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.
Flora's family
access_time 29 days ago
Flora received a $154 initial payment.
"I was busy doing my household chores at home, and my phone was inside the house. Little did I know that good news awaited me. Later that evening, after finishing everything, I decided to check my phone, and to my surprise, I saw I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so happy, but since my children are still young, I could not share the news with them. Instead, I waited until my husband came home from work and told him the news. My first thought was to solve the food problem, which had been a big challenge for us."
Charo's family
access_time 29 days ago
Charo received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to ensure that my son, who recently completed Form Four, joins college. Education has always been a priority, and I want to give him the opportunity to pursue his dreams. To make this happen, I plan to save $20 every month. This may take time, but I am committed to it because I know this investment will change his future. Once he joins college, it will provide him with a better chance at a successful career, besides motivating his younger siblings to work harder in school. Watching their brother achieve his goals will set a powerful example, and it will inspire them to push themselves and aim high. I look forward to seeing my son thrive in college and become a role model for his siblings and others."
Jumwa's family
access_time 29 days ago
Jumwa received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my main focus is to improve my health and ensure I have enough food to survive. Being very old and dealing with an unstable health condition has made it hard for me to work or take on any job. Food has also become a challenge, and I often struggle to get the nourishment I need. With the transfers I receive, I plan to use the money for regular checkups and medical care to help manage my health. I will also use part of it to buy food, ensuring I can eat properly and maintain my strength. By prioritizing my health, I hope to live a little more comfortably and with less worry. In the long term, I want to regain some stability, even if it means having fewer worries about food and healthcare. My goal is to live out my years in peace, knowing that I am doing everything I can to take care of myself."
Garama's family
access_time 29 days ago
Garama received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my main focus is on my children's education. I understand that giving them a good education is one of the best ways to secure their future, so I am committed to supporting them in every way possible. From the coming transfers, I plan to set aside $30 monthly to cover their school fees and any related expenses. This regular payment will ensure that their education is not interrupted unless any emergency or pressing issue arises, which might require me to adjust my plan. I am determined to keep this commitment because I know that with a proper education, my children will have better opportunities in life. Over time, I hope to see them grow into responsible, independent individuals who can stand on their own feet, breaking the cycle of poverty and giving back to the community."
Kamuche's family
access_time 29 days ago
Kamuche received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year, I aim to grow my livestock by buying more goats. Goats are easier to afford and require less upkeep, making them a great starting point for my plans. I aim to save $20 monthly from the transfers I receive, and with each $50 I accumulate, I will purchase another goat. Over time, as my herd grows, I plan to exchange the goats for a cow, which will provide milk and have a higher value for future income or emergencies. This step-by-step plan fills me with determination because it’s about building a sustainable future for myself and my family. This vision keeps me motivated and focused every day."
Kang'ombe's family
access_time 29 days ago
Kang'ombe received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming year, my dream is to invest in more goats because they are not only a source of income but also a form of security for my family’s future. I plan to save $10 every month from the transfers I receive, building up enough to buy one goat at a time. With each new goat, my herd will grow, and so will my ability to provide for my family. Goats are an excellent investment, they require little maintenance and can be sold quickly when unexpected needs arise. Beyond this year, I aim to expand my herd, eventually using the income to improve our living conditions, pay for my children’s education, and secure a brighter future for us all."
Dama's family
access_time 29 days ago
Dama received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year, my biggest goal is to complete the construction of my house. It has been a long journey, but I am now close to making it a reality. The only things left are fixing the door and windows to make it secure and livable. With the transfers I receive, I plan to save $10 monthly to cover the remaining costs bit by bit. I know it will take time, but every dollar I save brings me closer to a place my family can proudly call home. By next year, I hope to have everything in place and finally move into a safe and comfortable house. Beyond this, I will focus on improving our living standards and ensuring my family’s future is bright."
Jumwa's family
access_time 29 days ago
Jumwa received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"Receiving transfers from GiveDirectly has been life-changing for me and my family. After my house collapsed, I was forced to sleep in my son's house, which was not ideal for our family dynamics. Now, I am focused on building a new house, and it feels empowering to see the progress. With the transfers, I have managed to acquire the required number of iron sheets and can now allocate $20 monthly to purchase building poles. This steady progress is something I couldn't achieve before, and it gives me hope that soon, my family and I will have a comfortable home to call our own."
Ngumbao's family
access_time 29 days ago
Ngumbao received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to start a grocery store that will provide a stable source of income while being manageable for someone of my age. As I grow older, I realize the need for work that doesn’t demand much physical energy but still allows me to support myself and my family. To achieve this goal, I will be saving $3 every month from my transfers. While it may seem like a small amount, I am confident that with consistency and determination, I will gather enough to set up my grocery store and secure a sustainable livelihood for the future."
Kache's family
access_time 29 days ago
Kache received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"I completed my secondary education in 2021 but couldn’t pursue college due to financial challenges. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I’ve been saving part of my monthly transfers to fund my education. My goal is to enroll in college early next year, and to achieve this, I’ll continue setting aside a portion of my transfers while seeking additional support from my siblings. This combined effort will help me embark on my educational journey and fulfill my dream of furthering my studies."