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.
Sidi's family
access_time 8 months ago
Sidi received a $26 twenty-first payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest in livestock purchases. Currently, I have six poultry birds and one goat, but my goal is to expand my livestock holdings significantly. By growing their numbers, I will be able to sell some of them and use the proceeds to address pressing needs. This shift to livestock promises to be a good venture for me, especially given the harsh climatic conditions that make farming untenable. I am very grateful for the financial support, which is enabling me to better care for my family."
Kamuche's family
access_time 8 months ago
Kamuche received a $26 twenty-ninth payment.
"With my son having completed his college education, I feel a tremendous sense of relief, particularly regarding our finances. Now, I have the freedom to use my future transfers to achieve other important goals. In the coming year and beyond, I aim to purchase a new bed and mattress. Currently, I sleep on a makeshift bed, which is quite uncomfortable. Having a proper bed and mattress will ensure I get a good night's rest. Additionally, I plan to buy a water tank to store water. This will solve the recurring issue of walking long distances to fetch water for household use. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support I've received so far, which has significantly improved my quality of life."
Veronica's family
access_time 8 months ago
Veronica received a $26 thirtieth payment.
"I am currently in Form Three, which means I still have one year ahead to complete my secondary school education. Since I want to become a doctor, I need to concentrate on my studies to achieve the best results. Therefore, in the coming year and beyond, I aim to focus intensely on my studies to meet my goals. To achieve this, I plan to use part of my transfers to ensure that I pay my fees on time, so I am not sent home for unpaid school fees. With the remaining income after paying my fees, I will support my younger siblings' education. I am grateful for the financial support, as it has also enabled me to invest in poultry farming, which will help secure my future financially."
Nyanje's family
access_time 8 months ago
Nyanje received a zeroth payment.
"Around 4pm, I was at home splitting some logs when I heard a message on my phone. Seeing that the money we had been promised by GiveDirectly had arrived, I was overjoyed and immediately shared the news with my daughter. She was thrilled and said our dreams were finally going to come true. I had always wanted to buy my own place, but the cost was too high, so I decided it was better to build my house right here at home."
Nyanje's family
access_time 8 months ago
Nyanje received a $426 initial payment.
"I used $242 to buy 22 iron sheets, marking another significant step in our journey toward completing our house. These sheets were crucial for roofing, and they will help us achieve a more finished and secure home. I spent $60 to build a new pit latrine, replacing the old one that had collapsed. Previously, we had been forced to use the bushes, which was not only uncomfortable but also a serious health hazard. Additionally, I used $48 to purchase a bag of maize, ensuring that we have enough food for our family. I also paid $40 in school fees arrears for my three children, which was essential to keep them in school and prevent them from being sent home due to unpaid fees. I spent another $40 to hire a mason who took measurements and calculated the bill of quantities for the remaining construction work. The remainder of the cash transfer has been set aside to cover any potential emergencies that may arise in our household."
Ruth's family
access_time 8 months ago
Ruth received a zeroth payment.
"The biggest difference in my life right now is that, thanks to the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I’ve finally been able to put stone walls on my house—something I had dreamed of doing for the past three years. The mud walls were crumbling and unsafe, especially with a young baby at home. Now, my house looks beautiful, and I feel confident welcoming visitors without the embarrassment I used to feel. It’s amazing to see how a bit of financial support can make such a huge impact on my home and my life."
Ruth's family
access_time 8 months ago
Ruth received a $426 initial payment.
"It was on Sunday, the 14th of June, and I had gone to visit my mum at my maternal home. My phone was charging, and when I picked it up later, I realized that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I was very happy, and when I called my husband back home to tell him about the transfer, he was equally excited. We planned how we were going to pay school fees for our six children."
Eunice's family
access_time 8 months ago
Eunice received a $27 twenty-fourth payment.
"I am finishing college next April, and I plan to start investing in buying cows for land cultivation. This investment will generate income and help me cultivate my land. I have three children, two of whom are school-going. I am a teacher by profession, though I have not yet been absorbed by the TSC. I assist at a neighboring school where I receive a small token for my work. When I got enrolled in the GiveDirectly project, I was very happy. Fortunately, my spouse was also enrolled, and now we both receive these transfers. We agreed to go back to school and upgrade our education while we are still young and have fewer responsibilities. I spent my entire recent transfer of $102 on paying my college fees. I am very thankful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, as it has played a significant role in advancing my career. I will always remember GiveDirectly for enabling me to return to school and improve myself."
Salama's family
access_time 8 months ago
Salama received a zeroth payment.
"I used $250 to pay the school fees for my two children in secondary school. Education is vital, and ensuring that they can continue their studies without any disruptions was my top priority. Knowing they can stay focused on their education without the stress of unpaid fees gives me peace of mind. I also paid the school fees for my four younger children in primary school. With $55, I was able to clear their outstanding fees balance. Seeing my children go to school with smiles on their faces, knowing they can learn and grow without any hindrance, is one of the greatest feelings. I then spent $180 to buy ballast for the ongoing construction of our house. This investment is crucial for providing a safe and stable living environment for my family. With the remainder of the transfer, I bought two goats. These goats are valuable assets as they can multiply and be sold in the future to cover any emergencies. This investment in livestock not only secures our immediate needs but also offers a financial safety net for the future."
Salama's family
access_time 8 months ago
Salama received a $426 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my life right now is that my children can stay in school. I am grateful that I have been able to pay their school fees. They used to be sent home every now and then, but my small kiosk business could not sustain us. I am very grateful for the GiveDirectly support. Before, we struggled to make ends meet, and it broke my heart to see my children missing out on their education. Now, with the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I can keep them in school consistently, which gives me hope for their future."