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.
Elizabeth's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Elizabeth received a second payment.
"My dream for the future is to establish a thriving dairy farming business. The prospect of owning a herd of dairy cows fills me with excitement and purpose. Their milk will be a source of income through sales. I'm starting small, and for this, I'll use the capital from the vegetables I grow. As I see my vegetable sales flourish, I know that I'm one step closer to acquiring those cows and watching my dreams take shape in the form of a prosperous dairy farm. The thought of this future keeps me motivated every day, and I can't wait to see my aspirations become a reality."
Lavenda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lavenda received a fourteenth payment.
"My most significant desire is to enlarge our one-room house, which is too cramped for my family of five. It's even more challenging as we all share the same room, including our children. I plan to use the next sum I receive from the merry-go-round to acquire the remaining construction materials needed to expand our house. We've already purchased seven iron sheets, and the remaining items are the poles and funds for labor charges. The prospect of having a separate bedroom for our children will bring immense freedom and comfort for my spouse and me. Furthermore, my aspiration is to expand my business to meet the demands of my customers, offering a wide range of items they currently seek. my goal is to elevate my business to a level where I can provide a wide variety of grocery items, attracting more customers and increasing my income. My ultimate plan is to achieve financial independence by the end of this project, relieving my husband of household responsibilities and improving our overall lifestyle."
Wesley's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Wesley received a $134 initial payment.
"First and foremost, the food necessary for the growth and health of the body and soul was on my agenda. With $60, I ensured that the shelves were stocked, not just with provisions but with the assurance that hunger wouldn't knock on our door. Next, there was a venture into the realm of appearances. $20 might seem a modest sum, but it bore the weight of transformation. It went into clothing, not just as a covering for the body but as a statement of pride and dignity for my children. It was an investment in confidence. Then, the stage shifted to the domain of rest. A tired body finds solace in a comfortable bed. So, with $70, two mattresses entered our abode, replacing the wearied one that had served its time. The promise of a good night's sleep echoed in these new acquisitions. Lastly, $50 went to acquision of two young goats. These creatures, still in the early stages of life, carry the potential to grow and, in time, contribute to our financial stability."
Esther's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Esther received a $301 second payment.
"The idea of getting some livestock is really growing on me. I mean a few cows, some goats, and especially a dairy cow. The thought of having a steady supply of milk for our household and maybe even a little extra for selling is an exciting prospect, and then there's the farm, the pride and joy of our family. I've been contemplating putting up a chain-link fence around it. Not just for protection but to ensure that the hard work we put into growing crops isn't in vain. These plans aren't just about the present; they're an investment in our future. It's like laying down the foundation for a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. Each step feels like a piece of a puzzle, fitting together to create a better and more sustainable life for us down the road."
Targok's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Targok received a $301 second payment.
"In the wake of GiveDirectly's direct trust and the financial responsibility it bestowed upon us, our ability to manage funds has experienced a noteworthy enhancement. The infusion of financial support has enabled me to strategically address pressing needs that were acting as barriers to sustaining the positive changes in our lifestyle. Previously, our circumstances often bore the mark of scarcity, but with the assistance from GiveDirectly, there's a palpable renewal of motivation and a resolute commitment to forging a better life. We're confronting challenges with heightened spirits and a newfound determination, confidently stepping into a future we're actively shaping."
Jeniffer's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jeniffer received a $134 initial payment.
"The momentous message from GiveDirectly reached me while I was diligently tending to my farm at around 3 p.m. The elation that surged through me was profound, and in that instant, my primary concern became securing food for my household. Operating without this fundamental necessity had proven to be an arduous challenge, making the prospect of having ample food a source of great relief and joy."
Esther's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Esther received a $134 initial payment.
"Around 4 pm, I was at home, having a late lunch when the message came in. The happiness that swept over me was undeniable. I had put so much effort into farming, but the harsh reality of drought meant we didn't harvest anything. It was a source of distress, and the message couldn't have come at a better time than this. In that moment, the first thought that crossed my mind was food. The reassurance that I could now address the pressing need for sustenance was overwhelming. The support had arrived at a crucial juncture, turning a challenging situation into a moment of hope and gratitude."
Felicita's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Felicita received a $301 third payment.
"Securing six female Gala goats for $450 is a significant achievement and a testament to the transformative impact of the transfers I received. It's important to note that these Gala goats are different from our usual breed, chosen for specific advantages. Their potential for enhanced milk production, heavier weight, and faster reproduction as compared to our usual breed make them a strategic and valuable investment. Prior to these transfers, the funds from my casual job weren't sufficient to realize this desire. But now, with the transfers from GiveDirectly, that dream has become a reality. Gratitude fills my heart because these Gala goats represent not just livestock but a pathway to improved sustainability and income generation. It's more than a transaction; it's a story of overcoming financial limitations and turning aspirations into tangible progress. The Gala goats, now part of our home, symbolize a change in the herd and a shift in possibilities and opportunities that were once out of reach."
Symon's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Symon received a $301 third payment.
"The impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly has been nothing short of transformative. Lives have taken a positive turn—people are not just dreaming of building houses, they're actually doing it. Children who might have otherwise faced obstacles to education are now in school, shaping their futures in meaningful ways. The fact that GiveDirectly goes beyond just providing financial support and actively follows up on the transfers speaks volumes. This follow-up shows a genuine commitment to the well-being of the recipients. It's not just about handing over funds; it's about ensuring that the support translates into tangible improvements in people's lives. It reflects a trust in the recipients' ability to use the resources wisely and a shared goal of upliftment. Knowing that there's ongoing support and guidance reinforces the idea that these transfers are not just a one-time solution but a sustained effort to empower individuals and communities. The ripple effect of these transfers goes beyond the immediate material changes—it's about instilling a sense of hope, agency, and responsibility. It's a powerful demonstration of how targeted assistance, when coupled with genuine care and follow-up, can be a catalyst for positive change and a pathway to a brighter future."
Brandy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Brandy received a $301 third payment.
"I found myself in a bit of a struggle, trying to complete the construction of our home. My husband and I were putting in every ounce of effort into various casual jobs, but the income wasn't enough to turn our house into the haven we had dreamt of. We decided to allocate $410 towards the house. With it, we managed to add the finishing touches to our home, finally installing the doors and windows. It transformed the structure into a real, tangible place we could call our own. After securing our home, we decided to buy food with $40. Having a stock of food in the house meant more than just convenience; it brought a peace of mind. No longer did we need to worry about daily food runs or wonder if we'd have enough to put on the table. The gratitude we felt was immeasurable; this unforeseen support bridged the financial gap that our modest incomes couldn't cover."