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.
Edwin's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Edwin received a $135 initial payment.
"After collecting the money from the nearby shopping center with my spouse, we decided to invest in reviving a motorcycle taxi business by refurbishing my old motorcycle. We spent $100 on buying spare parts and paying for labor, and I am delighted that, despite the challenging economic conditions, I can now earn at least $3 a day. The motorcycle's breakdown had forced me to rely on hard-to-find and low-paying casual labor, which required long hours of work. We also used a portion of the funds, $70, to purchase household goods, including foodstuff and clothes for our two children. With the remaining $30, we acquired plastic seats for our home, which has made our living space much more comfortable. We had constructed a new house previously but lacked sufficient seating, so this opportunity allowed us to provide comfort for ourselves and our visitors. This support has not only improved our financial situation, but has also enhanced our quality of life."
Monica's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Monica received a $121 initial payment.
"Being a single mother and raising my three children has always been a challenging journey, pushing me to work tirelessly to provide for them. I eagerly awaited the support from GiveDirectly since enrolling, knowing that it could make a significant difference in our lives. As soon as I received the first transfer, I prioritized my dream of leasing a half-acre of arable land for the upcoming planting season, so I forwarded $50 to secure the leasehold from the farm owner on the third day. This project will free me from the low-paying and hard-to-come-by casual labor I had been dependent on. Additionally, I spent $50 on food for my family of four, ensuring we had enough to eat. Another $50 went towards household essentials, including toiletries and new clothes for my children, who were overjoyed as they had patiently worn tattered clothes for more than three years. I cleared a $20 school fee arrears, ensuring my kids could attend school without interruption, and saved the remaining funds for future needs, including replenishing household goods and emergencies. This support has not only provided immediate relief but also given me a new hope of giving the best to my family once more."
Janet's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Janet received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"Given my lack of a stable income source to guarantee the consistent payment of my four children's school fees, these transfers are my sole lifeline at the moment. To prevent them from frequently being sent home due to fee arrears, I am determined to allocate my transfers towards their education. My primary objective is to ensure they attain their educational aspirations, thus illuminating their future prospects. In addition to covering tuition fees, I also intend to invest in acquiring livestock, including chickens and goats, to rear and propagate. I recognize that by possessing goats and chickens, I can secure the future of my children's education even when the organization's support eventually diminishes. These assets can serve as a fallback plan, allowing me to sell them if a financial need arises, such as funding my children's education."
Kadzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"My objective is to establish a general shop business in our local trading centre in the near future. To realize this dream, I've become a member of a savings group comprising twenty-five individuals, contributing $20 monthly. Recognizing that securing the necessary capital is the primary challenge, my plan is to initially invest my savings in purchasing goats. Once these goats reach maturity, I can sell them at a profit, enabling me to accumulate the capital required for my business venture. This endeavor will not only enhance my financial independence but also provide the means to support my children's education effortlessly. I am a parent to four children who rely on me for their educational fees. It is my utmost priority to witness them achieving their academic aspirations despite our financial constraints. Therefore, my current primary goals are to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of my children's education and save for an income-generating project."
Becky's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Becky received a $135 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly is the drastic improvement in my living standards. Witnessing my children's consistent school attendance and the availability of ample food at home fills me with immense joy and relief. I am grateful that I can now relax and focus on other projects instead of constantly worrying about the basic search for food that had become the norm. This transformation has not only alleviated financial stress, but has also instilled a sense of hope and rejuvenated my focus on diversified goals at the same time."
Margaret's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Margaret received a $135 initial payment.
"Receiving the message confirming the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a truly joyful moment for me. At the time, I had a lot on my plate, particularly with the upcoming school fees payments for my children. I had never received such a substantial amount of money before, apart from small sums that never exceeded $50. On that day, I was at home with my grandchildren, who were puzzled as to why I was so excited. To celebrate, I bought them some juice, and that's when they finally understood that there was good news. My husband, who works as a primary school teacher, was away at work, so I had to wait until he returned home in the evening to share the wonderful news with him. When he finally arrived, I told him about the transfer, and we both felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The next morning, I went to the nearby shopping center to withdraw the money, and it was a moment of pure gratitude and hope for our family's future."
Sylvia's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sylvia received a $121 initial payment.
"The moment I confirmed that the money from GiveDirectly had landed in my account, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I was at home with my husband at that time, and when I shared the news with him, he too was filled with gratitude. We knew that this financial support would enable us to address many of our pending obligations, including paying our children's school fees. With the assurance that our money was securely in our accounts, we decided not to rush into withdrawing it and waited for three days before taking any action. It was a moment of relief and optimism for our family's future."
Maxi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Maxi received a $135 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life has been the transformation of my wife's salon business. Prior to receiving the GiveDirectly transfer, her salon was struggling due to low stock levels. However, with the injection of $50, we've witnessed a noticeable increase in customers and, subsequently, better profits. This boost has instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, as the salon has always been our fallback income source, especially considering the uncertainty of my subsistence and livestock farming endeavors. We are now looking forward to further expanding the salon business in the future, thanks to the positive impact of GiveDirectly's support."
Dzendere's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dzendere received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"I am delighted to share that the financial support I have received has propelled me towards achieving greater financial independence. I am now able to meet my daily needs, such as purchasing food and water, without relying on external assistance. My aspirations extend further, as I aim to enhance my financial situation through investments in livestock. By acquiring livestock, I anticipate their multiplication, which will provide me with additional resources to address any future challenges that may arise. The support I have received has had a profound impact on my life, and I am filled with happiness and gratitude for the opportunities it has provided. It has enabled me to take significant steps towards securing a better future for myself, and I am excited to continue this journey of progress and self-sufficiency."
Mary's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mary received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary objective is to construct a new house that can comfortably accommodate my children. The current two-roomed house is insufficient to provide adequate space for my entire family. Moreover, as my children enter their teenage years, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure their privacy and create a suitable living environment. I am filled with happiness and optimism, knowing that the financial assistance provided by the organization will play a significant role in helping me realize this goal. With their support, I am confident that I can provide a better living situation for my family, ensuring their comfort and privacy in the years to come."