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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Esther's Profile
Esther's family
Esther
landscapeCountry:
uganda
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
54
workCampaign
Standard Uganda
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
1660300 UGX ($440 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different now in that, I live a peaceful life because initially I was so stressed and depressed on how to get money to send children to school. I no longer have any debts since I cleared all of them, I have managed to build a pit latrine using these transfers. Prior to getting money from GD I used to depend on my neighbours pit latrine therefore I was over inconvenienced a lot. I had a shortage on household items especially utensils but this is no more since this transfers helped purchase some.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GD did well In so many different ways for example these transfee have uplifted us from extreme poverty. Most people used these transfers to build houses, acquire land, household items, paid school fees and clear debts. Furthermore GD sends money direct to the recipient and it's upon him or her to spend it on what they choose. However GD skipped some households from the village yet they really needed this help because they deserved it.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used my transfer on acquiring livestock like a cow and a goat. I paid debts that I had acquired from my savings group. I also gave some money to my children since they were unlucky to benefit from the program. I have saved some money with VSLA. I spent some on buying household items and feeding.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1728300 UGX ($471 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest change in my daily life is that, I have constructed a pit latrine. Previously, I used to inconvenience my neighbors whenever I wanted to help myself and my children would just drop anywhere hence this was a health hazard both to my family and the community.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was too excited when I received the money on my phone. This is because, in the history of my life; I had never received such an enormous amount of money at the same time.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have spent my first transfer on school fees and scholastic materials worth UGX 367000, gave an offetory to church worth UGX 100000. I also bought building materials like bricks, cement and sand for the construction of a pit latrine at UGX 275000. In addition, I gave my spouse UGX 500000 for processing his pension and paid a debt of UGX 180000. I also spent UGX 92000 on food, bought utensils and bed sheets at UGX 186000.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means to use for educating my children. The transfers will enable me pay school fees for my children studying in Bukedea secondary school and Grace high school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of the day is afternoon especially while praying with my friends in zula church of Uganda.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face is lack of enough money for buying oxen. The oxen would facilitate easy cultivation for better crop yields.