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.
Vidzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Vidzo received a $388 initial payment.
"Before becoming a recipient of GiveDirectly, my life was a constant struggle. I lived in a small, dilapidated house that barely provided shelter for my family. Every day was a battle against hunger, and we often went to bed with empty stomachs. But then, everything changed. GiveDirectly stepped into my life like a beacon of hope, bringing with it a cash transfer that transformed our circumstances. With the newfound financial security, I was able to put food on the table regularly, and the pangs of hunger became a distant memory. But the impact didn't stop there. I used the funds to renovate our house, turning it into a haven for my loved ones. No longer do we fear for our safety at night, thanks to the support of GiveDirectly. The gratitude in my heart is immeasurable, for they have not only changed our lives but given us a chance to build a better future."
Dzendere's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dzendere received a $388 initial payment.
"As a GiveDirectly recipient, I felt immense relief when I used the unconditional cash transfers to pay the $250 school fees for my two secondary school children. Knowing that they could now focus on their studies without interruptions brought me great joy. Education is the key to a better future, and I wanted to give my children every opportunity to succeed. In addition to investing in my children's education, I decided to use part of the cash transfers to buy a stock of vegetables for my grocery. This decision allowed me to cater to my customers' preferences and offer a wider variety of fresh produce. The increased income from my thriving grocery store has been a blessing for sustaining my family, ensuring that we have enough to meet our daily needs. With the remaining amount, I chose to invest in a long-term dream of mine. I started building a house on the plot of land I had bought some time ago. It is a symbol of stability and a place to call home. Witnessing the construction progress fills me with a sense of hope and contentment. I am grateful for the opportunity GiveDirectly provided me and I am determined to make the most of it."
Zawadi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Zawadi received a $388 initial payment.
"Upon receiving a transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to invest it to improve my family's life. The first thing I did was purchase a cow for $170. I saw it as a long-term investment in milk production for sale. With the cow, I could provide my family with a sustainable source of income. It was a great feeling knowing that we would have a steady stream of income to rely on. Thereafter, I decided to address the dire sleeping conditions we had been enduring for far too long. I spent $140 on two modern standard beds and an additional $120 on two mattresses. My children and I had been sleeping on the floor using empty sacks due to poverty, which was not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. Now, thanks to the cash transfer, we could sleep well and comfortably. The transformation was remarkable, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. Additionally, I allocated $70 to pay for my children's school fees. Education is important to me, and I wanted to ensure that my children had access to the opportunities it could bring. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy some food for my family. It was a relief not having to rely solely on casual work, which often left us exhausted. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I was able to provide for my family's immediate needs and invest in a better future for us all."
Kanze's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kanze received a $388 initial payment.
"At around 3 pm while resting at home from grazing my livestock, I heard a message tone from my phone that rang twice rapidly. I asked my daughter who was next to me to read and interpret the information for me because I am illiterate. She informed me that I had received the initial promised $550. I could hardly believe it, I felt a rush of emotions overwhelm me, and at that moment, joy exploded from deep within my heart. I couldn't contain my happiness, and an ululation of pure delight escaped my lips, reverberating through the air. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and a glimmer of hope shone brightly in my life. With that first transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew that a new chapter had begun, and my dreams of a better future suddenly seemed within reach. This reminded me that kindness and compassion still exist in this world."
Lucy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lucy received a $388 initial payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. I witnessed the immediate impact it had on my family's well-being. With the financial burden lifted, my children can now attend school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Education has become their gateway to a better future. Moreover, the cash transfer empowered me to embark on a livestock-keeping investment, a venture that promises long-term security for my family. Now, with each passing day, I can see a brighter path unfolding before us, one that was made possible by the generosity and support of GiveDirectly."
Baya's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Baya received a $388 initial payment.
"Receiving GiveDirectly's cash transfer transformed my life in ways I never envisioned. Gone are the days of living in a dilapidated house, constantly worrying about its safety. Now, I dwell in a secure and comfortable house, a refuge for my family of three. The impact on our daily lives is immeasurable. No longer do we go to bed hungry, as we can now afford to put some food on our table regularly. The burden of uncertainty has lifted, and a newfound sense of stability has replaced it. GiveDirectly's support has provided us with immediate relief. We are forever grateful for the life-changing opportunity they have bestowed upon us."
Zawadi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Zawadi received a $388 initial payment.
"Ever since I became a recipient of GiveDirectly, my life has taken a remarkable turn. Gone are the days when the shadows of insecurity loomed over my humble abode, as I now have sturdy pillars supporting my house, providing me with a newfound sense of safety and tranquility. No longer do I fear the strong winds or torrential rains that used to threaten our humble abode. But the transformation doesn't stop there. I now have access to food like never before. Gone are the days of enduring hunger for at least two days a week. The cash transfer has allowed me to provide nutritious meals for my loved ones every single day, filling their bellies with nourishment and their hearts with joy. GiveDirectly has truly changed my life, offering me a brighter future and a sense of stability I never thought possible."
Mwenda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mwenda received a $25 tenth payment.
"My ambition was to own some livestock, such as goats, but I could not afford to buy them myself. Furthermore, I was unable to use the transfer to purchase goats because even purchasing food has been difficult in my household in recent years. As a result, my transfer was primarily for food. I recently managed to cultivate my acreage since the weather was favourable, and I expect a good harvest. This will solve the problem of food scarcity and allow me to redirect the transfer to the purchase of goats. Because I am not working, I can rely on the goats for financial assistance, such as raising school fees for my children. Owning goats is the most important goal that I hope to accomplish in the coming year and beyond."
Shamimu's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Shamimu enrolled.
"Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband does casual jobs and I am just a house wife. He earns approximately $40 which caters for food and school fees. He sometimes miss job and that result to the family going without food."
Dama's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dama enrolled.
"Housing is the problem I am currently facing in life. I divorced my husband ten years ago and took the burden of raising my four children. I do casual jobs earning $20 per month which caters for food and school fees. I lack the capacity to build a spacious house for the family."