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.
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6 months ago
Paulinah
received a $344 third payment.
"GiveDirectly is an honest organization that fulfilled all their promises about the transfers. Their officers handled enrollment without involving any other party, making the process free and fair. By giving us the money directly from donors, they ensured it reached a larger number of targeted individuals. Unlike other organizations where support only gets to a few people, with GiveDirectly, almost everyone benefits except a few who did not qualify. I would encourage the organization to consider giving job opportunities to our educated children, as most are jobless. This would also contribute to the overall growth of the targeted communities."
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6 months ago
Jane
enrolled.
"The recent flash floods that invaded our village brought a lot of destruction to my family I lost my 1 acre piece of land which I planted Maize like one months before the floods all the plants was swept away, my poultry business was brought down because all the chicken died and some were swept away by the floods my house was also destroyed iam now living in a small mud wall house with my family due to lack of finance to renovate the other house. I am now struggling to cater for my family of 7 single handedly depending on casual labour and charcoal burning which is very uncertain because the wages are not enough for my family."
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6 months ago
Mercyline
received a $153 initial payment.
"The transfer came as a relief to us. My two secondary school children were due to report back to school, but I did not have any money for their fees. One had arrears of $190 and the other $150, and they would not have been accepted back without at least a partial payment. This worried me greatly because I could not bear seeing them at home and missing school.
The transfer came just in time. I immediately deposited $50 into each of their bank accounts for their fees. We were also struggling with food since casual employment was hard to find after most of the farms in our area were destroyed by floods. Securing a meal was a daily challenge; we could only have porridge in the morning and hope for a better meal in the evening, relying on the few surviving vegetables on my farm. I could sell it to ensure my children did not go hungry.
With the transfer, I used $50 to buy food, allowing us to have three meals a day. I also used the remaining $50 to lease half an acre of land in an area unaffected by floods, where I planted maize for both family consumption and to sell the surplus to support my children's education."
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6 months ago
Francis
received a $139 initial payment.
"My life has not been the same since my legs became paralyzed two years ago due to a long-term illness. This condition left me disabled, and unable to provide for my family. I am grateful that my spouse stepped in and did everything she could to support our family of five. However, her efforts were not enough to cover all our basic needs, and my children often missed meals or had to borrow food from our neighbours, which was embarrassing but unavoidable.
When I received the transfer, it was a lifeline. I used $60 to buy food, ensuring that we would not go hungry for a while. I am happy to see the health improvements in my children as a result. I also used $95 to buy two mattresses—one for us parents and the other for our children. We had been sleeping on old rugs, which was very uncomfortable, especially given my condition. Now, we can sleep comfortably. I used the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children in primary school. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this possible."
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6 months ago
Sofia
received a $421 second payment.
"In the coming year, my main focus is to ensure my children receive a good education, paving the way for them to become responsible individuals. I plan to allocate more resources towards their school fees, books, and uniforms, ensuring they have everything they need to succeed. By prioritizing their education now, I hope to instill in them a love for learning and a strong sense of responsibility. As they progress in their studies, I will continue to support and encourage them, hoping that in the years to come, they will grow into well-educated, responsible adults who can make positive contributions to our community. My ultimate goal is to see them graduate and secure stable jobs, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for our family."
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6 months ago
Frederick
received a $421 second payment.
"I am a retired civil servant, now focused on poultry and goat keeping to support my family of seven children. Recently, I received a second transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly, and I carefully allocated this money to address our immediate needs and improve our living conditions. First and foremost, I used $150 to pay college fees for my son. Education is crucial, and supporting my children's studies is a top priority for me.
Following that, I faced a pressing issue when my toilet was damaged during the heavy rains last season. With $250 from the transfer, I promptly constructed a new toilet. Having a functional toilet is not just about convenience but also about health and dignity for my family. With $100, I ensured we had enough food to sustain us, allowing me to concentrate on developing our poultry and goat farming. The remaining $47 was wisely spent on household items that were needed, ensuring our home was comfortable and functional."
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6 months ago
Loice
received a $421 initial payment.
"I was at home, busy in the kitchen preparing food for my kids around 3 PM when I decided to check my phone for messages. As I scrolled through, there it was a notification about the money that had come through. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help but smile. The relief flooded over me, and I whispered a quiet thank you to God for this timely help. Instantly, my mind raced with possibilities. The first thing that came to my mind was the leaking roof of our house that had troubled us for so long, especially during the rainy seasons. I was tired of the constant worry about being rained on inside my own home. The money meant I could finally fix it, making our home safer and more comfortable for my family."
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6 months ago
Rahab
received a $405 second payment.
"GiveDirectly has excelled in providing direct cash transfers efficiently to those in need, ensuring quick access to financial support without bureaucratic delays. Their approach of giving recipients control over how they use the money fosters empowerment and autonomy, which are crucial for sustainable impact. However, I would suggest delivering the entire $1100 in one installment rather than splitting it into two phases. This would eliminate potential disruptions or delays between payments, ensuring recipients can make immediate and comprehensive use of the funds for their most pressing needs, whether in education, healthcare, or starting a small business. This streamlined approach could enhance the overall impact of GiveDirectly's assistance, providing recipients with more stability and certainty in planning for their future."
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6 months ago
Changawa
received a $421 second payment.
"I am a mother of seven children, relying on my husband who works casual jobs at construction sites. I also take on casual jobs to help support our family. With the second transfer of $550 I received, I used $320 to pay school fees for my five children. One is in college, two are in secondary school, and three are in primary school. Education is our priority, and ensuring our children can continue their studies is crucial for their future success.
After that, I invested $60 on a modern standard bed and mattress for $50. For a long time, I had been sleeping on a small traditional bed that was uncomfortable, but now I am happy to finally have a good night's sleep. I also decided to invest $90 in two goats, adding to the two we already had, bringing our total to four. These goats represent an investment and security for our future, as they can provide us with offspring and potential income. With the remaining $27, I bought food to ensure that my family had enough to eat. This transfer has made a difference in our lives, helping us improve our living conditions and plan for a more secure future."
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6 months ago
Safari
received a $421 second payment.
"GiveDirectly did an excellent job in every aspect of its operations. From the very beginning, they ensured that everything was clear and transparent. They organized meetings where we were all informed about the process and what to expect. This transparency helped build trust within the community. Furthermore, during these meetings, we were given numerous opportunities to voice our opinions and concerns, which made us feel valued and respected. The staff was always approachable and willing to listen, ensuring everyone’s views were considered. This inclusive approach not only made the process smooth but also fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility."
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