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.
Rael's family
access_time 17 days ago
Rael received a $347 second payment.
"My next plan for this year and beyond is to buy more livestock and focus on farming. I intend to use the GiveDirectly transfers to make this happen. The thought of this fills me with gratitude because it will provide me with a steady income, and I will also be able to ensure that my family has enough food. With more livestock, I can grow my herd, which will give me a reliable source of income, and farming will help me produce food for my family without worrying about food shortages. This plan gives me hope for a brighter future and peace of mind, knowing I can provide for my family and create a sustainable livelihood."
Naimeku's family
access_time 17 days ago
Naimeku received a $347 second payment.
"What I like about GiveDirectly is their unconditional cash transfers. They enabled me to address the school fees issue, and because of this, I no longer have the stress of unpaid school fees arrears. For recommendations, I believe everything is fine with GiveDirectly. Their support has been truly helpful, and I’m grateful for the assistance they provide."
Miriam's family
access_time 17 days ago
Miriam received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is their level of professionalism and their commitment to alleviating poverty through unconditional cash transfers. Their approach has been very transparent and effective, and it has made a real difference in my life. I have no recommendations for them, except to encourage them to reach as many people as possible. The impact they have on families like mine is truly remarkable, and I believe many more people could benefit from their support."
Noldingida's family
access_time 17 days ago
Noldingida received a $347 second payment.
"What stood out for me was GiveDirectly's flood response. They came when we had no harvest due to the devastating floods, and their support made a huge difference. The money they provided enabled me to buy food for my family, even though we had no crops to harvest. It was a relief to know that we could still feed ourselves during such a difficult time. I appreciate GiveDirectly’s current program, and I believe it’s working well. Because of this, I don’t feel the need to propose any changes. Their assistance has been timely and impactful, and I’m truly grateful."
Merryline's family
access_time 17 days ago
Merryline received a $347 second payment.
"My plan for the coming year and beyond is to transform my farming activities into a sustainable venture. I aim to achieve this by purchasing a generator, which will allow me to irrigate my farm even during the dry season. This means my farming will no longer depend on rain. With this change, I will be able to generate a consistent income throughout the year. I plan to use the last transfer from GiveDirectly to turn this dream into a reality. The thought of this makes me feel good and empowered."
Lekajos's family
access_time 17 days ago
Lekajos received a $347 second payment.
"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and deeply grateful for the support. Before accepting the money, I had already planned how to use it, focusing on what would benefit my family the most. As a mother of four children, all in school, I prioritized their education. First, I used $110 to pay for my eldest son’s upcoming exam fees. He is in college pursuing a diploma in electrical engineering, and this payment ensured his registration for next year’s exams so that he won’t miss this important milestone. Next, I spent $100 on my second son, who is also in college, studying for a diploma in food and beverages. This amount covered the materials he needed for his practical exams. I was overjoyed when he sent me pictures of his work through WhatsApp, showing how well he was performing. He is now sitting for his theory exams and will soon graduate. I also have two other children in high school, and I used $100 to pay their school fees. This helped lift the burden of arrears, ensuring they could stay in school without interruptions. I am so thankful to GiveDirectly because, before this program, I often relied on fundraisers to pay school fees. Since enrolling, I haven’t had to organize a single fundraiser, and my children’s education has been uninterrupted. I feel proud knowing I’m giving them a strong foundation for a self-reliant future. Additionally, I spent $70 on food to ensure we have enough to eat at home. In the past, I often struggled to put food on the table and had to ration meals. Now, we can enjoy full and nutritious meals as a family. Finally, I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my children, ensuring they look presentable and feel confident. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family’s living conditions have significantly improved. This support has brought us stability and hope for a brighter future. I will always be grateful for this life-changing assistance."
Dama's family
access_time 17 days ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"I currently have six goats at home, but I don't plan to just maintain this number; I aim to significantly grow my herd. I am determined to expand my goat-rearing project because goats reproduce twice a year and mature quickly, making it a viable and sustainable endeavor. Once I achieve this goal, it will greatly support my children's education. At the moment, I do not have a job or any external assistance to help cover their school expenses. In addition to supporting their education, these goats will provide a reliable safety net. I can sell some of them to meet urgent needs or cover unexpected costs. I also plan to use part of the incoming transfers I receive to buy more goats, which will help me reach my goal more quickly. I am confident that even when these transfers eventually stop, this project will continue to sustain my family, ensuring lasting benefits from the support I have received."
Sidi's family
access_time 17 days ago
Sidi received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"As I look ahead to the coming year and beyond, my goal is clear: I want to continue raising goats on my homestead. I truly believe that as these goats multiply, their value will grow, allowing me to achieve many things. One of my key intentions is to use some of the goats to support my grandchildren’s education in the future. They are currently in primary school, and I want to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, the goats will help me meet my own needs, such as covering the costs of my monthly check-ups, as I have not been well. I plan to accomplish this by using the upcoming transfers to stay on track and bring this vision to life."
Tabu's family
access_time 17 days ago
Tabu received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"I have an important goal that I hope to achieve soon: expanding my goat herd. Currently, I own five goats, but I aim to grow the herd to at least ten. Once I reach this target, I plan to exchange some of the goats for a dairy cow. My vision is to start a milk-selling business, providing fresh milk to my neighbors and generating income to support my family's needs. At the moment, I rely on burning and selling charcoal to sustain my family, which has been a challenging task, as I am the sole breadwinner. To achieve my goal, I plan to use my upcoming transfers to purchase more goats. I am confident that, with time, the goats I already have will reproduce, helping my herd grow even faster. Reaching this goal will not only ensure that my children receive a continuous education but also improve our living conditions, creating a better future for us all."
Janet's family
access_time 17 days ago
Janet received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"With my children now in school, my primary goal is to ensure they continue with their education. To achieve this, I plan to dedicate a portion of my transfers to covering their school fees. Education is important to me, and I want to provide them with the best opportunities for their future. In addition to securing their education, I also aim to establish a solid foundation for their future by building up a reasonable herd of livestock. I intend to use another portion of my transfers to purchase more chickens and goats, which will be added to the ones I already own. I believe that with time, these animals will multiply, and I will be able to trade some of the chickens for more goats. As the herd grows, I plan to trade some of the goats for cows. These cows will become a valuable asset, as I will also train some of them to plow the fields, ensuring that my family has the resources needed to grow food and support our livelihood. The livestock will not only serve as a source of income but also provide long-term security for my children’s education and well-being, especially after this program comes to an end. I am deeply grateful for the support and empowerment that GiveDirectly has given me."