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.
Rhoda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Rhoda received a $306 third payment.
"GiveDirectly excels in several aspects. Firstly, their enrollment process is conducted fairly and without any instances of corruption involving field officers, ensuring transparency. Additionally, the transfers they provide are truly unconditional, allowing us the freedom to use the funds as we see fit, as long as it adheres to the law. Their operations are consistently held to high standards, and during my experience, I did not identify any areas that required improvement."
Matanda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Matanda received a $1248 second payment.
"I want to have started a business by then."
Selina's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Selina received a $360 second payment.
"As a single mother of one, life at times can be challenging, but then I have to make ends meet. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this a success. When I received my transfers, I spent $150 on opening a retail shop business, aiming to generate a steady income for my family of two. I also purchased clothing for $50 and bedding for $100, ensuring that my family is comfortable while sleeping. For the remaining funds, I wisely saved them in the bank as a safety net for any unforeseen expenses or future business growth. This financial prudence not only secures my family's financial stability but also allows for potential expansion of the retail business down the road. I am filled with excitement and gratitude, knowing that I have taken steps to meet the needs of my family. This venture not only provides me with a source of income but also brings a sense of accomplishment and security to our household."
Noah's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Noah received a $306 third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to enhance my goat-selling business by increasing both purchases and sales, ultimately leading to a better daily profit. With this increased profit, I plan to expand my involvement in farming activities, particularly vegetable farming, as there is a water project set to be established close to my house. Accessing water from this source will enable the development of a vegetable garden, which we will utilize to sell produce and cover other household expenses."
Reuben's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Reuben received a $306 third payment.
"Upon receiving the third and final transfer from GiveDirectly, I had a lot of plans in mind and was determined to make the most of it. I decided to invest $280 in purchasing a cow, which I hope will prove valuable not only for milk production but also for covering school fees for my three children through the sale of her offspring. My family and I were excited to upgrade our wardrobes, so I spent $50 on buying new clothes for my wife and children, replacing our old ones. Additionally, I spent $105 on acquiring three more goats to add to our existing herd, viewing it as a long-term investment to help cover school fees for my children and other household expenses. With the remaining $15, I purchased household goods, which served as a supplement to my earnings from casual labor, since finding such work had become increasingly challenging in recent times."
Naomi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Naomi received a $306 third payment.
"The support from GiveDirectly has been truly amazing, making a significant impact on our living standards. We were facing numerous struggles before this, but now we have something we can call our own and can generate income from the few projects we managed to complete. Clearing a debt of $300 on a motorcycle we obtained on credit is a significant achievement for us. This happened in the very last part of our transfers, and it was our only hope after several nights of going without food, as all we earned from our daily chores went toward repaying the asset. After this much-needed relief, we allocated $31 for food for my family of four and the remaining $119 for the purchase of iron sheets, which I plan to use in constructing a better and larger house. Currently, we live in a small one, and it is our aspiration to upgrade to a more decent and spacious dwelling, replacing the old one we currently occupy. I am delighted that we can now save on the motorcycle taxi services my husband provides to the community and his cobbler business in the nearby shopping center, which earns him at least $5 combined most days."
Mary's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mary received a $306 third payment.
"With four children currently in school, paying their fees had become quite a challenge, especially when we faced a prolonged drought that hindered farming activities, which could have otherwise helped cover some bills. Although I also engaged in livestock farming, relying solely on it significantly reduced our options and posed the risk of exhausting resources quickly. I am grateful that GiveDirectly provided a cushion against this challenge through their unconditional transfers. Out of the final payment, I spent $200 to cover part of the school fees. Additionally, I settled a $100 debt with a neighbor who had lent me money when I was sending my children back to school. I purchased a $60 sack of maize, which has been essential as food for my family of six. The remaining $90 went towards household items, including toiletries, a few pairs of shoes for my children, and kitchen essentials that were missing, making it more comfortable to prepare better meals in our kitchen."
Margaret's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Margaret received a $306 second payment.
"GiveDirectly is truly doing a remarkable job with its financial support. What stands out is their unbiased approach – they visit every household, enroll them, and direct the same amount to their accounts, ensuring fairness. The freedom they provide in how we use the cash transfer has empowered everyone to tackle the pressing challenges in their households. The impact is visible in every home, leading to a significant transformation throughout the entire village. I can't fault the project in any way; in fact, I hope it can extend its reach to all other villages facing similar challenges, like the drought and famine we endured. This kind of support would make a world of difference elsewhere, as it has here."
Christinah's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Christinah received a $306 third payment.
"Apart from subsistence farming, which used to be the primary source of income for my family of four until unreliable weather conditions disrupted it, I also relied on casual labor. My son and I have been working tirelessly, earning at least $4 a day, to ensure we have enough money for food and school fees for his sibling. I am incredibly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has allowed me to accomplish so much. With the third transfer, I paid $100 in school fees for my two children, who are preparing for their final primary school exams. I also invested another $100 in purchasing two goats, hoping to breed them and use their offspring for future school fee payments when my children transition to secondary school. Additionally, I spent $70 on a sack of maize, which has been a crucial food supplement alongside our daily earnings from casual labor. For a long time, we used water cans as makeshift chairs because I could not afford furniture after constructing my house. I am delighted that I finally managed to acquire two tables and two plastic chairs, all for $26. As I prepare for the challenging period when my children will be entering secondary school, I have saved the remaining $154 to facilitate their transition early next year."
Sharon's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sharon received a $306 third payment.
"Although I have used up all the money I received, my hope for the coming year and beyond is to expand my livestock venture and build a new house for my family. I am thankful that I could manage to pay my children's school fees, which would have been a significant challenge otherwise. As they complete their schooling at the end of the year, my plan is to invest in livestock and engage in other farming activities. I want to express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for their support in making these goals possible."