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.
Winnie's family
access_time 3 months ago
Winnie received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"In the years ahead, my top priority is to ensure my children receive a solid education. They are currently in the final stages of secondary school, and completing in a few years. To support their esducation journey, I plan to use a portion of the transfers I receive from GiveDirectly for their school fees, while also lending a helping hand to their elder brothers who are contributing as well. Once one of my children graduates next year, I have an exciting plan in mind. I intend to redirect those funds into our local savings group. My goal is to invest in goats, envisioning a future where they multiply and flourish. This not only provides a potential source of income but also secures a safety net for my children's education when this program concludes. I am genuinely thankful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has been instrumental in our lives. With hope and determination, I look forward to building a brighter future for my family!"
Frankline's family
access_time 3 months ago
Frankline received a zeroth payment.
"It was early morning when I received a message on my phone confirming that I had received the first transfer. My heart raced with happiness as I realized that the promised transfer was genuine. As I read the message, a wave of relief washed over me, and the weight of worry began to lift. The first thing that came to my mind was my children’s education. I knew they were about to be sent home due to unpaid school fees. I could already picture their smiling faces as I imagined using this money to secure their future, ensuring they could stay in school and continue learning. The thought of providing them with the education they deserved filled me with hope and determination, igniting a spark of joy in my heart that I hadn't felt in a long time."
Kache's family
access_time 3 months ago
Kache received a zeroth payment.
"I have been considering acquiring livestock as assets for many years, but I did not have the necessary funds to buy any. My charcoal business, which is my main source of income, was no longer doing well. When I received the cash transfers, I used $138 to buy three goats, which I am now keeping at home. I know that these goats will be valuable assets I can rely on in times of emergency, unlike before when I had no assets to depend on during pressing situations, which was very stressful. In addition, my son, who is now in grade seven, had a fee balance of $60, so I decided to clear it because he would have been asked to stay out of class until the fees were paid. This had happened before and really affected him. I didn’t want it to happen again this term. Finally, with the remaining amount of money, I bought food worth $332. Skipping meals had become a routine at home because we often had nothing to cook, largely due to the long droughts we experienced. I felt it was necessary to have a good stock of food to avoid going hungry, especially for my son."
Zawadi's family
access_time 3 months ago
Zawadi received a zeroth payment.
"GiveDirectly did excellent work in my household. The financial support they provided was exactly what I needed, as only money could address the challenges I was facing. Their support allowed me to take my daughter, who was in critical condition, to the hospital and save her life. I was also able to do other things that I desired, as they gave me the freedom to choose what worked best for me. Therefore, I believe they should continue doing what they do, without changing anything."
Salina's family
access_time 3 months ago
Salina received a $142 initial payment.
"I vividly remember being at home around 8 p.m., enjoying dinner with my family when my phone suddenly rang. I checked, and to my surprise, I had received money from GiveDirectly. The joy I felt in that moment was overwhelming. I immediately knew that this support would allow us to harvest the maize we had been growing on the farm. When I told my husband, he was just as thrilled, knowing we could now move forward with the harvest. The entire evening was filled with happiness and gratitude as we realized how much this would help us."
Geoffrey's family
access_time 3 months ago
Geoffrey received a $142 initial payment.
"I am a single man who relies on farming to make a living, mainly growing maize and other crops. When I received my recent transfer, I knew I had to invest it in my farm because it’s my primary source of income. I used $10 to improve my irrigation system by connecting water from the lake. This was something I had wanted to do for a long time but couldn’t afford due to financial challenges. I am so grateful that the organization stepped in and made it possible for me to finally improve my farm. With the remaining funds, I bought food supplies. Since it was the dry season and food was scarce, I needed to stock up on essentials. I am incredibly happy with the support I have received, as it has had a great impact on my life. It has not only boosted my farming but also ensured I have enough food for the difficult season."
Evaline's family
access_time 3 months ago
Evaline received a $349 second payment.
"The freedom to use my transfer according to my family’s needs has truly empowered our lives. With the support from GiveDirectly, I have been able to achieve goals that once felt like distant dreams. I have improved our home, and bought essential supplies without worrying about where the money would come from. This flexibility has given me a sense of control and confidence in planning for the future, something I didn’t have before. So far, I haven’t encountered anything that was done poorly. Everything has been smooth, from receiving the funds to using them in a way that works best for us. I am deeply grateful for the support, as it has made such a positive impact on our lives."
Kache's family
access_time 3 months ago
Kache received a $0 zeroth payment.
"I firmly believe that GiveDirectly made a tremendous impact on my entire village, and the results are visible all around. The decision to assist in the form of cash was the best choice for me, as it allowed me to acquire essential items such as a new house and bedding. These are assets that would have taken me years to obtain on my own, considering the challenges I was facing. I often wish they could return because of the positive impact they had on us. I see no reason to change their operational approach, as everything has been seamless so far."
Abdala's family
access_time 3 months ago
Abdala received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"My main goal is to focus on my studies. I completed high school last year, and fortunately, GiveDirectly enrolled me in their program, which has provided me with a monthly income—a great relief. Since my father's passing, my mother has struggled to raise us. With the support from GiveDirectly, I am confident I will complete my coursework successfully. I plan to save enough from my transfers to ensure I can pay my fees on time, allowing me to concentrate fully and achieve the best possible grades at the end of college. I have a passion for plumbing, and I believe that once I finish college, I will secure a job that will help me support my mother in taking care of my younger siblings. This has always been my prayer. Achieving this will not only improve my own future but also uplift my family’s living standards."
Katsaka's family
access_time 3 months ago
Katsaka received a $27 thirty-second payment.
"My primary goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to expand my goat rearing project. I'm happy to share that I have recently purchased four goats using my monthly transfers. I am passionate about raising goats because they multiply quickly and adapt well to our climate, making the project highly promising. Their fast multiplication leads to increased profits within a short period. Once I have a sufficient number of goats, I plan to sell some and eventually invest in buying a cow, which is my secondary priority. Owning a cow will provide several benefits, such as selling milk to support my children's school fees and utilizing cow dung as organic fertilizer, thereby reducing the cost of purchasing fertilizers. As my children are progressing to higher classes, and with my current lack of a reliable income source, I aim to maximize these two projects so that I can continue to sustain myself when my current financial support ends. Moreover, when I have a good number of goats, I can sell some to generate funds for my children's education. This is my primary goal for the near future and beyond."