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.
Mwenda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mwenda received a $25 tenth payment.
"My primary objective remains the construction of a new house. Since the commencement of the cash transfers, I have diligently allocated a significant portion of the funds toward acquiring building materials. Courtesy of Give Directly, I have accumulated enough iron sheets and have recently started acquiring building poles, bringing me closer to my goal. A more spacious house is of utmost importance to my grandchildren and me, as it will enable us to have separate and comfortable living spaces. Additionally, having enough room will ensure that we can accommodate visitors without any difficulties. I am grateful for the assistance provided through the cash transfers, as they have allowed me to make progress toward achieving my objectives and improving the living conditions for my family. "
Kazungu's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kazungu received a tenth payment.
"As a mason, the lack of house construction projects deprives me of work, forcing me to heavily on cash transfers. This reliance is further intensified by the financial demands of having seven children who are all attending school, contributing to the overall increase in expenses. Though the transfers have lifted a significant burden off my shoulders, I intend to establish another source of income to support my family even after the transfers stop. In the coming few years, my goal is to invest in rearing cattle. I believe that by acquiring young calves at a lower price, I can raise them over the next five to six years until they reach maturity. At that point, I can sell them at a higher price, generating a profit. This profit will open up opportunities for me to explore and invest in other areas."
Dama's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dama received a $25 tenth payment.
"Since my husband is not physically fit to work due to his advanced age and constant illness, I shoulder the majority of the household expenses. Burning charcoal, and now the monthly cash transfers are my only ways of trying to make ends meet. However, the income from charcoal making is often insufficient to cover all our needs and the cash transfers will soon end after few years. So, to establish a sustainable income stream, I plan to buy goats. I aim to increase the number of goats from the existing two that I acquired through previous cash transfers. As these goats reproduce and mature, I plan to sell them to generate income that will help sustain my household and support my grandchild's education."
Benard's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Benard received a $326 second payment.
"When I received my second unconditional transfers I decided to embark on a journey of tomato farming, ultimately transforming the lifestyle of my struggling family of three. On the face of adversity, I recognized the potential of agriculture as a means to secure a sustainable income and uplift my family. I decided to allocate about $300 of the unconditional transfers towards tomato farming, a venture that held promise and opportunity. I also used $15 of the unconditional transfers to purchase five chickens, a move that brought multiple benefits to our family. Not only did the chickens provide a consistent supply of fresh eggs, but they also served as a potential source of additional income through the sale of eggs or breeding. I also made sure that I have stocked up enough food in the house since it has been so hard to secure a meal in a day and I wanted to change that narrative in my household, I bought food worth $40 that i still had and i hope it will be enough for us in the next three weeks."
Solomon's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Solomon received a $145 initial payment.
"I was so happy to receive my first ever transfers from Give Directly because our old home was not in great conditions at all, this way, I decided to invest $ 220 to renovate our dilapidated one-roomed house plagued by termite infestation, I invested in repairs and improvements and I able to transform our living space into a safer, more comfortable environment. The removal of termite infestation not only restored the structural integrity of the house but also provided a healthier living space, free from the threats of pests. Secondly, I recognized the importance of securing their compound. With a portion of the funds, I opted to erect a fence around our property. This decision served multiple purposes: enhancing security, protecting our privacy, and delineating their boundaries, this was about $50 in total since I only paid for labour. Lastly, I acknowledging the fundamental necessity of food, so I allocated a portion of the funds towards ensuring access to nutritious meals by purchasing food, this ensured that our basic sustenance needs were met, thus alleviating the stress and uncertainty associated with food insecurity"
Michael's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Michael received a $326 second payment.
"The freedom to utilize our transfer funds according to our individual needs was truly captivating. This allowed us to allocate the money towards things that held significance for us. Furthermore, the field officers who visited our home displayed the utmost respect and consideration. Their presence and interactions left us overjoyed and grateful for the substantial improvements brought about by GiveDirectly's assistance. In my entire experience, I did not encounter anything that required correction, as everything was flawlessly executed. I am immensely appreciative of the support received, as it has positively transformed our lives in ways we could not have imagined."
Bramwell's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Bramwell received a $326 second payment.
"The seamless operation of the organization left a lasting impression on me, from the initial enrollment stage to the final stages of their services. Throughout the entire process, the team demonstrated a remarkable commitment to treating us with dignity and respect. Their genuine regard for our well-being made us feel valued and heard every step of the way. It was evident from the very beginning that they were dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service possible. Their unwavering dedication and professionalism were truly commendable."
Jonathan's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jonathan received a $130 initial payment.
"The memory of receiving the funds from GiveDirectly remains vivid in my mind. I was in the midst of working on my farm when my phone suddenly rang. Upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. The overwhelming joy I experienced at that moment is difficult to put into words, as I knew it meant that I could now bring my dreams to fruition. The support I received brought an abundance of happiness into my life. I wasted no time; I immediately began planning how to utilize the transfer now that I had the necessary funds available to pursue my aspirations."
Elijah's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Elijah received an initial payment.
"Farming is our main source of income for my wife, our nine children, and me. When we received the transfer, our most pressing need was to secure food for our family. Therefore, I made it a priority to purchase a sack of maize worth $62. With the remaining funds, we bought other essential food supplies. The prolonged drought had made things challenging for us, making this support crucial and arriving at the perfect time of need. We are eternally grateful for the assistance provided, as it has alleviated our immediate concerns and brought much-needed relief to our family."
Julia's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Julia received a $326 second payment.
"Receiving my second transfer presented a unique opportunity to enhance my living conditions, particularly by investing in new sofa sets and seats for my house. It was a meaningful way for me to remember and appreciate the generosity extended to us by the organization. With that intention, I allocated the entire amount of $450 towards purchasing these comfortable furnishings. The support I have received has had a tremendous impact on improving my life in remarkable ways. Previously, due to limited income from my farm, it was challenging to adequately meet the needs of myself and my two children."