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.
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over 1 year ago
Pendo
received a $354 second payment.
"My primary focus is on launching a vegetable business with the aim of supporting my spouse in providing for the needs of our family. This endeavor represents not only an entrepreneurial dream but a practical way to contribute to our household's financial stability. With careful planning and hard work, I hope to cultivate and sell fresh, high-quality vegetables that can not only sustain our family but also create a source of income. By doing so, I aim to ease the burden on my spouse and ensure that our family's requirements are well met, while also pursuing a fulfilling passion in the world of agriculture."
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over 1 year ago
Kache
received a $354 second payment.
"Because of GiveDirectly's support, my children are now able to attend school without any disturbances. The unconditional money they provided has been a lifeline for our family, allowing me to cover their school fees and necessary supplies consistently. Gone are the days of worrying about interruptions in their education due to financial constraints. GiveDirectly has played a pivotal role in ensuring my children receive a quality education, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future. Their commitment to making education accessible is something I truly appreciate, and it has made a profound and positive impact on our lives."
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over 1 year ago
Benjamin
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"In the coming year, I've set goals for myself and my family. Firstly, I plan to revive my poultry business, which I know has great returns. To make this happen, I will need to investment $150 and I've already started a saving plan.
My other goal for the upcoming year is to open a cyber cafe in our village. We only have one, and their services are quite limited. This venture not only fulfills a personal dream but also has the potential to provide valuable services to our community while supporting my family financially. I'm excited about the journey ahead and am determined to turn these plans into reality."
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over 1 year ago
Bwaayo
received a $625 initial payment.
"I was in the garden when I saw the message, I had given up hope of receiving the money since it had been long. I thanked Gid and give directly for fulfilling their promise. I thought about clearing my debts and paying my children's school fees."
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over 1 year ago
Kadzo
received a $368 second payment.
"I used a portion of my recent cash transfer to invest in some livestock, specifically five goats, which cost me $225. This purchase was made with a future emergency fund in mind. In my experience, having some assets like these goats can be a financial lifesaver in case of unexpected medical or household expenses. I've always believed in the importance of being prepared for the unknown, and these goats serve as a kind of insurance policy for me and my spouse. Another significant portion of the transfer went towards something that brought immediate comfort and relief to our daily lives. I spent $100 on a new bed and mattress. Previously, I slept on a traditional bed made of ropes with mats that left me waking up with aches and pains. Now, I experience peaceful and comfortable nights. This simple upgrade has made a world of difference in our quality of life. With the remaining amount, I've been able to ensure a steady supply of food for my small family of two. I had been depending on a tiring charcoal business to make ends meet, and my spouse, who is getting older, couldn't contribute much. Being the primary breadwinner has its challenges, but the recent cash transfer has lightened the load, making it a little easier for us to maintain our daily needs. This newfound stability has brought a sense of security and comfort to our lives, which we deeply appreciate."
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over 1 year ago
Mwenda
received a $354 second payment.
"My primary aim is to establish and maintain a thriving livestock operation. With twelve children to care for, I've come to understand the immense importance of education in securing their futures. By raising and selling livestock, I hope to generate a sustainable income that will enable me to send each of my twelve children to school. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with opportunities I never had. It's a challenging path, but my determination to see my children succeed fuels my efforts, and I'm committed to making this dream a reality through hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for my family."
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over 1 year ago
Dorcas
received a $134 initial payment.
"Paying my daughter's school fees of $100 was my top priority when I received the recent unconditional cash transfer. She's in Form 1, and her education has been disrupted time and again due to pending fee balances. As a mother, it always pained me to see her miss out on learning opportunities because my ultimate aim has been to provide all my children with a quality education. I knew that paying for her education was investing in her future, and I was determined to ensure she had the chance to excel academically. I also used a part of the funds to buy building poles and thread, amounting to $50. The purpose behind this purchase was to begin the construction of a new house for my family. Currently, my five children and I are crammed into a small, dilapidated house that is on the verge of collapsing. This new house is not just a structure; it represents safety and comfort for my children. With the remaining amount, I purchased food to sustain my family of six. My spouse and I both rely on low-wage, casual jobs, and securing daily meals has been a recurring challenge. This additional financial support has been a tremendous relief for both of us. It feels like we're finally taking the first steps toward improving our family's living conditions and ensuring that our children have a stable and conducive environment to grow and study."
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over 1 year ago
Wilson
received a $301 third payment.
"I'm pleased to share that I am now self-employed, and this transformation is all thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers. Their support allowed me to invest in my own business, providing me with the means to create a sustainable income source. This newfound self-employment not only grants me financial independence but also instills a sense of pride and purpose. GiveDirectly has done an excellent job of empowering individuals like me to take control of our destinies, and for that, I'm truly impressed and grateful."
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over 1 year ago
Merceline
received a $301 third payment.
"I allocated the entire sum of $250 from the recent unconditional cash transfer to an assortment of critical needs. Firstly, I used this money to complete the construction of a two-bedroom house that I had started earlier using previous transfers. This project had been stalled for some time because, despite my best intentions, I had to divert some of the funds for more immediate needs. Now, my two children have a dedicated space to call home, and they no longer need to sleep at my relatives' house due to the cramped conditions of our previous dwelling. The joy of seeing them have a room to themselves is beyond words. I also utilized the cash transfer to pay school fees, amounting to $100, for my two children who are in lower classes. The burden of worrying about their education for the entire academic year has been lifted. Seeing them settled in school, ready to learn and grow, brings me a sense of relief and joy that's hard to put into words. With the remaining $100, I invested in my poultry business. This strategic move has significantly boosted my income. I now earn a profit of $22, a substantial increase from the $8 I used to make. This extra income has made it much easier to provide for my family's needs. No longer do we struggle as we once did, my spouse and I."
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over 1 year ago
Joy
received a $134 initial payment.
"I made a strategic decision with my recent unconditional cash transfer, using the entire sum of $200 to invest in my one-acre farm. With this, I purchased fertilizer and seedlings and hired the necessary help to prepare the land. My plan was to cultivate pumpkins, not just for personal consumption but for commercial purposes. In our village, the demand for pumpkins is consistently high, and this presented a golden opportunity for me to generate income. As I toiled in the fields, I was motivated by the prospect of becoming self-reliant. Unemployment had left me dependent on my spouse for our family's basic needs, but now I could see a path to financial independence. I knew that in a few months, these pumpkins would yield a bountiful harvest, and I'd be able to sell them in the local market. This income would not only help sustain our daily needs but also lay the foundation for my children's education. With my newfound sense of purpose and determination, I was confident that by the time my two children were ready to join school, I would have saved enough money to ensure they received a quality education. This unconditional cash transfer had not only eased our immediate financial burden but had also sown the seeds of a brighter, more self-sufficient future for my family."
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