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.
Ireen's family
access_time 11 months ago
Ireen received a $172 second payment.
"Doing well in supporting the people with financial assistance which have helped them to have a good life"
Kache's family
access_time 11 months ago
Kache received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"My current objective is to gather sufficient building materials, such as building poles and iron sheets, and begin constructing a new house. To achieve this, I've adopted a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I am purchasing some materials every month, steadily building up the resources needed for the construction, for now, I have 8 iron sheets. Additionally, I've joined a merry-go-round, contributing $10 regularly. This way, once I accumulate enough savings, I'll be able to purchase all the required materials to start the construction. In the coming year and beyond, my ultimate goal is to build a decent, spacious house where I and my children can comfortably live. The determination to provide a secure and stable home for my family drives me forward, and I eagerly anticipate the day that we can move into our new house."
Kimoi's family
access_time 11 months ago
Kimoi received a $346 third payment.
"Since fleeing Arabal due to recurring conflicts, I have been living on land generously provided by a well-wisher, where I constructed a simple shelter for myself and my grandson, Joel. Initially challenging, the supportive community and support from GiveDirectly renewed my optimism and restored my independence. Living with Joel, who assists me in collecting the transfers, we have been fortunate to enjoy three meals a day and secure a rented piece of land along the riverbanks for farming and livestock investment. With the final transfer, I prioritized improving our living conditions by paying $250 to the landowner for a quarter piece of land, where I plan to construct a better structure alongside the existing one, which will serve as a kitchen. I allocated $185 for construction materials, including iron sheets and cedar poles, to build a more spacious and comfortable dwelling with enough room for a bed and seating. This upgrade will enable us to accommodate visitors comfortably, unlike our previous cramped quarters. Additionally, I invested $14 in purchasing a small plastic tank for water storage, simplifying water collection and ensuring a more reliable water supply compared to frequent trips to the river with smaller containers. I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has enabled us to make significant improvements in our living conditions and quality of life."
Tarkok's family
access_time 11 months ago
Tarkok received a $353 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has truly been a blessing to our community, bringing about a remarkable transformation and restoring people's independence. Without the cash transfers, many of us would still be struggling to find casual labor every day. However, GiveDirectly changed the narrative by providing us with the means to address our most pressing needs and invest in our own ideas, which are now flourishing. The concept of receiving cash support was a revelation to us, as we were accustomed to traditional forms of aid like food and material assistance. If other organizations could learn anything from GiveDirectly, it would be the effectiveness of providing cash directly to people. The feeling of empowerment and abundance we experienced when receiving the funds, whether in our accounts or in hand at the mobile money shops, was truly uplifting. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's support and hope that this approach will be adopted by other organizations looking to make a positive impact. The diverse range of ideas and initiatives people have pursued with the cash support is inspiring, from constructing new houses to paying school fees, buying livestock, and reviving farming activities."
Chepkor's family
access_time 11 months ago
Chepkor received a $353 third payment.
"In the coming years, my focus is on further expanding my goat herd, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy breeding and growth. From just five goats before the support from GiveDirectly to now having 19, I see immense progress. With reduced financial obligations now that I no longer need to pay school fees or support a larger family, I have renewed confidence in my ability to grow the herd, especially given the ample shrubs in the surrounding thicket, ideal for goat farming. Rather than selling them off quickly, I plan to selectively sell when necessary, such as during tough times or emergencies. Additionally, I aim to invest the proceeds from my current maize farming efforts into acquiring more goats, thus securing a sustainable source of income for the future."
Harusi's family
access_time 11 months ago
Harusi received a $27 fourteenth payment.
"I am happy to share that I recently graduated from high school with the help of the monthly financial support I received. Prior to that, I faced disruptions, but since receiving the transfers, my high school education has been seamless, and I was able to pay my fees on time. My current goal is to enroll in college and pursue a teaching course in September of this year. I plan on saving my transfers every month so that I can easily pay for my tuition fees. I am hopeful that with the continued support, I will be able to achieve my career goals."
Safari's family
access_time 11 months ago
Safari received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"With the rainy season looming, I'm determined to build a new house. The fear of losing my current one to the downpour pushes me forward. Thankfully, I recently fulfilled my dream of owning another goat, which boosts my spirits. My plan is to kickstart the construction process as soon as possible. When our monthly transfer comes in, I aim to gather materials by pooling $30 from each of us. This collaborative effort will hopefully set us on the path to a safer, more secure home before the rains arrive."
Charo's family
access_time 11 months ago
Charo received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"Right now, I'm focusing on breeding goats because they reproduce quickly. Once my goat herd multiplies, I aim to exchange them for cows, as the market rate is around 5 goats for a cow, and also get their nutritious milk. With cows and on the farm, I'll have extra help for tilling the shamba hence saving the amount that I could have used tilling using the tractor for other investments moreso they'll be a source of income too. I'm hopeful that by this time next year, I'll have around four cows and at least sixteen goats. It's a simple plan, but it fills me with excitement and hope for the future of my farm."
Kanze's family
access_time 11 months ago
Kanze received a $27 nineteenth payment.
"My main goal is to acquire all the necessary building materials for constructing a new, durable house, which for now I have successfully acquired 30 building poles with hopes that soon I will be able to acquire all of them since the recent heavy rains have left me feeling unsafe residing in the current house, as it is at risk of collapsing at any moment. I aim to construct a resilient dwelling that can withstand adverse weather conditions. I am delighted and hopeful that with the financial assistance from the transfers, I will be able to realize my ambition of building a quality home for myself."
Dzende's family
access_time 11 months ago
Dzende received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"What I wish for is for my four children to study up to their desired level of education. However, since I lack a reliable source of income, am worried that if I do not establish an investment out of the transfer, I may not be able to finance their education. Through future cash transfers, I have been able to acquire goat this quarter and hoping to buy more through the transfer. Am confident that when these animals increase in number it will increase wealth. In the future, I can sell them to support my children."