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.
Fondo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Fondo received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"I am grateful that the cash transfers enabled me to secure a motorbike on credit, which I now use for my taxi business. This opportunity has allowed me to support my family, a task that was challenging before the cash transfers. My goal is to fully pay for the motorcycle by May next year. Beyond that, I plan to replace my current mud-walled structure with a brick house. Brick walls are stronger and not susceptible to destruction by rain, providing a more secure and durable home for my family."
Paulinah's family
access_time 1 year ago
Paulinah received a $118 initial payment.
"As I was returning from my job as a school cook, I received a message alert. Unable to read it, fortunately, I was walking with a neighbor who assisted in confirming the good news. The moment filled me with great joy, and I double-checked to believe it was real. On my way home, everyone I met had already heard about the money, boosting the excitement. I carefully kept my phone safe until I reached home, where I handed it to my helper. The shared joy in the community and the abstract thought of collecting the funds added a sense of communal celebration to this memorable moment, making it even more special."
Esther's family
access_time 1 year ago
Esther received a $118 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the initial payment from GiveDirectly is the ability to pay my son's school fees. He was at home due to a strike that barred him from school until the fees were cleared, which was crucial, as he was in his final year preparing for exams. Prioritizing his education with the available funds brought immense relief during a challenging time. The strike posed difficulties for both of us, given the pressure of his upcoming exams. With the entire school facing penalties for not paying full fees, I had no choice but to use the available amount to clear his fees entirely, leaving me with only $30. Despite the challenges, this support has made a profound positive impact, ensuring my son's education and addressing immediate household needs during a critical period."
Grace's family
access_time 1 year ago
Grace received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has been an incredible force for good in my life. The unconditional money they provided has not only resolved immediate financial challenges but has also brought a profound sense of peace to my household. The stability that comes with being able to meet our basic needs has had a ripple effect on our daily lives. No longer living under the constant strain of financial uncertainty, my family and I can focus on the present moment and plan for the future with confidence. GiveDirectly's approach of putting resources directly into the hands of those who need them has created a tangible and lasting impact on the tranquility of my home, and for that, I am truly grateful."
Fridah's family
access_time 1 year ago
Fridah received a $295 third payment.
"Receiving the recent unconditional cash transfer was a turning point for me. It granted me the opportunity to untangle myself from a looming financial burden. I immediately allocated $100 to repay a debt owed to a friend. That weight off my shoulders was indescribable; finally, I could breathe easy again, unencumbered by the weight of borrowed money. Clearing that debt granted me a sense of freedom and peace of mind that had been absent for far too long. I also directed $20 towards clearing school fees for my child in sixth grade, ensuring that education remains a priority despite our financial challenges. Another thoughtful investment was the $50 I saved in a chama, a collective savings group. This not only serves as a safety net for emergencies but also as a potential resource for facilitating my family's needs in the future. Recognizing the importance of basic necessities, I allocated $30 to buy shoes for my six children, a small but significant gesture to enhance their comfort and well-being. The remaining funds were wisely used to stock up on essential food items like maize and beans. As a family of eight, ensuring there's enough food on the table is a constant concern, and this financial assistance has provided a welcome reprieve. Currently earning around $2 a day as a fruit vendor, with my spouse facing unemployment, these funds have not only addressed immediate needs but have also laid the groundwork for a more stable and hopeful future."
Esther's family
access_time 1 year ago
Esther received a $295 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has truly changed my life. I was once in a place of hopelessness, struggling to make ends meet. The unconditional money they provided became a lifeline, bringing joy and happiness back into my life. With their support, I could address immediate needs and envision a more secure future. The financial assistance not only relieved the immediate pressures but also allowed me to invest in things that matter, like securing a stable place to live. I can now say with a grateful heart that I have a home because of the transformative power of GiveDirectly's support. They have done more than provide funds; they've given me a renewed sense of hope and the chance to build a happier and more secure life for myself."
Cynthia's family
access_time 1 year ago
Cynthia received a $295 third payment.
"In the upcoming year and beyond, my primary focus is on personal and professional growth through educational advancement. My goal is to upgrade my qualifications by pursuing a certificate course in early childhood development (ECD). This decision is rooted in a passion for contributing meaningfully to the development and well-being of young minds. Acquiring this certification not only represents a commitment to lifelong learning but also opens doors to opportunities where I can make a positive impact on early childhood education. I am excited about the prospect of deepening my knowledge in this field, and I believe that this educational journey will not only enrich my own life but also allow me to play a more significant role in nurturing the potential of the next generation."
William's family
access_time 1 year ago
William received a $295 third payment.
"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing me with unconditional cash support. The impact on my life has been profound; I now own valuable assets, including cows and a motorcycle. The freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has allowed me to invest in income-generating ventures, significantly improving my financial standing. The acquisition of livestock and a motorbike not only represents tangible wealth but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable income. GiveDirectly's approach of trusting recipients to make decisions based on their unique needs has proven to be effective, empowering me to create a more secure and prosperous future for my family."
Elima's family
access_time 1 year ago
Elima received a $295 third payment.
"My paramount objective is to secure a new home, a haven of stability and comfort. The dwelling I currently inhabit is weathered and far from ideal, prompting a burning desire for a place that offers security and better living conditions. As I embark on this journey, my focus will be on diligent saving and strategic planning, aiming to turn the dream of a new home into a tangible reality. Beyond the immediate comforts, I envision this new abode as a symbol of progress and a foundation upon which I can build a more secure and fulfilling life for myself and my loved ones."
Mwalimu's family
access_time 1 year ago
Mwalimu received a $23 seventeenth payment.
"Looking ahead, my plan is to utilize my subsequent transfers to complete the construction of my house. This includes installing a door and ensuring the safety of my property. Words cannot adequately express the immense gratitude I feel towards the support I have received from the transfers, as it has significantly improved the quality of my life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to achieve my dreams and for the positive impact it has had on me."