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.
Amina's family
access_time 17 days ago
Amina received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"Currently, my sole focus and goal is my child's medical condition. My priority is to ensure he receives treatment for his sudden blindness and swollen head. My spouse works as a motorbike taxi driver to support our family, but watching our firstborn child's health deteriorate is emotionally overwhelming for us as parents. Despite using the monthly transfers to address his condition, I haven’t been able to restore his health. As a result, we are planning a large fundraising event in our village to gather the necessary funds to seek better medical care for him. I am, however, deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has enabled us to afford consistent monthly clinic visits. Once his health improves, I will finally have peace of mind and the ability to focus on other aspects of life and my family's well-being."
Naomi's family
access_time 17 days ago
Naomi received a $27 twenty-fourth payment.
"My current goal is to continue my studies, as I am pursuing a tailoring course that I hope to complete by next year. Initially, I never thought I would attend college, but thanks to the monthly transfers I receive, I was able to enroll in this program. I feel incredibly happy because I believe that once I achieve this goal, I will be able to start my own workshop, become self-employed, and generate an income. The skills I am gaining in school will make this possible. With this opportunity, I hope to improve my family's situation and also prepare for the future family I plan to start someday. I am determined to fulfill this dream with the support of the monthly transfers, and I am confident that I will graduate and earn my certificate."
Fatuma's family
access_time 17 days ago
Fatuma received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"My dream, both now and in the coming years, is to ensure that my five children can attend school without interruptions, particularly those caused by unpaid fees, which have been a challenge in the past. With my eldest daughter having completed her secondary education, I feel a sense of relief. I am confident that she will excel and secure admission to a good college. My goal is to provide all my children with a quality education, as I believe it is the foundation for a brighter future. Having never had the opportunity to attend school myself, I am determined to make sure my children do not face the struggles I have experienced due to illiteracy. To achieve this, I save a portion of the funds I receive each month to ensure that their educational dreams are realized. By investing in their future, I am confident they will have the tools to lead better and more fulfilling lives."
Dama's family
access_time 17 days ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"Before GiveDirectly came to our village, I was living in a terrible house. It was a one-room structure with a roof made of grass and walls made of mud. During the rainy season, life was unbearable as rain often fell on my five children and me. With no other options available, we had to endure this situation. The walls began to weaken, and I became increasingly worried that the house could collapse on us.To improve our living conditions, I joined a merry-go-round savings group. Through saving diligently, I eventually managed to build a stone house with an iron roof. We have started living in our new home, although we still need to finish some parts, like the windows. For now, we have covered those gaps to protect ourselves from insects and rain.In the coming year and beyond, I plan to use my transfers to complete the construction of my two-room house before considering any other projects."
Jumwa's family
access_time 17 days ago
Jumwa received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"In the coming year, my greatest goal is to buy more goats because I see them as an investment and a source of security for my family. Right now, I only have one goat, but I’m determined to grow my herd bit by bit. Each month, I plan to save $10 from the transfers I receive, and with time, I’ll have enough to buy one goat at a time. Goats are a great investment because they are easy to maintain, and they multiply quickly, which means I can sell them when we have urgent needs like school fees or medical expenses. Beyond just growing the herd, I want to create a sustainable source of income for my family through livestock farming. This plan gives me hope for a brighter future, knowing that my family will always have something to fall back on in times of need."
Kadzo's family
access_time 17 days ago
Kadzo received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year, my biggest goal is to expand my livestock by focusing on goat farming. Currently, I have three goats, but I am determined to increase my herd because I believe goats are a great investment for my family's future. They are easy to maintain, multiply quickly, and have a ready market. To make this dream a reality, I plan to save $10 every month, bit by bit until I can buy more goats. With this steady commitment, I am confident that I will gradually grow my herd. I hope to establish a sustainable goat farm that will support my family’s daily needs and secure a steady income source for years to come.."
Sidi's family
access_time 17 days ago
Sidi received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to renovate my house and add another room. Right now, I live in a small one-room mud-walled house, which is too small and congested for me and my two grandchildren. It has been challenging to manage in such a limited space, but I am determined to change that. To achieve this, I plan to save at least $10 monthly from the transfers I receive. Over time, I will accumulate enough money to buy the materials needed for the renovation. Adding an extra room will give us the comfort and privacy we currently lack, and it will make our home feel like a better, safer place to live."
Thabu's family
access_time 17 days ago
Thabu received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"In the coming year, my biggest goal is to build a new house because the one I live in now is very small and on the verge of collapsing. Each time it rains, I worry about my family’s safety. To make this dream a reality, I plan to start saving $20 every month from the transfers I receive. With patience and consistency, I’ll accumulate enough money to buy materials like iron sheets, poles, and cement. This new house will not only give us security but also restore our dignity and bring us peace of mind."
Kamone's family
access_time 17 days ago
Kamone received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year, my biggest goal is to invest in goats. I see them as a secure and reliable way to prepare for the future, especially after the GiveDirectly program ends. Goats are not only easy to care for, but they also provide a steady source of income when sold. To make this dream come true, I plan to save $10 every month from the transfers I receive. With time, I will be able to buy one goat at a time and gradually grow my herd. Currently, I already have four sheep, and adding goats to my small livestock farm will strengthen my financial security. Beyond this year, I want to continue growing my livestock so that I can meet my family’s needs and create a stable source of income that we can depend on for years to come. This plan fills me with hope and purpose as I look forward to a better future."
Kenga's family
access_time 17 days ago
Kenga received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming year, my dream is to buy two plowing bulls to improve my farming and increase my income. I plan to save diligently from the profits I make at my kiosk until I have enough to purchase the bulls, which will cost around $260. These bulls will be a game-changer for me. Not only will they make plowing my farm easier and faster, but I also plan to hire them out to other farmers for a fee. This will create an additional income stream to boost my kiosk business and provide more stability for my family. Over time, I hope to grow my farm’s productivity and expand my business, securing a better future for myself and my loved ones."