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.
Happy Holidays!
GDLive updates will be slower while GiveDirectly's Africa offices are closed over the holidays.
Saumu's family
access_time 2 months ago
Saumu received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My vision for my life is to become a dedicated livestock farmer, one who can truly rely on livestock as a steady source of income and security. For the coming year, I plan to use my transfers from GiveDirectly to expand my herd by purchasing more goats, adding to the ones I already have. My hope is that these goats will multiply, grow in value, and set the foundation for something lasting. Once I have six goats, I can trade them for a cow and I intend to have many goats so that I can trade some of them for several cows. I am working towards this goal with so much anticipation. The bulls will be invaluable for plowing my farm, which will allow me to save on the high costs of hiring tractors each season. Meanwhile, the cows will keep multiplying, providing milk for my family and an additional income stream from milk sales. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it is helping me bring my dreams to life. This opportunity gives me such hope for the future, hoping that I can create a stable and sustainable life for myself and my family."
Stanley's family
access_time 2 months ago
Stanley received a $154 initial payment.
"Before receiving the transfer, getting food at home was a huge struggle. It was very stressful because without food, I couldn’t do any work, and sometimes we had to go without. There were many times when I had to borrow from the shops just to feed my family because casual jobs were not always available. It was never certain if we would have enough to eat. However, after receiving the transfer, everything changed. Now, we are able to have food at home every day, three times a day. My family is much happier and healthier, and I no longer have to worry about where our next meal will come from. This has brought a sense of peace and stability to our lives."
Everlyne's family
access_time 2 months ago
Everlyne received a $347 third payment.
"Since we received the GiveDirectly transfer, our village has been positively impacted. You reached us directly, without any intermediaries like headmen or chiefs, which we really appreciated. It was clear that you are an independent organization, and we felt respected by how you handled everything. Also, the one-month gap between transfers gave us time to think carefully about what to do next and plan how to use the money wisely. I did not see anything bad in the way you operated; everything was well done. You are a perfect organization, and we just hope that you will come back and continue supporting us with more transfers."
Faith's family
access_time 2 months ago
Faith received a $347 third payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly changed everything for my family and me. Expanding my shop with just $100 made a huge difference; before, I struggled to earn even $20 a day, but now I’m making $50 daily. The extra income has eased my worries, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to provide more for my family. I also spent $150 on three young cows and $120 on three sheep, knowing they would be valuable assets for the future. If emergencies come up, I can sell them for quick support. With five children in school, I used $80 to cover some of their fees, which used to be a struggle relying only on my shop’s income. Now, my business and livestock give me a stable foundation, and it feels wonderful to plan ahead with confidence.Life has truly turned around with GiveDirectly’s help. My husband, who is a boda boda rider, and I can now support each other more easily, and we’re both focused on building a brighter future for our kids. This support has given us the strength to look forward, knowing we can finally secure a stable and comfortable life for our family."
Samuel's family
access_time 2 months ago
Samuel received a $347 third payment.
"In the coming years, I aim to focus on farming, using crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and productive. After each harvest, I plan to replant carefully, ensuring steady yields that will support my family. My goal is to save part of the income from every season, so I can consistently afford my children’s school fees without worry. Farming has always been my foundation, and I want it to continue as a stable source of both food and income. With this approach, I feel hopeful about securing a good future for my family. Providing for my children’s education is my priority, and I believe that through careful planning, I’ll be able to achieve it."
Magdalina's family
access_time 2 months ago
Magdalina received a $140 initial payment.
"Life had been a constant struggle, and I had grown used to facing it all on my own. Raising four children without any support was overwhelming; I had never married, and every responsibility fell on me. Paying school fees was one of my biggest burdens—I often had to sell my livestock, organize small fundraisers, or rely on farming to scrape together enough. When I received the cash transfer, I used $80 to pay for their fees, finally easing that load. Knowing my children could continue their education without interruption gave me a deep sense of relief and hope.With another $60, I bought a bed and mattress, something I’d needed for so long. Before this, I had been sleeping on a broken bed with no mattress, which made for long, uncomfortable nights. Having a proper bed to sleep on has changed my nights completely, and I finally wake up rested and ready for the day. It’s a simple thing, but for me, it’s been a huge improvement. I’m grateful for this small comfort, which has made such a big difference in my life.Lastly, I spent $40 on food. I used to rely on casual jobs to feed my family, but work was never guaranteed. My usual place to burn charcoal, a source of income for us, was no longer available after the lake submerged the trees. With the cash transfer, I could buy enough food to keep my family going without the constant worry of where our next meal would come from. This support has truly changed our lives, giving us stability and a chance to focus on other things besides daily survival."
Tusufu's family
access_time 2 months ago
Tusufu received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the goal of starting a grocery store in my village. We currently have no nearby grocery, and I see this as a great opportunity for an income-generating activity that will benefit both my family and the community. Once I finish fixing the windows in my house, I plan to use the transfers I receive to fund this venture. I estimate that it will require about $40 in starting capital, and I am excited about the possibilities it will open up for us. This grocery store will provide a steady source of income and fill a crucial need in our area."
Kadzo's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kadzo received a $27 thirty-sixth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the renovation of my house by building pillars to make it more resilient against the fierce winds that we sometimes experience in our area. This is important for the safety and security of my family, as I want to ensure that we are protected from the unpredictable weather. To achieve this, I have been diligently saving $20 every month from my transfers, and I am determined to continue this effort until I can afford to complete the renovation. This improvement will give us peace of mind and a stronger, safer home."
Tsozi's family
access_time 2 months ago
Tsozi received a $27 thirty-seventh payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my biggest goal is to build a good, secure house because the one I currently have is in poor condition and on the verge of collapsing. It has been a constant worry, and I know my family deserves better. To make this dream a reality, I have committed to saving $10 monthly from my transfers. It may take time, but I am determined to steadily build towards a safer, more stable home for my family. This goal is more than just shelter; it’s about giving us the security and peace of mind we’ve long needed."
Kangombe's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kangombe received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to grow my livestock by purchasing more goats through my monthly savings. Right now, I have one goat and one cow, but expanding my herd will secure a better future for my family. I’ve already started saving $10 per month through a merry-go-round group, and I’m committed to continuing this until I can afford to buy more goats. With a larger herd, I’ll have more resources to provide for my family’s needs and create long-term stability for us. This plan gives me hope and a clear path forward."