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.
Mercy's family
access_time 11 months ago
Mercy received a $358 initial payment.
"Since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation, filling me with happiness and renewed ambition. With the funds, I made a crucial investment by purchasing a dairy cow, a decision that has opened up a world of possibilities for me and my family of five. I now feel empowered to pursue my dreams, particularly the goal of providing my children with a quality education and ensuring they have opportunities beyond what I could have imagined. The prospect of sending them to high schools and colleges fills me with pride and optimism for the future. Moreover, the dairy cow not only symbolizes hope but also practical benefits; soon, my family will enjoy a steady supply of milk, improving our health and well-being. But the benefits don't end there. I've calculated that by selling the surplus milk to local markets at $0.5 per liter, I'll have a reliable additional income stream, empowering me to further support my family and invest in our future. No longer will my children face the humiliation of being sent home from school due to unpaid fees, a burden that weighed heavily on us before. And for my husband, a casual laborer struggling to make ends meet, the relief of knowing our bills will be settled on time is immeasurable. With each passing day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity GiveDirectly has provided, propelling us towards a brighter, more secure future."
Elizabeth's family
access_time 11 months ago
Elizabeth received a $293 second payment.
"I am determined to invest in vegetable farming and make the most of my newly fenced farm By investing in irrigation practices, I aim to minimize losses due to changing climatic conditions. This strategy will maximize my yields and allow me to sell the surplus and earn an income. With this income, I hope to provide my children with an education, changing their lives for the better tomorrow. I do not want them to face the same challenges I am facing in the future. My education journey was cut short because my parents couldn't afford my school fees, and they arranged for me to get married instead. Had I had the opportunity to complete my education, my life could have been much better. Now, I am committed to ensuring that my children do not follow in my footsteps and are given every chance to succeed."
Karisa's family
access_time 11 months ago
Karisa received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"To diversify my income streams, I intend to utilize my transfers this year to invest in acquiring livestock. As the herd expands and multiplies, I will have the option to sell some of the animals, providing funds to address my immediate needs. I am deeply appreciative of the financial assistance provided by the transfers, which has been invaluable in supporting my family during periods of financial hardship."
Agnes's family
access_time 11 months ago
Agnes received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"My objective for this year is to cover the school fees for my two daughters, who are currently in their last year of secondary school. Ensuring their education is funded will provide them with a conducive environment to focus on their studies and excel in the national examination, paving the way for them to pursue their desired careers. I am extremely grateful for the ongoing financial assistance, which has been instrumental in supporting my daughters' education, particularly given my modest earnings as a caregiver."
John's family
access_time 11 months ago
John received a $293 second payment.
"The impact of GiveDirectly's transfers on lives, including my own, has been nothing short of transformative. Personally, I have experienced significant positive changes thanks to these transfers, which have enabled me to acquire assets and provide food for my family of two. These transfers have served as a catalyst for improvement in various aspects of our lives. With the financial assistance I have received, I have been able to invest in valuable assets that contribute to our long-term security and well-being. Additionally, being able to purchase food has alleviated the burden of worrying about our next meal, providing much-needed stability and comfort for my family. The positive impact of these transfers serves as a testament to the importance of targeted assistance in uplifting communities and improving livelihoods. I am optimistic about the future and am committed to making the most of the opportunities afforded to us through GiveDirectly's generosity. I therefore never wish anything to change in their approach, as everything works well."
Lydia's family
access_time 11 months ago
Lydia received a $293 second payment.
"I am overjoyed with the transformation my family's life has undergone since receiving the transfers. With them, I was able to completely renovate our two-room house, turning it into a comfortable shelter for my family of four. Previously, we endured the constant threat of our mud-walled house collapsing whenever it rained. Now, waking up in our new home fills me with gratitude and admiration every single day. My main source of income comes from poultry farming, and every dollar earned goes towards essential needs like school fees and putting food on the table with nothing to save. It is not always easy juggling the responsibilities of running a household and ensuring my family's well-being, but seeing the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile. I am determined to continue working hard, nurturing my poultry farm, and providing the best possible future for my loved ones."
Kache's family
access_time 11 months ago
Kache received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"I'm planning to change my sleeping arrangement as it has not been comfortable. I have been using an old traditional bed, mats, and rags as my bedding, which have not been able to offer me a good sleep. To achieve this, I have started saving by joining a merry-go-round group where I contribute $10 every month. My goal is to purchase a new bed and mattress to replace the old bedding. Having a good quality sleep is not only beneficial for my health but also an improvement to my living standard. Once I have achieved this, I plan to invest in more livestock, such as chickens and goats. They are valuable assets that I can rely on in case of financial needs. Currently, I own four chickens and four goats."
Dzende's family
access_time 11 months ago
Dzende received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"Living with my three grandchildren in a small house has presented numerous challenges, as the limited space often forces me to sleep on the veranda to ensure their comfort indoors. My primary objective for this year is to complete the room extension I've been working on, providing us with the much-needed additional space to live comfortably. To accomplish this, I will utilize the funds from the transfers, supplemented by the income I generate from selling firewood. Furthermore, I have invested in goats and chickens, with the hope that this venture will flourish, offering an additional source of income to support my family. The support I have received fills me with profound happiness, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has provided."
Katana's family
access_time 11 months ago
Katana received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"My aim for this year is to settle my son's substantial school fee debt, allowing him to return to school and continue his studies uninterrupted. I understand the significance of education and am committed to providing my son with the best possible opportunities, with the assistance of the transfers. This investment in his education will enable him to pursue his chosen career path and achieve success. I am deeply grateful for the financial support provided by the transfers, which is instrumental in realizing this goal."
Safari's family
access_time 11 months ago
Safari received a $22 eighteenth payment.
"In order to increase my earnings, I intend to use my upcoming transfers to invest in acquiring livestock. These animals represent a reliable means of generating wealth for the future. With four children who depend on financial assistance for their education, expanding my livestock holdings holds promise. As the herd expands, it will significantly aid me in supporting their schooling, as I plan to sell some of the animals to cover their school fees. I am truly grateful for the support provided by the transfers, which has played a crucial role in caring for my family's needs."