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.
Furaha's family
access_time 1 year ago
Furaha received a $362 initial payment.
"Utilizing the recent unconditional cash transfer of $500, I made a strategic investment in the construction of a rental house. This venture will serve as a supplementary source of income alongside my current endeavor of selling milk, where I earn approximately $3 a day. With the funds, I purchased essential materials for the house: iron sheets, nails, timber, windows, and doors. This rental property represents a promising avenue for additional income, and I'm hopeful that it will provide financial stability for my family of eight. My spouse, a herdsman, contributes to our livelihood, but being the primary breadwinner has often weighed on me. This new venture not only promises a supplementary income source but also a sense of security and balance in providing for my family's needs. Understanding the importance of immediate needs, I allocated $30 for food, ensuring that my family doesn't go to bed on empty stomachs as we sometimes did before. Additionally, settling a lingering debt of $20 lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders. The feeling of comfort now contrasts sharply with the frustration I used to feel. The unconditional cash transfer became a catalyst for positive change, offering not just financial relief but a renewed sense of control over my family's well-being."
Tatu's family
access_time 1 year ago
Tatu received a $362 initial payment.
"The most significant change in my daily life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the newfound sense of security and stability that comes with having a home I can genuinely call my own. The initial dwelling was precarious, on the verge of collapsing at any moment, and the constant fear for my two children's safety haunted me. In my seven years of marriage, peace of mind had been elusive, with the dilapidated state of our home inviting mockery and ridicule from others. The transformation has been profound; I now bask in the joy that my children are no longer susceptible to cold-related diseases as they were before. I am not just a content mother; I am a happy one. The gratitude I feel towards the organization that made this possible knows no bounds. Their intervention has not only provided a physical shelter but also restored dignity to my family, shielding us from the judgments and scorn that were once a daily ordeal. I can't express enough how this change has not just impacted our living conditions but has given us a renewed sense of hope and pride, for which I am eternally grateful."
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $362 initial payment.
"Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been nothing short of transformative, marking the most significant chapter in my life. The greatest change lies in the fact that I now own a piece of land, a sprawling one-acre expanse that symbolizes security and permanence for me and my four children. For the past seven years, following a challenging divorce, we found ourselves residing in my father's compound, a situation that denied my children the peace of mind, privacy, and freedom they deserved. As a mother, witnessing my children's struggle and dependence on me for our upkeep was a constant source of pain. Now, with this precious plot of land, I envision providing my children with a place they can genuinely call home, a space where they can grow with a sense of stability and belonging. My dream is to build a house on this land, a sanctuary that will not only shield us from the elements but will also be a testament to resilience and newfound hope. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now embark on this journey of turning a piece of land into a haven, ensuring that my children not only have a roof over their heads but a place where their dreams can take root and flourish."
Swamiha's family
access_time 1 year ago
Swamiha received a $363 initial payment.
"At precisely 3:20 in the afternoon, as I toiled away in the fields ploughing, a notification buzzed on my phone, revealing the long-awaited unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy engulfed me as I realized the transformative impact this unexpected financial support would have on my life. With a heart full of gratitude, I envisioned the walls of my new home rising steadily, providing ample space for my family of four. The initial struggles with a small house were now overshadowed by the promise of completion and comfort. The weight of financial worries lifted, replaced by the anticipation of a brighter future, all thanks to the generosity of GiveDirectly."
Kazungu's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kazungu received a $363 initial payment.
"Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has brought about a monumental shift in the fabric of my daily life. The most profound change lies in the fact that I could finally settle the colossal fee balances for my six children. As they approached their national exams, the burden of looming financial constraints cast a shadow on their education. There was a constant worry that they might miss crucial exams or underperform since they spent a significant amount of time at home due to unpaid fees. This perpetual concern used to gnaw at me, especially given that my aspiration was to provide them with a quality education, a privilege I, unfortunately, never had. The transformative power of the unconditional cash transfers not only alleviated the financial strain but also breathed life into my dream of seeing my children receive an education that eluded me. The newfound stability has not just settled debts but has fostered an environment where my children can focus on their studies without the specter of unpaid fees, offering them a chance at a brighter future."
Charo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Charo received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"I have a plan to expand my goat holdings, anticipating that their multiplication will serve as a reliable source of income for my financial requirements. In my elderly years, I lack the physical strength to work, relying on the support of my sons and their families. In times of urgent financial needs, I'm confident that selling some of the goats will provide a solution. Additionally, I'm looking forward to purchasing a new mattress and bed to replace the ones I've been using for years. With a substantial amount already saved, my aim is to continue saving, ensuring I achieve this goal and secure a more comfortable sleep arrangement."
Kalume's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kalume received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"I express gratitude for the transformative impact of the transfers on my living conditions, having transitioned from residing in a compact dwelling to a more spacious one. This improvement has been possible through consistent savings from the transfers received each month. Presently, I am setting my sights on saving for a quality wooden door to further enhance the comfort of my home. In addition to managing my living arrangements, I bear the responsibility of supporting my five daughters, who depend on me for their educational fees. With no stable source of income, my goal is to ensure their uninterrupted education by diligently covering their fees. This commitment is driven by the desire to provide them with the opportunity to stay in school and achieve academic success."
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $23 ninth payment.
"Recently, I successfully launched a grocery kiosk selling a variety of items, such as vegetables, fruits, and sardines. While the profits generated are modest, they have significantly eased the financial burden of managing my household expenses. My objective is to expand the range of products I offer, aiming to boost my earnings and secure my financial future. As I am no longer engaged in active work, this business venture ensures a stable means of providing for my family. Additionally, I am considering investing in livestock, particularly goats, as they represent valuable assets that can serve as a reliable financial resource when needed."
Samini's family
access_time 1 year ago
Samini received a $23 thirteenth payment.
"Looking forward, my plan is to start building my house early next year. The thought of finally fulfilling one of my long-term goals fills me with immense happiness. I am extremely grateful for the financial boost provided through the transfers, as it will undoubtedly bring about positive changes in my life."
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"Looking ahead, my primary goal for the coming year and beyond is to ensure that my house is repaired and in good condition. Its current state fills me with fear, especially with the heavy downpours, as there is a risk of it collapsing soon. I intend to allocate funds to purchase additional poles and set aside money to pay a mason who will undertake the necessary repairs. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance I have received, as it has allowed me to achieve what was previously beyond my reach."