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.
Dama's family
access_time 4 months ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main goal is to focus on the education of my two children. I know that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in our family. I want to ensure they have everything they need to succeed in school, from uniforms to books. I plan to set aside part of my monthly income to cover their school fees and other expenses. I know it won’t be easy, but I am determined to give them the best. As they grow and move to higher levels of education, I will continue to support them, knowing that their success will not only benefit them but also uplift our entire family. This is my priority, and I am ready to work hard to make it happen."
Jackline's family
access_time 4 months ago
Jackline received a $155 initial payment.
"I am so grateful for the cash transfer because it has helped me in many ways. With the $200 I received, I bought two sheep for $100, which will be a great long-term investment. They can multiply, and I hope to sell some in the future for extra income. I also leased a piece of land for $50 to plant vegetables, as maize hasn't been doing well lately due to disease. Vegetables seem like a better option for now, and I’m hopeful that this harvest will support my family.For food, I used $35 to make sure my children had enough to eat, and I spent $15 on school uniforms for them. It’s been tough managing as a single mother since my husband and I separated six years ago. I have five children, and the responsibility of raising them falls entirely on me. Casual jobs are what I rely on to put food on the table, but they are inconsistent, so having this support has really lifted a burden off my shoulders."
Mercyline's family
access_time 4 months ago
Mercyline received a $155 initial payment.
"Thanks so much to GiveDirectly because, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had the capital to start farming. Before receiving the cash transfer, I felt stuck and hopeless after losing everything to the floods, but now my life has completely changed. With the money, I invested in watermelon farming, and I can’t express the joy I feel seeing my crop flourishing. It gave me a new sense of purpose, and I wake up each day with excitement, knowing that I’m building something for my family’s future.The happiness I have now is immeasurable. Watching my watermelons grow strong and healthy on the farm is a daily reminder of how far I’ve come. This transfer has truly been a lifeline, and the difference it has made in my life is huge. I am hopeful that in just a short while, I’ll be able to harvest and sell the crop, which will give me the financial freedom to achieve my next goal—relocating to a safer and better place for my family.Very soon, I will move us to a good and better home, away from the area that floods. This would have been impossible without the help I received. Now, my children and I can look forward to a brighter and more stable future, all because of the support from GiveDirectly. I feel so grateful, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are moving forward is truly priceless."
Chizi's family
access_time 4 months ago
Chizi received a zeroth payment.
"I recently became very ill. While my daughter, who takes care of me, had gone to the shop, I accidentally collapsed and fell, which resulted in a fractured arm. With her support, I was taken to the hospital and received treatment. The cost of treating my arm and the transportation to and from the hospital totaled $100. Although I still have a bandage on my arm, I’m relieved that I no longer feel any pain.I asked my daughter to save the remaining $440, as I plan to use it along with my next transfer to install a tap that will provide me with clean water. As an elderly woman, I no longer have the strength to lift heavy jerrycans of water. I've always struggled with access to water for my personal use. Installing a tap close to my home will make life much easier, as I won’t have to fetch water from far distances.I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which will soon make this long-held dream a reality."
Julius's family
access_time 4 months ago
Julius received a $142 initial payment.
"When I received the cash transfer, I knew I had to prioritize my daughter’s education. She is in Form Four, and her future depends on how well she does in her final exams. The $50 I spent on her school fees was essential because she had arrears that needed clearing. After that, I spent $48 on maize and beans to feed my family. The floods had devastated our farm, destroying everything we had planted. With no harvest and no casual jobs available, putting food on the table had become a daily struggle. The maize and beans will sustain us for a while, ensuring that my family doesn’t go to bed hungry as we try to get back on our feet. The rest of the money went towards replacing essential household items and addressing my son's health needs. I bought three plastic chairs, a table, and some plates and cups since the floods had swept away what we owned. Every cent was spent with careful thought, addressing our most pressing needs to help us move forward."
Symon's family
access_time 4 months ago
Symon received a $142 initial payment.
"I was at Kabarnet Boys for my son's Form Four prayer day, and as I was sitting there, I heard a message notification on my phone. I assumed it was just another message from Safaricom, nothing unusual. But when I checked, I saw it was a transfer from GiveDirectly. I couldn’t believe my eyes—I thought I had been left out because some of my village mates had already received their money, but I hadn't. This was such a blessing; I knew I could finally clear my son's school fees arrears, something I had been struggling with since my casual labor barely covers our needs."
Shedrack's family
access_time 4 months ago
Shedrack received a $155 initial payment.
"In the afternoon, while I was in the farm with my sister, taking care of the crops, a message popped up on my phone. When I checked it, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me $200. I immediately told my sister, and we both celebrated the good news, as it was a huge support for us. My first thought was to stay calm and not let my excitement get the better of me, so I could stick to my plan for using the money wisely."
Nolkilellit's family
access_time 4 months ago
Nolkilellit received a $142 initial payment.
"Recently, upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I decided to use the money to improve my overall well-being, as I am 82 years old. I had been sick and needed immediate medical attention, so I spent $25 on health care. After getting the medication, I’m now back to my normal health. I also needed a comfortable place to sleep, as I spent most of my time in bed. I used $90 to buy a new bed and a comfortable mattress. This was the first time I’ve ever owned a bed and mattress, and the quality of sleep I’m now enjoying is something I have never experienced before. Given my age, I can no longer farm and lack the energy to do so. I used $32 to buy enough food to last me for about two months. Having a reliable food supply is essential for my current situation while I’m on medication. With the remaining money, I arranged to travel and move in with my elder son, who lives in a neighboring village. I need close care, and this is the best place for me to receive it. Thanks to GiveDirectly’s support, I have been able to make these important changes in my life, and I am eternally grateful."
Naram's family
access_time 4 months ago
Naram received a $142 initial payment.
"After receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I tried to control my excitement so I could use the money wisely, just as I had planned. I live with my grandson, who is in Form Two at Abimoi Secondary School. He had some unpaid school fees, and I knew if I waited any longer, he might be sent home. I used $100 to clear the balance, and since then, he has been in school without any interruptions. This gave me a great sense of relief, as I no longer had the stress of unpaid school fees. With that taken care of, I turned my attention to something I had always wanted—a comfortable place to sleep. My old bed and mattress were torn and damaged by the floods, so I used $55 to buy a new bed and mattress. This has completely transformed my sleep quality and overall well-being. The remaining money was spent on food, which has been a constant challenge, especially after the floods that affected my village. Now, we have enough food, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible. This support has truly changed our lives, and we thank GiveDirectly."
Woimadi's family
access_time 4 months ago
Woimadi received a $142 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my life has been seeing my child join university. He is the first in our household to reach this milestone, and there are very few children in my village who have made it this far. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my child, who had been called to join university, didn’t have to miss out on this opportunity. GiveDirectly has also made sure that my family has enough food, even after the floods that ruined our farm. Before, there were days when we had to skip meals because we didn’t have enough to eat, but now we have food every day. This support has brought great relief and made a huge difference in our lives."