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.
Hamisi's family
access_time 20 days ago
Hamisi received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to invest my transfer money in purchasing goats. Now that I have fully paid off the large loan on my motorcycle, I feel a tremendous sense of relief and freedom. This milestone has given me the opportunity to focus on building wealth and securing my financial future through livestock. Goats are an excellent investment, as they will allow me to accumulate assets over time. I have a two-year-old child who will start school in three years, and the goats will help make this possible. When the time comes, I will be able to sell some of them to cover school fees, ensuring my child gets an education. I am deeply grateful for the financial support, which has not only lifted a significant burden but also empowered me to plan for a brighter future for my family."
Fatuma's family
access_time 20 days ago
Fatuma received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"With my charcoal business thriving, I am now planning to start another venture selling second-hand clothes. This will provide me with an additional source of income and bring me closer to my ultimate goal of financial stability. To make this happen, I plan to save $20 from my monthly transfers and $10 from the profits of my charcoal business. Once I have saved enough, I will launch the clothing business. Having two businesses running smoothly will significantly boost my earnings, allowing me to better support my family and cover important expenses, like school fees for my children in the coming years. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support, which has not only improved my current situation but also empowered me to plan for a brighter, more secure future."
Shida's family
access_time 20 days ago
Shida received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"Over the past two years, I have focused on investing my transfers in livestock, and I’m thrilled to share that I now own 10 goats and 5 cows. My next goal for the coming year is to purchase a disc plow, which will be invaluable for preparing my land during the rainy season. With the plow, I won’t have to pay extra for land preparation services, as I am currently training two bulls to handle the plowing. To achieve this goal, I plan to save more money through my savings group, where I have been an active member. Once I have saved enough, I will move forward with buying the disc plow. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has empowered me to make these investments and work toward a more self-sufficient future."
Esther's family
access_time 20 days ago
Esther received a $154 initial payment.
"I was at home, looking after my grandchildren and our grandmother, when a message came in on my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I took it to a neighbor who checked it for me and confirmed that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so happy; I had never received such an amount of money before. My first thought was to build myself a house, as we have been living in a tent since we relocated. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for this support."
Mwanamisi's family
access_time 20 days ago
Mwanamisi received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to renovate my house by adding an extra room and installing another door. Currently, my house has only one room, which has made it challenging for my four children, as they have had to sleep at their grandmother's house due to the lack of space. My dream has always been to provide a home where my children can live together under one roof, allowing me to guide them and instill good morals as their parent. I hope to achieve this dream by utilizing the savings I have accumulated through the merry-go-round initiative and monthly transfers. Completing this renovation would mean so much to me, as it would allow my children and me to live together. This closer living arrangement will strengthen our bond and nurture love within our family."
Helena's family
access_time 20 days ago
Helena received a $347 second payment.
"When the new year begins, my main goal is to construct a pit latrine for my family. Right now, we don't have one, and we've been relying on our neighbor's latrine, which is not only far but also uncomfortable for all of us. It's not good practice to keep using someone else's facility—it feels like an imposition, and honestly, it’s a challenge, especially at night. Having our own latrine will bring privacy, dignity, and better hygiene to our home, and it's something I've been planning for a long time. To make this happen, I plan to use the third transfer from GiveDirectly. The money will be a blessing because I want to build something sturdy that will last for years. I hope to complete it before the rainy season so we can enjoy the convenience and safety of having our own latrine as soon as possible. Once that’s done, I can focus on other needs for my family, knowing we’ve taken a big step towards improving our living conditions."
Silvia's family
access_time 20 days ago
Silvia received a $347 second payment.
"The place where we currently live often floods, and each season it becomes more difficult to endure. So, I’ve decided to buy a piece of land, about half an acre, on higher ground. It’s not easy, but I believe it’s necessary. The move will give us peace of mind, especially during the rainy seasons, and ensure my children can grow up in a safer environment. To make this happen, I plan to be strategic with our bean harvest. After selling the first harvest, I’ll divide the money carefully. Half will go toward school fees, so the children’s education doesn’t suffer, and the other half will be reinvested in planting more beans. With the second harvest, I aim to generate enough to finally purchase the land we need. It’s not just a plan—it’s a promise to my family that we will rise above the challenges we face and little by little, I know we’ll get there."
Winnie's family
access_time 20 days ago
Winnie received a $347 second payment.
"When I heard about GiveDirectly, I didn’t believe it at first because so many programs ask for something in return, but the staff didn’t ask for anything from us to be enrolled. They treated us with respect and made everything clear from the beginning. I liked that there were no intermediaries; the money was sent directly to us, and I didn’t have to worry about someone taking a share of it. Everything was well explained, and I felt like they cared about making sure we understood the process. This way, I cannot think of anything that needs to be changed in the program because everything was done well."
Belvin's family
access_time 20 days ago
Belvin received a $347 third payment.
"When I received the last $450 from GiveDirectly, I had already bought some construction materials, so it was time to complete my dream project of building a new house. I used the entire amount to buy iron sheets and pay for labor. Now, I have a new house. Previously, I was living in a grass-thatched house that leaked badly, especially during the rainy season. During those times, we couldn’t cook because all the firewood would get wet, and it was very uncomfortable being rained on at night. With the new house, my family and I can now sleep in comfort, even during the rainy season. This has completely transformed our lives, and I am grateful for the support that made this possible."
Mariam's family
access_time 20 days ago
Mariam received a $347 second payment.
"My plan for this year is to open a business. I intend to use the final transfer from GiveDirectly to make this dream a reality. Starting a business will enable me to generate a stable and consistent income, which will be sustainable for meeting my family’s needs. This step will give me financial independence and the ability to provide for my family without relying on casual labor or unpredictable sources of income. The thought of achieving this fills me with happiness and gratitude. I am excited about the opportunities this business will create, I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has given me hope and the means to improve my life and my family’s future."