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.
Dama's family
access_time 1 month ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My family is currently facing a difficult and trying time. My eldest son, who is our primary breadwinner, was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident. As he continues his recovery, my immediate priority is to support him with the medical bills and provide food for our family using my transfers from GiveDirectly. His well-being means everything to me, and I am committed to supporting him until I see him back on his feet. I am also working toward securing a stable future for my family. I have been developing a plot of land which is by the roadside where I am building rental houses. I envision that this will be a dependable source of income especially when this program eventually comes to an end. To achieve this, once my son is back on his feet, I plan to save a portion of my transfers through our local savings group so that I may use the accumulated funds to purchase additional building materials and continue construction until the project is complete. This vision fills me with hope and determination. I know that with careful planning and perseverance, I will achieve this goal, creating a legacy that will support my family for years to come. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their support during these challenging times. Their assistance has not only provided immediate relief but also renewed my hope for a brighter and more secure future."
Monicah's family
access_time 1 month ago
Monicah received a $347 third payment.
"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I immediately used $200 to buy three sheep and construct a modern boma to keep them secure. Owning sheep will help ensure the sustainability of this support, as they will allow me to meet future challenges without worry. I used $100 to plant beans on two acres of land, which will provide food for my household. I also plan to sell any surplus to generate income, helping me initiate more projects. Additionally, I spent $100 to build an outside kitchen, something I lacked before, which has created more space for my family. Finally, I used $50 to buy food, addressing our most significant need, especially now that we’ve received this support. I didn’t want my family to struggle with food, and thanks to GiveDirectly, we can now have enough to eat."
Francis's family
access_time 1 month ago
Francis received a $347 third payment.
"What stood out for me with the GiveDirectly program is the unconditional cash that has allowed us to change our lives in the ways we think are best. This support has given us the freedom to address our most urgent needs and make long-term improvements. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to continue their work and extend help to other people in need, so they too can experience the positive impact this program has had on our lives."
Jeniffer's family
access_time 1 month ago
Jeniffer received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is their unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty through unconditional cash transfers. Their approach has brought hope and transformation to many households in my village, including mine. The support has empowered people to address their most pressing needs and invest in opportunities that improve their lives. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider returning to my village even after the third transfers are completed. There are still many challenges that people face, and continued support would make a significant difference in creating lasting change. I am truly grateful for their efforts and the impact they have already made in our community."
Patronilla's family
access_time 1 month ago
Patronilla received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is its unconditional cash program. The support comes without restrictions, allowing recipients to focus on their most pressing needs and long-term goals. This approach is empowering and has brought significant positive changes to my life and the lives of many others in my community. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider extending their support beyond the scheduled three transfers. Continued assistance would help families like mine to achieve even greater stability and further improve our livelihoods. I am deeply grateful for the impact GiveDirectly has already made and hopeful for their ongoing support."
Mercy's family
access_time 1 month ago
Mercy received a $347 second payment.
"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I allocated $250 to buy five sheep. One of them has already given birth, so now I have six sheep—it truly feels like a blessing. I have always wanted to own sheep, but I never had the capital to start. Thanks to this support, I now do, and this is a valuable investment that will provide my family with both food and income in the future. With that done, I turned my attention to preparing for the long rainy season. I used $100 to lease land to farm maize using seeds from the Kenya Seed Company. This will help strengthen my family’s food security by ensuring we have enough to eat, and I can sell any surplus to generate income. I also used $70 as a down payment for a cow that I plan to buy. I am eagerly waiting for the next transfer from GiveDirectly to complete the payment. Finally, I used $30 to buy food for my family. With three children, I had to ensure that we had enough food at home. This support has brought hope and stability to my family, and I am deeply grateful for it."
Juliet's family
access_time 1 month ago
Juliet received a $347 second payment.
"What I like most about GiveDirectly is its inclusive enrollment process, which ensures that many deserving people receive support. I also appreciate that their cash program is not a loan, allowing recipients to use the money freely without the burden of repayment. This approach has made a real difference in my life and the lives of others in my community. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to enroll even more people, as this program has the power to transform lives and create lasting positive change. I am truly grateful for their work and hope they continue reaching more individuals in need."
Alex's family
access_time 1 month ago
Alex received a $347 second payment.
"With GiveDirectly, my dreams are gradually becoming a reality. After purchasing farm equipment, I have secured a sustainable source of income for my household, which gives me hope for the future. My most immediate goal now is to improve our housing situation. As my family continues to grow, it has become clear that we need more space to ensure comfort and privacy for everyone. I plan to add an extra room and expand our living space. This will not only make our home more comfortable but also provide the privacy that my family deserves. I intend to use the final transfer from GiveDirectly to turn this dream into reality. The thought of achieving this fills me with satisfaction and gratitude. I am incredibly thankful for the transformation that GiveDirectly’s support has brought into my life, helping me make meaningful progress toward my goals."
Grace's family
access_time 1 month ago
Grace received a $347 second payment.
"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness. I immediately set aside $250 for my son's education. He completed a certificate in education five years ago but has struggled to find employment. This money has allowed him to advance his education to the diploma level. As a teacher, this upgrade will equip him with practical skills for Kenya's new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), significantly improving his chances of securing a job after graduation. With my son's education sorted, I focused on farming. I had already planted beans on 1.5 acres of land using seeds from the Kenya Seed Company. I used $150 to maintain the farm and ensure a good harvest. This amount covered the cost of pesticides, herbicides, and irrigation. I am hopeful for a successful harvest that will not only provide food for my family but also help me pay school fees to keep my children in school. The remaining money was used to settle a small debt at the local shop, where I had been buying food on credit. Clearing this debt has helped me maintain good relationships with the shopkeeper. I also bought food for my family, ensuring I had the energy to focus on my farm work. This support has given me hope and has made a significant difference in my life and that of my family."
Geoffrey's family
access_time 1 month ago
Geoffrey received a $347 second payment.
"For the past five years, I have been living in a grass-thatched house with muddy walls, which has been challenging to maintain. I often have to hire labor for repairs, and the grass in our area is frequently destroyed by ants, forcing me to replace the roof every year. Finding new grass has become increasingly difficult, adding to my struggles. To resolve this, I plan to build a house with iron sheets, which will be more durable and easier to manage. I intend to use the proceeds from my current maize crop, which I planted on two acres of land. The crop is doing well, and I expect to harvest it in three months. With the earnings, I hope to finally put an end to these ongoing maintenance issues and improve my living conditions."