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.
Marathi's family
access_time 11 days ago
Marathi received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"Personally, I did not have the chance to go to school. In my time, parents often didn’t understand the importance of education, and many children, like me, were left out. The challenges I’ve faced due to illiteracy have been immense, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, especially my own children. Because of this, my dream is to ensure that all my children receive a quality education. Some of them have already graduated from high school, while two are still in school. I plan to achieve this goal by wisely using the transfers I’ve received. I am confident that by the end of five years, my children will be much better off, with their schooling almost or fully completed. Once I fulfill this dream, I will be the proudest father. It will give me the assurance that my children will not face the hardships I endured due to illiteracy."
Sidi's family
access_time 11 days ago
Sidi received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"I have many goals running through my mind, but the most important one is to renovate the house I currently live in. Its walls are cracked, and there are holes everywhere, which has caused me constant worry. At times, I fear it might collapse while I’m inside, putting me at serious risk of harm. To address this, I plan to use my future transfers from the coming months to purchase new building poles and hire someone to carry out the renovations. This issue has been keeping me awake at night. Once I’m able to repair the house, I will finally have peace of mind, knowing I am no longer in danger of it collapsing while I’m inside. It will also make me feel more secure from external threats."
Dzende's family
access_time 11 days ago
Dzende received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming months, my goal and dream are to add an extra room to my one-room house. Currently, I live with my three grandchildren, and this single room is no longer enough to accommodate us all. We’ve been squeezed into this small space, which has made life quite challenging. To make this dream a reality, I’ve devised a plan to save $20 every month from my transfers. These savings will help me gather the resources needed to achieve my goal. So far, I’ve been able to purchase iron sheets with my savings, and I am now waiting for my next turn to receive funds so I can buy the remaining materials. I am confident that, little by little, I will collect everything required to complete the additional room. Once this goal is accomplished, I will no longer feel the stress of our cramped living conditions. Most importantly, my family and I will finally enjoy the privacy we have been lacking."
Katana's family
access_time 11 days ago
Katana received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"With 11 children in school, 7 of whom are in primary school and 4 in secondary school, my greatest desire is to ensure that my children receive the best education possible. To make this dream a reality, I plan to continue using a portion of the transfers I receive, along with the earnings from my other activities on the farm, to buy more goats. I hope that these goats will multiply and increase in both number and value. In the future, I would like to trade some of them for our local breed of cows. These cows are well-suited to our region because they are climate-resistant and can thrive in our environment, which is why I prefer them. I see these animals as valuable assets that, in the future, will help me support my family and ensure that my children continue to receive the education they deserve. I am truly grateful for the support I have received, as it has opened up new opportunities for me and my family. It brings me hope for a better future, and I am thankful for the chance to make these dreams a reality."
George's family
access_time 11 days ago
George received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"My main goal right now is to grow my workshop into a wholesale business over the next year and beyond. I believe this expansion will yield significant returns and create a strong foundation for a better future. Since this business is my primary source of income, it holds great importance for me. It will allow me to provide more easily for my young family and plan better for my children’s future. I look forward to a time when stability and security replace financial struggles, giving my children the opportunities they deserve. Additionally, I plan to expand my poultry business. As it grows, I will be able to sell some chickens and use the profits to buy goats, further strengthening my business, boosting my daily income, and enabling me to support my family more comfortably. To achieve all these plans, I intend to use my savings from our merry-go-round group along with the small profits from my business to reach these goals."
Kauchi's family
access_time 11 days ago
Kauchi received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"My goal is to build a house for my children. Currently, we all live in one small house with my six children and my spouse. Since the house is too cramped, I have sent my first three children to stay with their grandmother while we figure out how to build a new home for them. In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to build a spacious house that can comfortably accommodate all of my children. To achieve this, I’ve started buying one iron sheet each month to help speed up the construction process. My spouse fully supports this goal and also contributes to purchasing building materials. I plan to build a two-room house to fit my five older children. Additionally, I save $10 monthly in our merry-go-round group to help fund the building materials. Once the house is complete, I plan to start a livestock business as a future financial investment."
Riziki's family
access_time 11 days ago
Riziki received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"My goal for this year is to repair the iron roof of my house. I live in a three-room house, but the roof leaks badly whenever it rains. During the rain, we have to gather in one part of the house to avoid getting wet, which is a constant challenge. To address this, I’ve decided to buy one iron sheet each month using part of my monthly transfer. I’ve been advised that I need about seventeen sheets in total, and so far, I’ve bought seven. Fixing the roof will not only stop the leaks but will also greatly improve our living conditions. I’m committed to this renovation to create a safer, more comfortable home for my family. My spouse, who is not a beneficiary, also contributes by purchasing one sheet using his income. Although he used to live in town and wasn't eligible for the program, he is very happy about the positive changes it has brought to our home."
Kadii's family
access_time 11 days ago
Kadii received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"As a mother, I never had the opportunity to attend school during my childhood due to the challenges we faced. Now, I find myself navigating numerous difficulties as I struggle to provide for my eight children by burning and selling charcoal, a labor-intensive job that pays very little. Looking ahead to the upcoming year, my primary focus is to give my children access to quality education. I believe this is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued my household for years. To turn this dream into reality, I plan to save a portion of the transfers I receive, around $10 at a time, and invest in goats. As the goats multiply, I will sell some of them to cover my children's school fees more easily. I am confident that this approach will not only ensure my children stay in school but also motivate them, knowing they won’t be sent home regularly for unpaid fees. By having goats as tangible assets, I will have a reliable way to address their educational needs and meet other basic necessities. Achieving this goal would bring me immense peace of mind and fill me with hope for a brighter future for my family."
Nzingo's family
access_time 12 days ago
Nzingo received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to focus on investing in livestock. Recently, we experienced heavy rainfall in our area, and the skies have remained cloudy, signaling more rain to come. Encouraged by this, I have started farming again with the hope of having a good harvest. A successful harvest will ensure I have enough food at home, eliminating the need to buy food. This will allow me to redirect the money from my transfers toward purchasing more livestock. I will save a portion of the transfer every month to purchase the livestock. Livestock is a smart investment for me because it offers financial security. In case of an emergency, I can sell some animals to raise money. Increasing the number of livestock will help me build wealth and achieve greater financial stability. I am very happy and deeply grateful for the financial support, which is helping me work toward a more secure and prosperous future."
Thomas's family
access_time 12 days ago
Thomas received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to focus on investing in livestock. Now that I have completed building my house, I can channel the money from my subsequent transfers into purchasing animals. I plan to start with hens and goats because they are affordable and multiply quickly, ensuring a faster return on investment. Livestock will also serve as a financial safety net. In times of need, I can sell some to address urgent expenses. To achieve this goal, I intend to save at least $20 every month, and once I have accumulated enough, I will make my purchases. By investing in and rearing livestock, I am confident I will generate good profits and improve my financial stability. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has empowered me to plan for a brighter and more secure future."