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.
Agnes's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Agnes received a $357 second payment.
"The second transfer has ushered in a ray of hope for my family. To secure my family's financial stability, I wisely allocated $450 to initiate a goat-rearing venture, acquiring 10 goats. This strategic decision is rooted in the thriving goat farming environment in our region, where ample pastures contribute to their well-being and faster multiplication. This venture carries the promise of future income, a resource I intend to channel into providing a good education for my five children, all of whom are yet to join high school. This marks a significant stride towards securing their future. Additionally, I made a personal investment in my comfort and well-being by exchanging my old, uncomfortable sleeping arrangement on the floor for a new mattress and bed. Now, I enjoy peaceful and restful nights, in contrast to the discomfort I endured before. This transformation has added a sense of contentment to my life."
Kavumbi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kavumbi received a $357 second payment.
"I applaud GiveDirectly's consistency in honoring their promises and timelines. I received all the expected transfers, and the positive effects are seen in my community. Thanks to these transfers, I have been able to expand my animal herd and ensure my child's education is not disrupted due to unpaid school fees, a milestone I had not achieved previously. These deliberate steps are paving the way for a more secure financial future for my family. The impact of these actions, facilitated by GiveDirectly, is a beacon of hope in our lives."
Mupa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mupa received a $370 initial payment.
"Receiving that unconditional cash transfer was a blessing beyond words. I wasted no time in investing it wisely. First, I purchased all the essential building materials: iron sheets, poles, trees, and nails, totaling around $225, along with the necessary labor charges. Our current house was nothing more than a fragile, temporary structure that had filled me with fear for far too long, fearing that it might collapse at any moment. Building a new, sturdy home was a priority, and this investment in safety and security for my family was long overdue. I also made a strategic decision to buy a goat for $50. It may seem like a small purchase, but to me, it represents a long-term investment. I believe that with proper care, this goat will multiply, and I can eventually sell its offspring to meet any unexpected expenses. I also allocated $30 to pay the school fees for my son, who is in fifth grade. With this burden lifted, he can now focus on his education without the worry of being sent home due to unpaid fees. As a widow responsible for three children, I primarily rely on farming activities for our livelihood. With the remaining amount, I'm planning to start a small business selling fresh vegetables in our village. This venture holds the promise of generating a steady income that can support my family's needs and provide a brighter future for my children."
Bendera's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Bendera received a $370 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the fact that I now have a new house, and this has brought about a profound transformation. For years, I dreamt of living with all my family members under one roof, but it always seemed like an unattainable goal. I used to be the laughingstock of my village, struggling to make ends meet, living hand to mouth, and never having enough to provide for my family. However, with the support of GiveDirectly, I was able to build a new home, a place where we can all live together as a family. This newfound sense of togetherness is priceless, and it has not only improved our living conditions but also strengthened our bonds. Furthermore, I no longer feel vulnerable to the harsh realities of life in my village. In the past, my properties were exposed and susceptible to theft, but now, with a secure home, I have peace of mind knowing that my belongings are safe. The sense of security and stability that comes with having a proper home is something I cherish every day. I'm incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for making this dream a reality. With their support, I was able to achieve something that I could never have done with my own limited resources."
Namisi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Namisi received a $1247 second payment.
"The recipient had not known that he had money on his account until during the follow-up exercise thus when he came yo know. However, his plan is to buy land, renovate his house, and buy a cow"
Samuel's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Samuel received a $370 initial payment.
"Since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been nothing short of transformative. The retail shop I established with the support of these transfers has become the cornerstone of this change. Now, I can provide for my family without constantly seeking assistance from family and friends, as I did before. The restoration of my self-esteem is immeasurable; I feel like a true provider for my family, a man who can confidently meet their needs. In the past, it was a source of immense stress, struggling to provide even the most basic necessities like food. I often felt like I had let my family down. However, with the profits I now earn from the shop, I can pay all my bills on time without straining or struggling. I'm no longer seen as a struggling member of the community; I've managed to move beyond merely surviving and have become a thriving member of the village. I can't express my gratitude enough to this organization for the incredible impact they've had on my life."
Susan's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Susan received a $370 initial payment.
"It was around 3 PM when I attended a community gathering, surrounded by the chatter of neighbors and the warm embrace of our close-knit village. Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing, and as I picked it up, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. The voice on the other end informed me that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, tears welled up in my eyes. With this newfound financial security, I knew that I could finally turn my dreams into reality. No more wearying mobile salon visits, no more moving from house to house; I was going to open my own salon shop. It was the start of a brighter future, and the weight of uncertainty lifted from my shoulders."
Kaneno's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kaneno received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My future goal is to take my selling business to the next level by building a stall at the marketplace where I sell my products. Currently, not having a stall has made running my business quite inconvenient. I have to carry my stock back and forth from home to the marketplace daily, spending three hours on the road, which is exhausting. Having a stall would reduce this fatigue, allowing me to leave my stock at the market and commute without a heavy load. This will not only ease my hardships but also give me more time to care for my seven young children who depend on me."
Pendo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Pendo received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My focus for the upcoming year and beyond is on two things. First, I am determined to complete my beauty and hair-making college program, which I was only able to attend thanks to the cash transfers from GiveDirectly. Upon graduation, I plan to leverage my acquired expertise to establish a salon business in my village. I am particularly enthusiastic about this venture because there is currently no one providing such services in my community. By bridging this gap, I believe I can serve my community and simultaneously generate income to support my family's needs."
Kache's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kache received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"Looking forward, my primary goal is to establish a sustainable source of income and accumulate wealth through livestock rearing. Goats, in particular, pique my interest because they have resilience in the face of harsh weather conditions, which are quite prevalent in our region. The recent cash transfer allowed me to acquire my first goat, and I plan to expand my herd. Over time, as these animals reproduce, and even after the cash transfers end, I envision being able to sell the goats to generate funds. These funds will not only cater to the needs of my four children but also alleviate the financial burden on my husband, who faces challenges in making a decent living through his carpentry job."