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.
Margaret's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Margaret received a $141 initial payment.
"Having faced financial constraints, I used to buy food in small quantities, resulting in high costs. However, upon receiving the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, ensuring an adequate food supply for my family of five became my top priority. I allocated $105 to essential food items, such as a 90-kg bag of dry maize grains, 10 kg of beans, cooking oil, tea leaves, wheat flour, and 5kg of sugar. Transporting these provisions home cost me $1 for a motorcycle service. Additionally, I spent $5 on toiletries and $29 on school uniforms for my son. Moreover, I took him to the hospital for a check-up, using $15 to cover the examination fees and medication. To secure additional income and ensure a sustainable future, I invested $9 in acquiring three chickens, which I am currently raising and plan to expand. Furthermore, I settled a $20 debt with a nearby shop, where I had obtained food on credit, expressing my gratitude for their patience. To weed my millet farm, I hired five workers, paying them a total of $15 for their diligent efforts. The generous support from GiveDirectly has significantly relieved my daily struggles and improved access to essential resources."
Agnes's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Agnes received a $318 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has distinguished itself by providing a unique form of aid that was previously absent in our community, even though we had received support from other organizations. The execution of their monetary support was flawless, as they efficiently communicated the project's details in a single meeting, ensuring everyone understood the process. I appreciate the high level of responsibility and accountability demonstrated by every household in my village, with each individual committed to utilizing the funds for their designated projects. The fair and transparent enrollment process fostered trust among the recipients, and the support from GiveDirectly's officers was greatly appreciated. To further enhance the impact of GiveDirectly's assistance, it would be beneficial for them to address cases where recipients may have misused their transfers. By offering additional guidance and support, such as idea generation and involving a responsible person from the neighborhood to monitor their planning and purchases, those who previously wasted their transfers could have an opportunity to use the funds in a more effective manner, thus alleviating their poverty."
Mushimiyimana's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mushimiyimana received a $409 second payment.
"It helped people to leave from their poverty. Everything that GD has done is good"
David's family
access_time over 1 year ago
David received a $318 second payment.
"After obtaining a motorcycle on credit with a $200 deposit prior to receiving the first transfer, the arrival of the first transfer proved invaluable in repaying the loan. I was pleased that the second transfer further facilitated the repayment, as I made an additional deposit of $10. Utilizing the motorcycle, I began offering transport services to the nearby communities, which became a consistent source of income for managing other household expenses. Additionally, I had plans to relocate my house away from the roadside to a quieter and safer area. To achieve this, I spent $116 towards the purchase of construction materials, including 15 building poles and 16 frames, which are already at the construction site. I eagerly anticipate the move to a more secure location, where I can avoid disruptions from stray livestock and human intrusions. To support my son's education, who is currently in junior secondary school, I cleared a $20 arrear, ensuring he can attend classes undisturbed. Following my separation from my wife some years ago, as she moved on and remarried, I became the sole caretaker of my firstborn son. As a family of two, we used $40 for new clothing and $120 for food supplies, including a sack of maize and other household goods. With $54 remaining, I have been using it for fueling the motorcycle and managing various household needs and expenses."
Faith's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Faith received a $141 initial payment.
"I had been running a small business, selling several household goods and foodtuffs as our primary source of income, and expanding it became a top priority. To achieve this, I spent $150 to reconstruct the stall by building an extension on the veranda. This extension served the purpose of creating shade to shield my products, including honey, utensils, and groceries, from direct sunlight. It not only enhanced the freshness of the groceries but also maintained the original appearance of the plastic products. I am pleased with the outcome, as the premises now look great and provide ample space for customer displays. During this time, I received the transfer while pregnant, and currently, I have been in the hospital for the past three days under close monitoring by my doctor. To ensure my well-being and cover medical expenses, my family of three decided to save the remaining $50 from the transfer."
Kanang'a's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kanang'a received a $25 tenth payment.
"My primary goal for utilizing my transfers in the coming year and beyond will be to acquire goats. As an elderly person, my primary source of income from house construction is not financially rewarding. Concerned about the limitations of physical labor as I age, I see goat keeping as a worthwhile investment. Goats are low-maintenance animals, which makes their care easier for me. Furthermore, their ability to be sold provides a potential source of income during difficult economic times. I will diligently save a portion of my monthly earnings to achieve this goal."
Mercy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mercy received a $318 second payment.
"In the coming years and beyond, my main goal is to focus all my efforts on farming as a dependable source of income. I am particularly keen on cultivating tomatoes and vegetables for commercial purposes, as they hold promising potential for profitability. I aspire to create a thriving agricultural enterprise that will provide me with financial stability and support my family's needs."
Jonathan's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jonathan received a $318 second payment.
"In my opinion, GD has proven itself by fulfilling its promise of alleviating poverty through cash transfers. These transfers have allowed me to pursue a dream that once seemed unattainable. As of now, I'm delighted to say that I have around 10 sheep and a growing poultry farming. With confidence, I believe these livestock will multiply and become a substantial source of income in the near future"
Mwaro's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mwaro received a $388 initial payment.
"As I sat down under a tree to enjoy my late lunch around 3 PM, my stomach grumbling with hunger, I saw a message notification on my mobile phone. Curiosity sparked within me, and upon checking, I discovered it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Instantly, an overwhelming wave of joy washed over me as I realized that this unconditional cash transfer would change my life. No longer would I have to endure the discomfort of sleeping in a small house made of ropes; instead, I could finally dream of owning a proper home, a place where security and comfort would be my newfound reality."
Furaha's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Furaha received a $388 initial payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly has truly transformed my life. Previously, my family and I struggled to find enough food to eat, often going hungry for days. Despite my efforts in the charcoal business, I couldn't generate sufficient income to meet our needs. However, since receiving the transfers, I have noticed a significant change in our well-being. The improved diet has resulted in me gaining some weight, a clear indicator of better nutrition. Moreover, the abundance of food has lifted the spirits of my family, relieving them from the burden of depression. Furthermore, the transfers allowed me to settle a longstanding fee arrear bill that I had struggled with for so long. Overall, the impact of GiveDirectly's assistance has been remarkable, providing us with newfound stability and hope for a brighter future."