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.
Happy Holidays!
GDLive updates will be slower while GiveDirectly's Africa offices are closed over the holidays.
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28 days ago
Linet
received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"I am an ECDE teacher, and I have taken the initiative to further my education by pursuing a Diploma course, which has always been my top priority. In the upcoming year, I plan to focus on my studies since obtaining a Diploma is more advantageous in the teaching profession. Additionally, acquiring this qualification will lead to a higher salary compared to just holding a teaching certificate.
My primary objective is to save a portion of my GiveDirectly transfer within our savings group, where I can access loans to cover my school fees. Moreover, I aspire to build a new house for my mother, as our current one is in poor condition, it's grass-roofed, and the walls are made of mud, making it weak and prone to collapse. Thus, my plan is to complete my Diploma before starting this second project. I anticipate that the extra income from my salary, along with my transfers from GiveDirectly, will help me achieve these goals. I am also grateful for the support I receive."
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28 days ago
Gona
received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"I am deeply grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, which has enabled me to enroll in a technical college and pursue a certificate in Automotive Engineering, a significant milestone in my life. My immediate goal is to use future transfers to cover my school fees, as I have no other financial support. I aim to complete my course by March 2025 and hope to secure a job that will allow me to become self-sufficient. Looking ahead, my vision is to establish my own automotive business. Once I complete my education, I plan to save diligently from my transfers and future income, with the goal of raising $2,500 in the next five years to launch my business. This venture will not only sustain me but also uplift my circumstances and provide stability for my family."
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28 days ago
Esther
enrolled.
"Raising a mentally challenged child with insufficient funds is making our lives harder. I have a 10 year old child with mental issues who needs total attention and care because she might get lost when left alone. This has reduced me into a housewife relying entirely on a single source of income from my husband. My husband is a casual laborer earning meager salary of KES 3000. Keeping in mind burden of schooling 4 children in primary school at different levels. Living in abject poverty saddens me and I don't wish anyone to be in our current status."
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28 days ago
Bryson
received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is the unconditional cash that is sent directly to my phone. I find this approach very convenient and empowering because it allows me to decide how best to use the money based on my family's needs.
I appreciate this unique aspect of the program and have no recommendations for any changes. Instead, I would encourage GiveDirectly to continue with their current model of sending cash directly to recipients. It is a life-changing program that has brought so much positive impact to my life and many others."
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28 days ago
Rebecca
received a $140 initial payment.
"When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I immediately allocated $100 to increase the stock in my business. My business is now doing well and has become more stable, especially after I used this amount to clear a debt I previously had.
I also used $50 to buy clothes for my children. They were so happy and grateful, knowing that the GiveDirectly support made this possible. Their joy and appreciation brought me so much happiness, and they even wished blessings upon GiveDirectly for helping us.
In addition, two of my children had just closed school and needed fare to travel home. I sent them $20, and they were able to come home safely. Now, we are enjoying the holiday period together as a family, which makes me incredibly happy.
The remaining money was used to meet our daily food needs. I’m grateful that I could ensure my family has enough to eat without struggling. This support has truly made a positive impact on our lives, and I’m so thankful."
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28 days ago
Jeniffer
received a $140 initial payment.
"Upon receiving the $180 from GiveDirectly, I decided to address the most immediate need, which was food. I used $50 to buy food, as my family had been struggling to have enough to eat. Previously, I had to rely on casual labor to earn money for food, but it was difficult and unsustainable because it was temporary — some days I had work and other days I did not.
After that, I used $100 to buy construction materials to build a toilet. This was an important hygiene component that we didn’t have before, but now, the construction is almost complete, and I’m happy with the progress.
Lastly, I used the remaining money to send some to my two children for their school upkeep. I’m truly thankful for this support from GiveDirectly, as it has made a big difference in our lives."
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28 days ago
Lilian
received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is that they treat everyone equally, with no favoritism. This fairness made me feel valued and respected. I have no recommendations for changes because I believe the current program is excellent. They should keep it running just as it is."
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28 days ago
Noltoimal
received a $347 second payment.
"I really appreciate how GiveDirectly asks for consent and never forces anyone to enroll in their program. This respectful approach shows that they value people's choices. I don’t have any specific suggestions for changes to their program because I love it just the way it is. I am very grateful for the cash support, as it has made a significant difference in my life."
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28 days ago
Jackson
received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is their respectful approach to enrolling people in their program. They always ask for consent, and no one is forced to join. This demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to ensuring everyone feels comfortable and valued.
I have no recommendations for changes to their program because I genuinely like everything about their cash transfer initiative. It is well-structured and impactful, and I appreciate how they have positively transformed the lives of so many people, including myself."
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28 days ago
Mary
received a $347 second payment.
"My plan for this year and beyond is to fully recover from the losses I incurred during the recent floods. I intend to achieve this by investing in farming and replacing the equipment swept away by the floodwaters. This includes purchasing a generator and water pipes, which are essential for irrigation and sustaining my farming activities.
With these investments, I aim to generate enough income to support my family and ensure my children’s education continues uninterrupted. The thought of achieving all this fills me with gratitude and hope because it will mean I have fully recovered and can provide a stable future for my family."
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