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.
Karisa's family
access_time 2 months ago
Karisa received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"I currently work as a motorbike taxi driver to earn some income to support my family. However, I don’t earn much, as I hire the motorbike on a daily basis and have to split the income with the owner. Before these transfers end, I want to invest in goat rearing. Growing my herd will provide a valuable safety net for any financial emergencies. I save part of each transfer in our savings group to ensure I reach this goal. I prefer goats because they multiply quickly, which increases their value rapidly. Having a reliable source of income gives me peace of mind, and once I have a strong herd, I plan to leave the motorbike business and focus fully on goat rearing. This will allow me to support my family financially with much greater ease."
Grace's family
access_time 2 months ago
Grace enrolled.
"Low and unsustainable income are the challenges we are currently facing. Raising a family of 3 single-handedly with a meager wage of approximately KES 150 a day is an uphill task. I usually depend on casual labor such as fishing, vending water in the village, and, at times, taking care of teachers' children when they have gone to school for a fee. Living in such tough economic times with low income has made our lives unbearable. My hope has now been rekindled through the transfer that I am expecting from Give Directly. This will be a stepping stone to realizing a fulfilled future for my family."
Woimadi's family
access_time 2 months ago
Woimadi received a $347 second payment.
"I plan to use my third transfer to plant my farm with tomatoes, as they ripen quickly and provide a good income. This will help ensure enough food for my family and reduce the need for buying food. I also want to stop leasing my two acres of land, as I have been doing this for survival, and instead, I hope to fully utilize the land for my own benefit. With the income from tomatoes, I will be able to support my family better and create a more secure future for us. Growing my own crops will give us more independence and reduce the costs of leasing land. I am hopeful that this plan will bring stability and improvement to our lives in the years to come."
Veronica's family
access_time 2 months ago
Veronica received a $347 second payment.
"In the coming years, I want to focus on farming to improve my family’s future. When I harvest my tomatoes, I plan to use the money to replant maize and buy livestock. The livestock will provide a source of income and security for us. Additionally, I will use some of the profits to pay the school fees for my children, ensuring they have a good education. I believe that by investing in farming and livestock, I can create a stable future for my family. My goal is to continue working hard and build a better life for all of us."
Roseline's family
access_time 2 months ago
Roseline received a $347 second payment.
"When I receive my third transfer, I plan to use it to plant beans on my farm. Beans grow quickly and will give me a good harvest. Once I have the surplus, I intend to sell them next year. The money from the sale will be used to pay for my children's school fees, ensuring they can continue their education. This plan will help ease the financial burden of their schooling. I am hopeful that this investment in farming will not only provide for my family’s needs but also secure a better future for my children."
Monicah's family
access_time 2 months ago
Monicah received a $347 second payment.
"What impressed me the most about GiveDirectly is how organized their plans are. During the barazas, they took the time to educate us and shared positive news that really lifted my spirits, especially the idea of receiving free money. The way they communicated with us made me feel valued and informed. I didn’t notice anything bad about GiveDirectly; everything was done well. The officers explained things clearly, and we always knew what to expect. I am grateful for their support and how smoothly everything has gone."
Enyalan's family
access_time 2 months ago
Enyalan enrolled.
"Lack of food quality food is the biggest challenge my family is currently facing.I am a widow with 2 children, I engage in casual jobs such as fetching water and washing clothes for the well-off neighbors.Finding work nowadays is a challenge because schools have closed, children go to fetch water for their families.This has affected my source of income leading me to having huge debt in shops .For the past one month I have been able to earn at most KES 100 twice a week, this money is inadequate to meet my household daily food requirement worth KES 200.I am currently so devastated and in fear that my children and I may find ourselves malnourished and weak due to inadequacy of food intake unlike the past few months."
Amina's family
access_time 2 months ago
Amina enrolled.
"Providing food for my family of four has become a real challenge for us. We depend on my husband, Amos, who operates a motorcycle taxi business to provide for us. Unfortunately, his business is not doing well, and on most days, he only earns around KES 300, which is not enough to cover even the basics like food. We do not farm here either, since the weather conditions are not favorable for growing crops. Even though it is tough sometimes, I am grateful that we have never lacked food, thanks to Amos. He works hard, and no matter how little we earn, he always makes sure there is something on the table for us. I am thankful for that, even though things are hard."
Kavumbi's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kavumbi received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"In the past, my main goal was to get a bed and mattress for myself, as I had none and I was sleeping on the floor which was very uncomfortable. With the transfers I received, I was able to buy a bed and mattress, and I am now so grateful to sleep comfortably each night. However, I now realize that my teenage son, who is growing up quickly, also needs his own space. It no longer feels right for us to share the same living area, especially as he becomes more older. Therefore, this year, I plan to use part of my future transfers from GiveDirectly to gradually purchase building materials so I can construct a small house for him. I want both of us to have the privacy and comfort we deserve, each in our own space. I am hopeful that, little by little, I will be able to complete this project and give him this special gift. Just thinking about it fills me with joy. I am deeply grateful for these transfers, as they are making dreams like this feel within reach. I know I will be overjoyed when I can finally hand over a place my son can truly call his own."
Eunice's family
access_time 2 months ago
Eunice received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"I am currently enrolled in college, pursuing a diploma course in Early Childhood Development Education. I believe that enrolling in this program will open exciting new paths for my career and therefore I am committed to completing this course. I am meant to complete my studies in July next year and I am hopeful for the chance to secure a position with the County Government, which would provide the job security and growth I aspire for, especially compared to my current role within our community school where there is no job security. As I move forward, my primary focus is to continue dedicating all my transfers toward funding my education until I complete my studies. Once I complete my studies, I plan to start investing in livestock, starting with goats. My hope is that these goats will thrive and multiply, growing in both number and value. Thereafter, I plan to trade some of them to purchase cows that I will use to plow my farm. I am optimistic that these goats and cows will become valuable assets for my family and be a reliable source of support especially once this program concludes. I am deeply grateful for the assistance I receive from GiveDirectly. It has been an essential stepping stone toward my dreams, and with each step, I feel my aspirations coming closer to reality."