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.
access_time
17 days ago
Hamisi
received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to invest my transfer money in purchasing goats. Now that I have fully paid off the large loan on my motorcycle, I feel a tremendous sense of relief and freedom. This milestone has given me the opportunity to focus on building wealth and securing my financial future through livestock. Goats are an excellent investment, as they will allow me to accumulate assets over time. I have a two-year-old child who will start school in three years, and the goats will help make this possible. When the time comes, I will be able to sell some of them to cover school fees, ensuring my child gets an education. I am deeply grateful for the financial support, which has not only lifted a significant burden but also empowered me to plan for a brighter future for my family."
View Hamisi's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Fatuma
received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"With my charcoal business thriving, I am now planning to start another venture selling second-hand clothes. This will provide me with an additional source of income and bring me closer to my ultimate goal of financial stability. To make this happen, I plan to save $20 from my monthly transfers and $10 from the profits of my charcoal business. Once I have saved enough, I will launch the clothing business. Having two businesses running smoothly will significantly boost my earnings, allowing me to better support my family and cover important expenses, like school fees for my children in the coming years. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support, which has not only improved my current situation but also empowered me to plan for a brighter, more secure future."
View Fatuma's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Shida
received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"Over the past two years, I have focused on investing my transfers in livestock, and I’m thrilled to share that I now own 10 goats and 5 cows. My next goal for the coming year is to purchase a disc plow, which will be invaluable for preparing my land during the rainy season. With the plow, I won’t have to pay extra for land preparation services, as I am currently training two bulls to handle the plowing. To achieve this goal, I plan to save more money through my savings group, where I have been an active member. Once I have saved enough, I will move forward with buying the disc plow. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has empowered me to make these investments and work toward a more self-sufficient future."
View Shida's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Esther
received a $154 initial payment.
"After we were displaced by community conflicts earlier this year, we had no choice but to relocate. We managed to secure land in a new area, but due to financial constraints, we couldn't build a proper house, so we set up a temporary tent structure. Living in the tent has been difficult; we have suffered from the cold, and when it rains, water gets in, making it uncomfortable and cramped for the five of us. When I received my first cash transfer, I knew it was time to begin securing a better home for my family. I spent $95 on iron sheets, planning to use part of my second transfer to buy the remaining materials and complete the construction. Food was another major concern, as we have no steady income except by selling our goats, which have significantly decreased in number. I spent $90 on food items, including cereals, legumes, and condiments, to feed my family. Additionally, as schools were closing, I sent $2 to cover my daughter's transport back home and bought my other daughter, who is in primary school, a geometric set for $5, which she needed for her exams. Finally, I used $8 to buy new clothes for my grandchildren, as theirs were completely worn out."
View Esther's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Mwanamisi
received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to renovate my house by adding an extra room and installing another door. Currently, my house has only one room, which has made it challenging for my four children, as they have had to sleep at their grandmother's house due to the lack of space. My dream has always been to provide a home where my children can live together under one roof, allowing me to guide them and instill good morals as their parent. I hope to achieve this dream by utilizing the savings I have accumulated through the merry-go-round initiative and monthly transfers. Completing this renovation would mean so much to me, as it would allow my children and me to live together. This closer living arrangement will strengthen our bond and nurture love within our family."
View Mwanamisi's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Helena
received a $347 second payment.
"When the GiveDirectly staff came to visit us, they were very friendly and treated us with a lot of respect. I liked that they didn’t force anyone to join the program; it was completely our choice, and I felt comfortable making the decision. They also took the time to explain everything clearly, so I understood how the program worked. Honestly, I don’t see anything that needs to be changed because everything was handled so well."
View Helena's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Silvia
received a $347 second payment.
"The place where we currently live often floods, and each season it becomes more difficult to endure. So, I’ve decided to buy a piece of land, about half an acre, on higher ground. It’s not easy, but I believe it’s necessary. The move will give us peace of mind, especially during the rainy seasons, and ensure my children can grow up in a safer environment. To make this happen, I plan to be strategic with our bean harvest. After selling the first harvest, I’ll divide the money carefully. Half will go toward school fees, so the children’s education doesn’t suffer, and the other half will be reinvested in planting more beans. With the second harvest, I aim to generate enough to finally purchase the land we need. It’s not just a plan—it’s a promise to my family that we will rise above the challenges we face and little by little, I know we’ll get there."
View Silvia's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Winnie
received a $347 second payment.
"This coming year, my focus is on two things: securing my family’s future and investing in my daughter’s education. I plan to lease an acre of land and plant maize using seeds from Kenya Seed, known for their quality and high yields. Alongside this, I must ensure my daughter stays in school; she is currently in Form 2, and her education is my greatest priority. The school fees can be overwhelming, but I am determined to meet this need without interruption. I am expecting the third transfer soon, and it will be the foundation for these plans. I will use part of it to lease the land, buy seeds, and prepare for the planting season. Once the maize matures, not only will I have food security, but I’ll also have surplus maize to sell, which will help cover her fees in the coming terms. This way, I won’t need to struggle as much, and we can live with less worry"
View Winnie's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Belvin
received a $347 third payment.
"My next plan is to focus on farming. As a family, we have already booked 1.5 acres to plant maize at the beginning of the year. This will help us generate income and ensure we have enough food for our household.
We plan to use our savings to make this dream a reality, with support from my husband, who is currently working. Although we know there may be challenges along the way, I feel optimistic and determined to accomplish this goal. The thought of successfully achieving this fills me with pride and hope for a better future for my family."
View Belvin's
profile
access_time
17 days ago
Mariam
received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out to me was how respectful and kind the GiveDirectly staff were. They treated everyone with dignity and were always ready to assist. Their professionalism and approach made the whole experience smooth and impactful.
My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider coming back and supporting us beyond the third transfer. This additional support would help many of us continue improving our lives and achieving our goals."
View Mariam's
profile