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.
Thabu's family
access_time 1 year ago
Thabu received a $22 twenty-second payment.
"My ultimate goal is to support Kalume's education until he graduates from college. Understanding that the cash transfers may not continue for the entire duration, I plan to invest the funds in livestock. By doing so, I aim to create a sustainable source of income for the future. Selling the livestock will provide the necessary funds to cover Kalume's school fees even after the cash transfers cease. I am thankful for the progress made, having bought two goats with previous transfers, both of which gave birth, growing the herd to seven goats. This assures me that Kalume's education will be supported even beyond the cash transfer period. Given my stomach ulcers preventing active work, creating wealth through livestock becomes a valuable means of sustaining our needs."
Sidi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Sidi received a $22 eighteenth payment.
"My goal is to acquire a bed and a mattress. I have been using a sisal-roped bed for an extended period, and it has become both uncomfortable and structurally compromised. I fear it may not last much longer as it has started breaking. Therefore, I aim to purchase a wooden bed and a fitting mattress. Since the cash transfers constitute my primary source of income, I plan to save upcoming funds until I accumulate enough to fulfill this goal. This is my current focus, and once achieved, I will redirect my attention to other needs."
Kanze's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kanze received a $22 fourteenth payment.
"Previously, I used to engage in charcoal making to assist my husband in providing for our two children. Unfortunately, due to the physical toll it took on me, resulting in chest complications, I had to discontinue this activity. Since then, my husband has borne the sole responsibility for supporting the family through his chewing stick business. I am happy the cash transfers have allowed me to actively contribute, especially towards school fees. I plan to use the funds to create wealth through goat and chicken rearing, providing a sustainable source of income even after the cash transfers conclude. Despite my inability to engage in physical work, keeping livestock will enable me to continue supporting the needs of my family through potential sales in the future."
Irine's family
access_time 1 year ago
Irine received a $114 initial payment.
"Residing in an area teeming with snakes made sleeping on the floor a dangerous choice for my two children and me. When the much-needed transfer of $180.1 from GiveDirectly came through, it was a game-changer. Swiftly, I allocated $38 for a sturdy bed, an essential upgrade from our situation. $ 28 was devoted to acquiring a decent mattress. No longer would we rely on rags and worn-out pieces to cushion our sleep; my aching back and waist welcomed this change. Being a single mother, relying on sporadic jobs, the struggle to put food on the table was a constant battle. Thus, $58 went towards ensuring our kitchen was well-stocked. Additionally, investing $14 in new plastic chairs replaced the old ones borrowed from my neighbor, adding a touch of comfort to our humble abode. Considering safety, $6 was utilized for a temporary fence around our compound. The need for organization led me to allocate $3 for a bag to store our clothes at home, a small yet impactful change in our daily lives. Education is a priority, and with $10, I purchased school bags for my children, a simple but significant provision they lacked. However, foresight was crucial for sustainability. Hence, $20 was invested in chickens, a step toward ensuring a steady source of income through their sale when times are tough. This assistance wasn’t just about immediate relief; it was a lifeline toward creating a more secure and comfortable future for my family."
John's family
access_time 1 year ago
John received a $348 initial payment.
"The transformative impact of receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly on my life has been nothing short of a blessing. The pivotal change came when I decided to invest in opening a salon business for my wife. Previously unemployed, she is now not only contributing significantly to our family income but has also become the primary breadwinner for our four-member household, alleviating a tremendous burden from my shoulders. The struggles we once faced, such as nights without meals and other challenges, have evolved into a more stable and hopeful existence. Witnessing her earn a daily profit of $7 has been a source of immense relief and pride for me. It's not just about the financial support for our family's basic needs, but also the ability to save for our children's educational future. This newfound financial stability has not only lifted us from the depths of hardship but has also opened doors to a brighter future, filled with opportunities we once deemed unattainable."
Balozi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Balozi received a $22 fourteenth payment.
"Looking ahead, I aim to use my subsequent transfers to acquire another goat, further expanding my livestock holdings. This strategic step will contribute to the growth of my goat herd, increasing the potential for multiplication and amplifying my initial investment. Despite the challenges of age and the inability to fully provide for myself, the financial transfers have been instrumental in helping me pursue and achieve my goals."
Kesi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kesi received a $335 second payment.
"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by delivering unconditional cash transfers that have empowered me to acquire valuable assets. With their support, I made a strategic decision to invest in a dairy cow, a move that has not only become a sustainable source of income but has also elevated our standard of living. The flexibility of the cash transfer allowed me to make choices aligned with my family's needs, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility."
Mupa's family
access_time 1 year ago
Mupa received a $348 second payment.
"In the upcoming year, my aspiration is to construct small buildings on the land I recently acquired, enabling me to operate my business. With three children, I hold a strong belief that establishing these businesses will allow me to adequately provide for my kids and ensure a brighter future for them."
Chengo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Chengo received a $348 second payment.
"By investing the transfers in my shops, I aim to increase my income to further support both my church and those in need. Without the responsibility of caring for my own young ones, my primary focus lies in utilizing my earnings to improve the lives and futures of others, striving to provide a better life for those in need."
Kuloba's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kuloba received a $616 initial payment.
"I was inside the house preparing to go t to the garden, but when I saw the message, I cancelled my garden plans and relaxed from home. ,thanking God and praying for blessing to give directly"