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.
Pendo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Pendo received a $354 second payment.
"My primary focus is on launching a vegetable business with the aim of supporting my spouse in providing for the needs of our family. This endeavor represents not only an entrepreneurial dream but a practical way to contribute to our household's financial stability. With careful planning and hard work, I hope to cultivate and sell fresh, high-quality vegetables that can not only sustain our family but also create a source of income. By doing so, I aim to ease the burden on my spouse and ensure that our family's requirements are well met, while also pursuing a fulfilling passion in the world of agriculture."
Kache's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kache received a $354 second payment.
"In recent times, the unconditional cash transfer that came my way brought a wave of transformation to my life and my family's well-being. One of the most significant changes was investing in my sleep quality. For years, my nights were spent on a traditional bed that left me waking up in pain, often too tired to perform my daily household chores. The purchase of a new wooden bed and a comfortable mattress, totaling $150, was a game-changer. It might seem like a simple thing, but for me, it was a transformation. Finally, I could sleep soundly, waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Additionally, I allocated $230 of the transfer to pay the school fees for my two children, one in Form 4 and the other in Form 3. Having them at home due to unpaid fees has been a significant source of stress for me. Education is vital, and I was determined to ensure they continued their studies. I also purchased a new wooden door to enhance the security of my home. In uncertain times, having a secure living space is paramount. With the remaining funds, I bought food to feed my family of eight. As a jobless individual with my spouse working as a casual laborer, managing our household's needs has been challenging. This cash transfer has provided significant relief, allowing us to make essential improvements in our living conditions and support our children's education while ensuring no one in our family goes to bed hungry."
Benjamin's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Benjamin received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"In the coming year, I've set goals for myself and my family. Firstly, I plan to revive my poultry business, which I know has great returns. To make this happen, I will need to investment $150 and I've already started a saving plan. My other goal for the upcoming year is to open a cyber cafe in our village. We only have one, and their services are quite limited. This venture not only fulfills a personal dream but also has the potential to provide valuable services to our community while supporting my family financially. I'm excited about the journey ahead and am determined to turn these plans into reality."
Bwaayo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Bwaayo received a $625 initial payment.
"I was in the garden when I saw the message, I had given up hope of receiving the money since it had been long. I thanked Gid and give directly for fulfilling their promise. I thought about clearing my debts and paying my children's school fees."
Kadzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $368 second payment.
"I used a portion of my recent cash transfer to invest in some livestock, specifically five goats, which cost me $225. This purchase was made with a future emergency fund in mind. In my experience, having some assets like these goats can be a financial lifesaver in case of unexpected medical or household expenses. I've always believed in the importance of being prepared for the unknown, and these goats serve as a kind of insurance policy for me and my spouse. Another significant portion of the transfer went towards something that brought immediate comfort and relief to our daily lives. I spent $100 on a new bed and mattress. Previously, I slept on a traditional bed made of ropes with mats that left me waking up with aches and pains. Now, I experience peaceful and comfortable nights. This simple upgrade has made a world of difference in our quality of life. With the remaining amount, I've been able to ensure a steady supply of food for my small family of two. I had been depending on a tiring charcoal business to make ends meet, and my spouse, who is getting older, couldn't contribute much. Being the primary breadwinner has its challenges, but the recent cash transfer has lightened the load, making it a little easier for us to maintain our daily needs. This newfound stability has brought a sense of security and comfort to our lives, which we deeply appreciate."
Mwenda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mwenda received a $354 second payment.
"My primary aim is to establish and maintain a thriving livestock operation. With twelve children to care for, I've come to understand the immense importance of education in securing their futures. By raising and selling livestock, I hope to generate a sustainable income that will enable me to send each of my twelve children to school. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with opportunities I never had. It's a challenging path, but my determination to see my children succeed fuels my efforts, and I'm committed to making this dream a reality through hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for my family."
Dorcas's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dorcas received a $134 initial payment.
"The most significant change in my daily life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been the ability to send my daughter back to school after she had been forced to stay home for several days. My deepest aspiration has always been to ensure that all six of my children receive a quality education, and it used to break my heart to see them at home most of the time, missing out on the opportunities they deserved. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I can now witness a brighter future unfolding before us. I am incredibly grateful for this immense transformation, for it's not just about my daughter's education but the hope it has kindled in our entire family. This program has not only given her the chance to learn but has reignited our collective dreams and ambitions, providing us with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that, in the long run, will undoubtedly lead to a brighter and more secure future for all of my children."
Wilson's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Wilson received a $301 third payment.
"I recently made a significant decision with my recent unconditional cash transfer: I used the entire amount, which was $450, to purchase a secondhand motorcycle. This choice might seem unusual to some, but it was a strategic move to improve my livelihood. I had been working for a friend, and my daily earnings were around $3, barely enough to cover my basic needs. Life was a constant struggle, and I felt that I was stuck in a cycle of financial hardship. However, with this motorcycle, my situation has changed. The motorcycle has opened up new opportunities for me. I now earn close to $5 a day, thanks to the increased mobility it provides. It might not sound like a significant leap, but for someone like me who lives alone and aspires to start my own family soon, this extra income is life-changing. With the motorcycle, I can take on more work, expand my business prospects, and secure a more stable future for my family-to-be. It's a testament to how a small, well-thought-out investment can have a profound impact on one's life, and I'm excited to see where this new chapter takes me."
Merceline's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Merceline received a $301 third payment.
"My paramount objective is to achieve a seemingly modest yet life-changing goal: to acquire a water tank for rainwater harvesting. Currently, I find myself trekking long distances to fetch water, which is not only physically demanding but also time-consuming. With my own water tank, I envision the freedom to harness rainwater, thereby alleviating this daily burden and enhancing self-sufficiency. Additionally, this newfound water source will enable me to create a small garden and grow vegetables, a project I've long yearned for but couldn't pursue due to water constraints. As I set out on this journey, I am not just investing in a tank; I am investing in improved quality of life, sustainability, and the ability to nurture a thriving garden that will provide nourishment and well-being for my family"
Joy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Joy received a $134 initial payment.
"It was around 3 PM when I was on my way home from a posho mill in the neighboring village when I heard my phone vibrating loudly. Upon checking the message, I was so happy and felt thankful to learn that it was from GiveDirectly. I felt an overwhelming rush of joy, knowing that the unconditional cash transfer had arrived. In that moment, I knew that my dream of preparing my farm earlier and ensuring a bountiful harvest was no longer a distant wish but a tangible reality. Gratitude and hope filled my heart as I envisioned a brighter future for myself and my family."