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.
Dama's family
access_time 1 year ago
Dama enrolled.
"Reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am just a house wife and my husband does casual jobs at the coastal towns earning approximately $100 per month. The money caters mainly for food making children lack school fees. This has caused my first daughter to miss classes for almost two weeks due to lack of school fees and as a result she has dropped in her performance."
Edward's family
access_time 1 year ago
Edward received a $295 third payment.
"Addressing the critical issue of food security was my top priority when I received my recent unconditional cash transfer. Allocating $222 towards buying sufficient food for my family was a crucial step in ensuring my children wouldn't have to endure the pangs of hunger anymore. It pained me to see them go to bed with empty stomachs, affecting their health negatively. Additionally, I used part of the funds to kickstart a salon business for my wife. Investing $80 in acquiring essential equipment like a blow dryer, various types of hair, and oils not only provided her with a means of livelihood but also relieved some financial burden from my shoulders. Now, she could contribute to supporting our family with the profits from her newfound venture. After that,I utilized part of the remaining funds to purchase materials for building a new kitchen. Cooking outside the house had been unhygienic, and I believed a decent kitchen was essential for the well-being of my family. The remaining funds were wisely spent on acquiring pesticides to protect my tomato farm from destructive worms. Given that tomatoes were a significant source of income for me as a farmer, safeguarding the crops was crucial to preventing losses that could impact my family of four. I feel a sense of relief and accomplishment, knowing that my actions have not only improved our immediate living conditions but have also set the stage for sustained income and a healthier, more secure future for my family."
Leah's family
access_time 1 year ago
Leah received a $295 third payment.
"It is truly remarkable how receiving the transfers has transformed my life and the lives of those around me. Personally, I have been able to achieve significant milestones, such as constructing a house for my family and ensuring that we have enough food on the table. Witnessing the positive changes in my community, including the acquisition of assets, has been incredibly fulfilling. GiveDirectly's impact has been nothing short of transformative. Their approach has brought about tangible improvements, not just for individuals like me but for the entire community. The changes we have experienced have been vital in shaping a better present and laying the groundwork for a more promising future. I am grateful for the role GiveDirectly has played in changing my life for the better. Their work has been effective, and I firmly believe that they are making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of many. From my perspective, there is nothing that needs changing about their approach; it has been nothing short of life-changing."
Vancy's family
access_time 1 year ago
Vancy received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly's impact on my community has been nothing short of life-changing. Personally, I have witnessed a significant transformation in my family's well-being. The transfers ensured that there was food security for my family of five, easing the worry when I had to leave them behind to attend school. It is a relief knowing that their needs are met even in my absence. Moreover, the support I received enabled me to clear my school fees, a crucial step in continuing my education. While I am yet to complete my studies, I am now in a much better position to focus on achieving that goal without the burden of looming fees. GiveDirectly's assistance has not only impacted my life but has also rippled through the entire community, bringing tangible and positive changes to many households. Relief from basic needs and educational support have brought hope and stability, creating opportunities for a brighter future for all of us."
Charles's family
access_time 1 year ago
Charles received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has truly made a significant impact on my life by providing me with unconditional cash. The ability to take at least three meals a day might seem like a simple thing, but for me, it's a profound change. This financial support has alleviated the constant worry about where the next meal will come from. Now, my family and I have a more stable and nourishing diet. The organization's approach to directly empowering individuals has worked wonders, giving me the autonomy to address my immediate needs."
Hellen's family
access_time 1 year ago
Hellen enrolled.
"Due to our high dependence in agriculture, we face a lot of challenges. The main one is the inadequate water supply due to the elongated drought period. It's better now, but with time the water becomes inadequate due to many farmers with large farms. It's also hard getting enough farm materials such as fertilizer, chemicals to spray our farms or money to support labour needs. These challenges has led to low family income, making our lives difficult. It's hard raising school fees for our children."
Duncan's family
access_time 1 year ago
Duncan enrolled.
"Since we have been farmers for a long time. The drought has led to limited water supply to our farms. This led to low productivity to zero over the last decade. When there's enough water, life generally becomes easier because our farm produce gets high. It has affected our life's since low productivity leads to hard life. We're not able to support ourselves. Irregular water supply has made our life's difficult since we cannot plan well and also due to losses."
Alex's family
access_time 1 year ago
Alex enrolled.
"My worst worry has been income generation. I depend on irrigation farming, which is labour intensive. It means I take loans from lending institutions to farm, then repay. The interest is high, and sometimes the crop production may not even cover the principal taken. This means one may end up accumulating loans. It has affected my ability to develop myself due to pressure to pay back loans."
Faith's family
access_time 1 year ago
Faith received a $295 third payment.
"My aim is to delve into livestock keeping as a means to bolster my finances and elevate my business. The prospect of owning livestock represents an opportunity for me to diversify my income streams and generate more cash flow. By strategically investing in raising animals, I envision not only enhancing my current business but also establishing a more resilient financial foundation. I believe that by integrating livestock into my operations, I can tap into a new avenue of revenue that will contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of my business endeavors."
Viola's family
access_time 1 year ago
Viola received a $295 third payment.
"Initially, the state of our home caused immense stress in my life. A small, cramped space barely accommodated our family of seven, forcing some of my children to seek shelter in the kitchen, which was nothing more than a temporary structure. During the rainy season, our situation was dire; the dilapidated roof of our small house leaked profusely, leaving us all exposed to the elements until the rain subsided. Desperate for change, I utilized $343 from the recent unconditional cash transfer to purchase building materials to put up a more spacious house. The relief I felt once the construction was complete and we no longer had to worry about being exposed to the rain was immeasurable. Finally, my family could live in a safer, more comfortable environment. Also, I spent $30 to buy goats. This strategic move isn't just about present well-being but also an investment in the future, especially concerning the education of my children. Furthermore, I used part of the funds to purchase a plastic chair, a seemingly simple item but a luxury for us. Now, when visitors come, I can offer them a proper seat instead of makeshift arrangements with logs. The remaining $50 was wisely spent on purchasing food for my family. Given the challenges my family faces and the low income from my husband's motorcycle job, putting food on the table has become a consistent challenge. This unconditional cash transfer has not only improved our living conditions but has also alleviated our daily struggles."