live.givedirectly.orgGDLive by GiveDirectly: Real Stories of Impact

arrow_back Newsfeed Give Now Unfiltered, unedited stories We’re committed to transparency and use our survey technology to collect and share real-time updates and stories in this live newsfeed. Browse the real, unedited profiles of the recipients we serve, learn about their aspirations, and follow them to stay updated as their lives move forward. chevron_right Expand to learn about how we collect stories How we collect stories GiveDirectly field officers check in with cash transfer recipients at multiple steps in the process. GDLive shows the reactions of those who have consented to share their stories. Enrollment GiveDirectly field officers travel to enroll recipients at their homes and give them a phone. Recipients answer questions that are translated on the spot and entered into a smartphone app. Check-ins After each cash transfer they receive, we call recipients to hear more about how things are going. This feedback is entered into the database as well. GDLive These recipient updates are published unedited on GDLive for the GiveDirectly community to browse to get a better idea of how their gifts are helping alleviate extreme poverty. Hide this content 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. Search search access_time 2 hours ago Jumwa received a $27 twenty-second payment. "With my immediate need for a mattress and bedding now resolved, I’m channeling my full attention towards my passion for livestock farming. It’s not just about buying chickens and goats with my transfers but about nurturing a dream, one that promises growth and sustainability for my family’s future. Every purchase of a chicken or goat is a step towards building a thriving farm, where each animal holds the potential to multiply and expand our resources. It’s a journey filled with anticipation and determination, knowing that with each addition to our livestock, we’re laying the foundation for a more secure tomorrow. As I continue to invest in my livestock, I’m fueled by the belief that with dedication and perseverance, I can create a sustainable source of livelihood that will support us through any challenges that may arise. It’s a journey worth embarking on, one that resonates with resilience, hope, and the unwavering determination to build a better future." View Jumwa’s profile access_time 2 hours ago Sidi received a $27 twenty-second payment. "After successfully establishing myself as a livestock farmer, I’ve been wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing my animals, watching them thrive, and eagerly anticipating the day when I can reap the rewards of their growth. This venture, made possible with the invaluable support from Givedirectly, is a realization of my long-held dream, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity it has afforded me. With my livestock flourishing, I’ve turned my attention to another important aspect of my life, family. I’ve taken it upon myself to fulfill a duty that my son, currently without a job, couldn’t undertake. In our community, honoring traditions is paramount, especially when it comes to marriage. It’s essential to formally meet and respectfully engage with the bride’s family, often involving a financial gesture as a sign of respect. Thus, I’ve diligently been setting aside funds from my earnings to embark on this significant journey of meeting my prospective daughter-in-law’s family. While the process requires financial commitment, it’s not merely about adhering to customs; it’s about fostering mutual respect and understanding between our families. By demonstrating our sincerity and commitment, we pave the way for a harmonious and joyful union, ensuring that both families embrace each other wholeheartedly." View Sidi’s profile access_time 2 hours ago Karisa received a $27 twenty-fifth payment. "I’m grateful to have received a motorcycle though on loan . I relocated to the city where business prospects are better, aiming to earn enough to pay off the loan. Additionally, I set up a vegetable business for my wife to help support our family. Going forward, my main goal is to expand the vegetable business. Once it becomes stable, it will generate extra income, allowing us to focus on fully paying off the motorcycle loan." View Karisa’s profile access_time 2 hours ago Mike received a $153 initial payment. "As I mentioned earlier, the money arrived at a crucial moment when I was deeply worried about losing my three-acre maize crop, which was withering due to the lack of rain. With no funds for irrigation, I feared losing everything, as it was the only source that I depended on to fend for my only son. However, the transfer rekindled the hopes that I had before. I immediately used $66 to purchase petrol for the generator, enabling me to pump water from a nearby river to save my crops. The joy I felt seeing my maize thriving again is beyond words. Additionally, I also invested $100 in buying a dairy goat, something I had admired for a while, inspired by a friend who owns two. The goat promised a good amount of milk for our needs as well as selling some to earn an income. I am pleased to say that the goat is almost ready to sire offspring. I used the remaining amount to purchase food for myself and my son, ensuring we were well-fed." View Mike’s profile access_time 3 hours ago Monica received a $345 second payment. "Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly was a moment of relief and gratitude for me. It was a day like any other, I was at home, taking a break from my studies since I didn’t have classes that day. This was the first time I personally received money from GiveDirectly. I had been entrusted with the responsibility of receiving it after my mother’s painful passing. The money came at the perfect moment. I didn’t have any money for rent or food in the house,it brought a smile to my face. I immediately used $50 to pay the rent, ensuring a roof over our heads, and bought enough food to make our stay comfortable. But the bulk of the money, $400, was allocated to my younger brother’s education. He’s only five years old, and after our mother passed away, he had to move to Eldoret to live with our auntie. This meant a change of schools for him. The money covered his school fees, uniform, and all the necessary learning materials. Now, he’s settled into his new school in Eldoret, and I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their timely support. It made a world of difference for me and my only sibling." View Monica’s profile access_time 3 hours ago Grace received a $421 initial payment. "Before the cash transfers came in, I lost two of my goats to a disease, which was really painful because I had invested a lot in keeping livestock. Having paused my job as a waitress, rearing livestock had become my best shot at contributing to the needs of my three children and supporting my husband, who had also lost his job. Losing the very thing I had put so much faith in was frustrating. I was hoping for a chance to replace the lost goats, but it had all been in vain until GiveDirectly sent the cash transfers. I immediately obtained three more goats, increasing my herd to eight. This now revives my hope because, more than ever, I am sure I can sell them in the future to raise funds for my children’s education. I also hope to continue growing the herd whenever I have a chance." View Grace’s profile access_time 4 hours ago Dama received a $27 eighteenth payment. "In a few months, I’m looking forward to finally completing the construction of my house. It’s been a long journey, but soon I’ll have a place to call my own. No more sleeping at my daughter-in-law’s house, which has been a bit uncomfortable at times. Having my own space will bring back a sense of dignity and independence that I’ve missed. Another thing on my list is to invest in good bedding, something more...