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.
Charo's family
access_time 2 days ago
Charo received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"I am a father of six children, working hard to provide for my family by doing casual jobs like burning charcoal and fetching firewood for sale. With the most recent three transfers, I carefully thought about how to use the money wisely to meet our needs and secure our future. The first thing I did was take my three boys for circumcision, which cost $15. This was an important cultural and health decision, ensuring they grow up healthy and strong. After that, I used $19 to buy food for my family, making sure we had enough to eat and could focus on our daily activities without worry. With the remaining $68, I invested in two goats, adding to the three I already had, making it a total of five. These goats are not just animals; they are my family's safety net for the future. They represent an investment that can grow and provide financial security during tough times. I plan to expand this small herd and use it to pay for school fees and other urgent needs when they arise. These transfers have been a blessing, helping me provide for my family's immediate needs while also building a foundation for a better tomorrow."
Lucky's family
access_time 3 days ago
Lucky received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"I completed my secondary school education in 2021. Since my parents are casual laborers, they cannot afford my college fees, which is why I haven’t joined college yet. However, I am optimistic that with the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will save enough money to pursue my dream of studying hospitality. I had hoped to start college this year, but the money I saved wasn’t enough. Therefore, I plan to continue saving and investing in poultry and goat rearing projects. I am confident that if these projects succeed, I will raise the funds needed to begin my college education. I aspire to study ICT, inspired by my uncle, who has been successful in this field. With my savings and income from my goat investment, I believe I can afford my school fees and fully focus on my studies. My goal is to excel academically, earn good grades, and eventually start my own business after graduation to secure a better future."
Sheillah's family
access_time 3 days ago
Sheillah received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"I am currently in college pursuing a certificate course in Cosmetology. As I continue pursuing my studies with the goal of completing my course in 2026, I am steadfast in my determination to see this journey through. My plan is to use a portion of my transfers to pay for my school fees, ensuring I remain on track to achieve my dream. Once I graduate, my vision is to open a vibrant cosmetics store where I will sell beauty products and provide professional services. This store will be my source of income, a platform to further enhance my skills, and a stepping stone to building a fulfilling career. I am eager to create a space that reflects my passion and allows me to share it with others. Alongside my studies, I plan to invest in a small poultry venture by using another portion of my transfers to purchase chickens. My hope is that they will multiply, increasing both in number and value. The proceeds from selling them will serve as an additional source of income to support my education and future goals. I am filled with hope for a brighter future. Each step I take brings me closer to creating a life filled with opportunity, growth, and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the support that has made all this possible, and I am ready to make the most of it."
Hudson's family
access_time 3 days ago
Hudson received a $348 second payment.
"My two children are set to join high school in the coming term, and another is already in high school. I have set aside $150 for their school fees, which I plan to combine with my final transfer to cover the total cost. Education is very important to me, and I want to ensure that my children can continue their studies without interruption. Additionally, many of our household items were worn out, particularly the utensils, to the point where I could no longer serve a visitor comfortably. Our furniture was also scarce for our family of six. I spent $88 on new furniture and utensils. Furthermore, food has been a challenge, as our reliance on crop farming this year did not pay off; we lost our crops to the floods. As someone with a disability, I could not contribute much physically, so I had to rely on my wife to manage things. I spent $50 on food to ensure we had enough to eat for the time being. Goat farming does well in our area, so I decided to invest in it for the future. I had sold all my goats to cover school fees, but knowing how much they had helped me in the past, I spent $50 to buy a new goat. I know that with time, it will grow and provide an additional source of income to help with school fees and other needs. Finally, I used the remaining funds to invest in farming. I planted maize on my two acres of land, hoping it will help us recover the losses we experienced this year. If the maize succeeds, it will provide us with income to support my children’s education, add more livestock as my resources grow, and continue crop farming. Thank you, GiveDirectly."
Grace's family
access_time 7 days ago
Grace enrolled.
"The roofing of my house was destroyed by the wind some years back, but I have been unable to repair it due to financial constraints. Now that I will benefit from Give Directly, I will be able to repair it using part of the first transfer and pay school fees using the remaining cash. I am truly grateful for this unwavering support from GiveDirectly and am now hopeful about the future of my family."
Woimadi's family
access_time 7 days ago
Woimadi received a $347 second payment.
"The cash transfer from GiveDirectly came at a time when I desperately needed help. I used $250 to buy six sheep, knowing they would multiply and provide a steady income when I sell them. This would help me cover emergencies and daily expenses. I also paid $100 for my children’s school fees, which was a huge relief, as I used to lease my land to pay for their education. My daughter had once been sent home for fees, which was a very painful experience. Furthermore, I bought a mattress and bed sheets for $50, as my children and I had been sleeping on a mat, which was very uncomfortable. The remaining $50 was used to buy food, ensuring that we had enough to eat for a while. Life has not been easy for us since my husband passed away a long time ago, and I’ve had to manage everything on my own. Before the transfer, I worked casual jobs, earning just $2 a day, which wasn’t enough to meet our basic needs.Despite the challenges, I am now able to care for my four children more comfortably. The sheep, school fees, and other purchases have already made a big difference in our lives. I feel more secure knowing I have assets and that my children can stay in school. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity, as it has truly changed our lives for the better."
Veronica's family
access_time 7 days ago
Veronica received a $347 second payment.
"In the coming years, I want to focus on farming to improve my family’s future. When I harvest my tomatoes, I plan to use the money to replant maize and buy livestock. The livestock will provide a source of income and security for us. Additionally, I will use some of the profits to pay the school fees for my children, ensuring they have a good education. I believe that by investing in farming and livestock, I can create a stable future for my family. My goal is to continue working hard and build a better life for all of us."
Roseline's family
access_time 7 days ago
Roseline received a $347 second payment.
"When I receive my third transfer, I plan to use it to plant beans on my farm. Beans grow quickly and will give me a good harvest. Once I have the surplus, I intend to sell them next year. The money from the sale will be used to pay for my children's school fees, ensuring they can continue their education. This plan will help ease the financial burden of their schooling. I am hopeful that this investment in farming will not only provide for my family’s needs but also secure a better future for my children."
Eunice's family
access_time 7 days ago
Eunice received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"I currently work as an Early Childhood Development Education Teacher, employed by the Parents Teachers Association at a school in our community. My goal has always been to further my education to increase my chances of securing a position with the County Government which I believe will give me job security. To achieve this, I enrolled in college to pursue a diploma in my field. Now that I am married and have my own family, I am funding my education as well as supporting my family. The transfers from GiveDirectly have been very helpful in my journey and recently, I used the full amount of $102 of my transfers fro GiveDirectly to pay my school fees. I am happy with the progress that I am making and hopeful that I will complete my studies by next July. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it is helping me achieve my goals."
Stanley's family
access_time 7 days ago
Stanley received a $154 initial payment.
"When the money came, it was at night while I was sleeping. I checked my phone at 6am and saw the message. I became very happy and thought to myself that I would take some time to figure out the best way to use the money. The first thing that came to my mind was my child's school fees. I had some arrears, and I wanted to clear them so that my child could study peacefully without any disturbance. I felt relieved knowing that with this money, I could finally bring some peace to my home and focus on my child’s education without worrying about fees."
school fees