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.
Joseph's family
access_time 1 year ago
Joseph received a $364 initial payment.
"When I received my transfers, I spent $300 on renovating our two-roomed house, a vital upgrade that would provide us with a safer and more comfortable living space. In addition, I set aside $50 for my daughter's school fees as she pursued her education in grade 12. Education is a priority in our family, and this investment in her future was crucial. To meet our immediate needs, I allocated $27.5 for food and $20 for my medication, ensuring both sustenance and health were covered. The remainder of the funds were wisely utilized to construct a goat shed, which had the potential to provide additional income for our family. We rely on farming, cultivating green grains, cassava, cowpeas, and maize to meet our household needs. With the support from these transfers, I am deeply grateful that my family's well-being has been uplifted, and we now have food on the table, providing a more stable and secure future for us all."
Martha's family
access_time 1 year ago
Martha received a $364 initial payment.
"Before the transfers, our daily struggle involved going to the forest to relieve ourselves, a situation far from ideal. However, I am incredibly grateful that the transfers have enabled us to construct a latrine, bringing an end to that hardship. Furthermore, I am delighted that the rainy season is here. The rainfall promises to nourish our crops, ensuring their healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. This is a source of great relief, as it means we will have an ample supply of food to sustain our family. The transfers have truly made a significant positive impact on our living conditions and overall well-being, and I could not be happier about the improvements they have brought into our lives."
Cosmus's family
access_time 1 year ago
Cosmus received a $364 initial payment.
"When I received the transfers, I made several purposeful decisions to improve our family's life and financial stability. I spent $155 to purchase a sewing machine for my wife, who is a talented tailor. This investment was intended to not only support her work but also contribute to the well-being of our family. In addition, $35 went towards purchasing new bedding, ensuring a more comfortable and restful night's sleep for everyone. I also dedicated $100 to debt repayment, helping to alleviate some financial burdens. The remainder of the funds were thoughtfully used for food and clothing, addressing essential needs for our family of seven. We depend on the motorcycle taxi business for our livelihood, and while all the profits from this endeavor primarily go toward providing food for the household, I decided to diversify our income sources by using some of the transfers to open a pub business. This decision not only brought a sense of fulfillment but also the promise of financial stability and a brighter future. I am genuinely happy with the positive changes these transfers have brought into our lives."
Kesi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kesi received a $364 initial payment.
"The SMS arrived at 3 p.m. just as I was on my way home from work, and the timing could not have been more perfect. It was a reassuring confirmation that GiveDirectly had kept its promise, and the prospect of my dreams becoming a reality filled me with happiness. My immediate thought was providing comfortable bedding for my family of seven, a luxury we had been longing for. When I finally arrived home, I could not contain my excitement, so I shared the news with my wife and children. Their faces lit up with joy as they too realized that our long-awaited transfers had arrived, bringing us one step closer to our aspirations. With the transfers in hand, I waited for three days, contemplating the best way to utilize this financial support that had come our way. It was a time filled with anticipation, planning, and gratitude for the positive changes these funds would bring to our lives."
Zosi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Zosi received a $23 seventeenth payment.
"I have a plan to construct a respectable house with an iron roof. Given that I've been residing in my son's home for an extended period, I eagerly anticipate having a place of my own. This is necessary because whenever my son visits, I rely on the generosity of our neighbors for shelter. To address this situation, my objective is to amass sufficient savings through a savings group. This will enable me to purchase 20 pieces of iron sheets and an adequate number of building poles needed for the construction of my new house."
Kenga's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kenga received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"I have a plan to acquire livestock especially goats and chickens that I believe will breed and multiply in number. As a subsistence farmer, I currently live on my own, as all my daughters have been blessed with marriages. This means I am solely responsible for my well-being, and given my lack of a regular source of income, I view the goats and chickens as my primary assets. My intention is to expand my livestock holdings by purchasing more goats and chickens in the near future."
Kahindi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kahindi received a $23 thirteenth payment.
"I am diligently saving a minimum of $20 each month with the aim of returning to high school in January of the coming year. My previous experience as a student was far from enjoyable, mainly due to frequent school suspensions resulting from unpaid fees. These interruptions significantly hindered my academic performance and motivation, yet I persevered through exams. My current objective is to rejoin school, commencing at Form 3 and 4, as I am confident in my ability to meet the financial requirements on time this time around. I am determined to excel in my studies with unwavering dedication, attain excellent grades, and eventually pursue my dream profession upon completion. This aspiration is my primary goal, and I aspire to achieve it through these savings."
Jumwa's family
access_time 1 year ago
Jumwa received a $23 thirteenth payment.
"I am currently in the process of expanding my livestock holdings, with a particular focus on acquiring more goats and chickens. At present, I have two goats, and given my lack of a steady source of income, these animals play a crucial role in supporting my financial stability. Therefore, my intention is to use these transfers to invest in livestock and allow them to reproduce. This strategy will provide me with a valuable financial resource to tap into when I encounter unexpected financial challenges. These livestock are the most suitable assets for me to raise, given that they demand minimal maintenance, especially considering my current status as a subsistence farmer."
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"In the upcoming month, I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to repair my house. To accomplish this, I have a few essential tasks ahead of me. Firstly, I need to acquire additional building poles, and secondly, I must pay the skilled mason who will be responsible for fixing the walls. Once these steps are completed, I will experience a sense of happiness and security knowing that my house is restored to a proper condition. The financial support I have received has been instrumental in enabling me to undertake this crucial project. Without it, I would have been unable to address the necessary repairs, which would have left me without a home. I am immensely grateful for the assistance I have received, as it has had a significant impact on my well-being and peace of mind."
Zawadi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Zawadi received a $23 seventeenth payment.
"My intention is to make a significant investment in acquiring additional livestock. The current heavy rainfall in our village presents a favorable environment for their survival, as there is an abundance of grass for them to feed on. With plentiful food available, their reproduction and population growth will be facilitated, resulting in the expansion of my investment. This strategic move will not only provide a secure future but also offer flexibility. In times of need or emergencies, I can rely on the livestock as a valuable asset that can be converted into cash. The potential financial benefits are promising, and it brings me great joy to witness how the funds are positively transforming my life, fostering self-reliance, and leading to a better quality of life overall."