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.
Cosmus's family
access_time 1 year ago
Cosmus received a $336 second payment.
"With a shared vision for a better future, my wife and I embarked on a disciplined savings plan. I committed to setting aside $0.5 daily from my earnings as a bodaboda rider and mechanic, while my wife diligently saved $0.2 daily from her tailoring business. The goal is a two-year savings journey aimed at accumulating enough funds to purchase a piece of land in town. Our collective dream was to build rental houses, a long-term investment that promised future financial stability. The daily sacrifices we made were fueled by the shared belief that these small contributions would pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow."
Teresa's family
access_time 1 year ago
Teresa received a $290 second payment.
"In my view, GiveDirectly has significantly transformed lives within our community. Their impact has been transformative, sparking numerous positive changes. The landscape has shifted significantly, evident in the emergence of new homes, thriving businesses, enhanced sanitation practices, and increased enrollment of our children in schools. These are just a few among the many transformations witnessed. If you were to compare our community before and after the intervention of GiveDirectly, the difference is striking. The tangible improvements are evident, painting a picture of progress and upliftment. From my point of view, I couldn't ask for anything more. What GiveDirectly has initiated is already beyond expectations. Their ongoing efforts are exemplary and have made an indelible mark on our lives. I firmly believe that continuing in the same is the best course of action."
Maxi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Maxi received a $286 second payment.
"I make a living through farming, while my wife runs a salon. Together, we have two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I strategized to enhance the salon business. We invested in blow-dry equipment and other items amounting to $200. This decision aimed to establish a reliable income source, especially during the festive season, given the unpredictability of our income. Additionally, we decided to improve our small house, spending $126 for the upgrade. We also purchased two goats for $75, and the remaining funds were used to buy essential foodstuffs. I am profoundly thankful that our lives experienced a remarkable uplift, and we remain forever indebted to the organization for this positive transformation."
Marceline's family
access_time 1 year ago
Marceline received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"Since receiving the cash transfers, I've adopted a systematic way of approaching one project at a time. I utilized the previous transfers to build the pit latrine and bought a solar lighting panel. Currently, my goal is to complete the payment for the solar panel, which I acquired on credit. Following this, I plan to invest in furniture, specifically plastic chairs and a table. The existing wooden furniture has aged, leading to deterioration, and plastic furniture would mitigate this risk. Additionally, I aim to support my husband in covering the school fees for our child entering form four. The objective is to alleviate the financial burden on my husband, who has been facing challenges in meeting school fee obligations at times."
Kavumbi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kavumbi received a $22 fourteenth payment.
"I wish to expand my livestock holdings by the time the cash transfers conclude. Currently, I own a cow and a goat obtained through these savings. The plan is to continue acquiring cows, eventually having two, which can assist in farming activities like plowing, saving on the expenses of hiring plowing services. Additionally, the goats will contribute to building wealth. Even after the transfers end, the livestock will serve as a vital source of income, complementing the revenue generated from my business of selling palm wine. I am excited that the recent harvest has alleviated financial constraints on food, providing an opportune moment to focus on expanding my livestock. "
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"My primary goal is to expand my livestock holdings, specifically focusing on goats. As the herd grows, I envision selling them in the future to cover various needs, including medical expenses or household necessities. With the current progress, having already acquired four goats through the cash transfers, I am optimistic about the continued growth of the herd. My commitment is to channel future cash transfers towards achieving this goal. With this, I can slowly become independent from my son, Katana, who is currently my main breadwinner."
George's family
access_time 1 year ago
George received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"I want to construct a concrete skirting around my house, which is currently constructed with mud walls and tree poles. These walls are showing signs of deterioration, and the skirting will reinforce them, preventing potential collapse. As a herdsman, the little commission I earn from this job cannot fund the exercise which is why I look forward to utilizing the cash transfers. Besides, given that there is sufficient food from the previous harvest, I can allocate all available funds towards purchasing bricks to initiate this essential project."
Sidi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Sidi received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I wish to continue acquiring livestock, particularly goats. Owning these animals ensures financial security even after the cash transfers conclude. This will be a more reliable source of income than the practice of making charcoal that I currently partake in.  As they reproduce and increase in number, I can sell them in the future to cover various needs, such as food. As a widow, having livestock becomes a crucial source of funds, reducing my dependence on my brother-in-law for provisions."
Sidi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Sidi received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"I would like to use the cash transfers to purchase building poles and iron sheets for constructing a new house. My current structure is in a dilapidated condition, with decaying building poles. Every night, I am concerned about its stability and fear that it can collapse on me. Given my advancing age and inability to engage in strenuous activities for income generation, I plan to focus the cash transfers on building a one-room house that would suffice for my needs. This initiative aims to provide me with a safer and more secure living space."
Johnson's family
access_time 1 year ago
Johnson received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"I wish to continue supporting my son's education as he is set to complete university in the next nine months. He is required to pay at least $300 every semester, and the cash transfers, coupled with the income from selling livestock and my small pensions post-retirement, have proven instrumental in keeping him in school. Another aspiration is to replace the roof of my house. The current iron sheets have corroded and developed perforations over time, allowing water to leak in when it rains. Replacing the roof would address this issue and I hope to channel the cash transfers towards the exercise."