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.
Merceline's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Merceline received a $301 third payment.
"I allocated the entire sum of $250 from the recent unconditional cash transfer to an assortment of critical needs. Firstly, I used this money to complete the construction of a two-bedroom house that I had started earlier using previous transfers. This project had been stalled for some time because, despite my best intentions, I had to divert some of the funds for more immediate needs. Now, my two children have a dedicated space to call home, and they no longer need to sleep at my relatives' house due to the cramped conditions of our previous dwelling. The joy of seeing them have a room to themselves is beyond words. I also utilized the cash transfer to pay school fees, amounting to $100, for my two children who are in lower classes. The burden of worrying about their education for the entire academic year has been lifted. Seeing them settled in school, ready to learn and grow, brings me a sense of relief and joy that's hard to put into words. With the remaining $100, I invested in my poultry business. This strategic move has significantly boosted my income. I now earn a profit of $22, a substantial increase from the $8 I used to make. This extra income has made it much easier to provide for my family's needs. No longer do we struggle as we once did, my spouse and I."
Joy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Joy received a $134 initial payment.
"The most significant transformation in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been the realization of a long-cherished dream: starting an agribusiness focused on cultivating pumpkins. For the longest time, this ambition remained out of reach due to my inability to afford the necessary resources to kickstart such a venture. Now, with the support from GiveDirectly, I firmly believe that this project will bring a positive change to my household. Pumpkins are in high demand, and their marketability is promising. For years, my spouse has struggled alone to provide for our two children due to my joblessness, and it's a relief to be able to contribute to our family's well-being. I am filled with optimism that in the months to come, my life will be utterly transformed, not only economically but also in terms of the support and stability I can offer to my loved ones. This newfound sense of purpose and the potential for a brighter future have breathed fresh hope into our family."
Elizabeth's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Elizabeth received a second payment.
"GiveDirectly is a remarkable organization in my interactions with it. It is determined to help people escape poverty without unnecessary bureaucracy. Their straightforward approach of giving direct cash transfers empowers individuals to make choices that suit their unique circumstances. I support GiveDirectly's mission to reduce poverty and promote financial autonomy."
Lavenda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lavenda received a fourteenth payment.
"My most significant desire is to enlarge our one-room house, which is too cramped for my family of five. It's even more challenging as we all share the same room, including our children. I plan to use the next sum I receive from the merry-go-round to acquire the remaining construction materials needed to expand our house. We've already purchased seven iron sheets, and the remaining items are the poles and funds for labor charges. The prospect of having a separate bedroom for our children will bring immense freedom and comfort for my spouse and me. Furthermore, my aspiration is to expand my business to meet the demands of my customers, offering a wide range of items they currently seek. my goal is to elevate my business to a level where I can provide a wide variety of grocery items, attracting more customers and increasing my income. My ultimate plan is to achieve financial independence by the end of this project, relieving my husband of household responsibilities and improving our overall lifestyle."
Wesley's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Wesley received a $134 initial payment.
"First and foremost, the food necessary for the growth and health of the body and soul was on my agenda. With $60, I ensured that the shelves were stocked, not just with provisions but with the assurance that hunger wouldn't knock on our door. Next, there was a venture into the realm of appearances. $20 might seem a modest sum, but it bore the weight of transformation. It went into clothing, not just as a covering for the body but as a statement of pride and dignity for my children. It was an investment in confidence. Then, the stage shifted to the domain of rest. A tired body finds solace in a comfortable bed. So, with $70, two mattresses entered our abode, replacing the wearied one that had served its time. The promise of a good night's sleep echoed in these new acquisitions. Lastly, $50 went to acquision of two young goats. These creatures, still in the early stages of life, carry the potential to grow and, in time, contribute to our financial stability."
Esther's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Esther received a $301 second payment.
"In the journey of life, we often encounter unexpected twists and turns. There was a time when having a stable home and ensuring my child's uninterrupted education felt like a distant dream. But then came this blessing, this unexpected wave of change, and school, the constant worry of fees evaporated. My child now walks the halls of education without a cloud of uncertainty. The weight that lifted off my shoulders brought an indescribable relief. In these moments, I find myself reflecting on the power of collective change. It's not just a personal journey; it's a shared one. As we navigate through these transformations, my hope is that GiveDirectly reach others who are silently battling their challenges and may it weave through the fabric of communities, bringing hope and relief where it's needed the most. And as we continue on this collective journey, let our stories echo as beacons of inspiration, proving that even amidst life's unpredictability, positive change is possible."
Targok's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Targok received a $301 second payment.
"In the wake of GiveDirectly's direct trust and the financial responsibility it bestowed upon us, our ability to manage funds has experienced a noteworthy enhancement. The infusion of financial support has enabled me to strategically address pressing needs that were acting as barriers to sustaining the positive changes in our lifestyle. Previously, our circumstances often bore the mark of scarcity, but with the assistance from GiveDirectly, there's a palpable renewal of motivation and a resolute commitment to forging a better life. We're confronting challenges with heightened spirits and a newfound determination, confidently stepping into a future we're actively shaping."
Jeniffer's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jeniffer received a $134 initial payment.
"The momentous message from GiveDirectly reached me while I was diligently tending to my farm at around 3 p.m. The elation that surged through me was profound, and in that instant, my primary concern became securing food for my household. Operating without this fundamental necessity had proven to be an arduous challenge, making the prospect of having ample food a source of great relief and joy."
Esther's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Esther received a $134 initial payment.
"Around 4 pm, I was at home, having a late lunch when the message came in. The happiness that swept over me was undeniable. I had put so much effort into farming, but the harsh reality of drought meant we didn't harvest anything. It was a source of distress, and the message couldn't have come at a better time than this. In that moment, the first thought that crossed my mind was food. The reassurance that I could now address the pressing need for sustenance was overwhelming. The support had arrived at a crucial juncture, turning a challenging situation into a moment of hope and gratitude."
Felicita's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Felicita received a $301 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has been more than financial assistance; it's felt like a deep understanding of my struggles. With the transfers, I made a pivotal move—I managed to pay for my children's school fees. The relief and joy that come with seeing them continue their education at the university are beyond words. It's not just a present accomplishment; it's a profound investment in their future, a source of calmness and genuine hope. Beyond education, the support allowed me to diversify into different species of goats. This isn't just about livestock; it's a celebrated step towards prosperity. Each goat represents a potential for growth, sustainability, and perhaps, a future thriving business. It feels like a tangible result of the support I received, turning financial assistance into opportunities that go beyond immediate needs. The journey with GiveDirectly has become a story of empowerment, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. It's not just about the assistance they provided; it's about the doors it opened and the steps taken towards a more secure and prosperous life."