegetable stand in the shopping center. We have nine children, two of whom are adults. As a result, I shelled out $230 for a dairy cow. Following that, I paid $200 in school fees for my children and spent the remainder on groceries. I am relieved and happy that, unlike in the past, my dream of owning a cow was realized early enough, and I am grateful for the support that has brought so much joy to my family."
Kirui's family
access_time 2 years ago
Kirui received a second payment.
"Before the transfer, I had one dairy cow that I used to sell milk and use the money to take care of my family's needs. It was tough to get nappy grass and once in a while, I was buying hay that was expensive to maintain. The profits I get from the milk business were used to take care of my child and wife who is a stay-at-home mother. In addition to the milk business, I have a retail shop that helps out with paying bills. It is located in the village and most of the time the income is little. Receiving GiveDirectly money has enabled me to buy another dairy cow for $300 that I milk and sell, bought cows food with the rest of the money $250. This investment has enabled my cows to produce more milk, which I sell at $0.5 a liter. I get enough money to take care of my family and also stock my shop and I am grateful."