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.
Dama's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dama received a $24 thirteenth payment.
"I want to join Teachers College in September 2023. I am really happy that I have saved enough that I can proudly join school. I had difficulties in joining school due to the fee but now, even if I don't have enough I still have something to start to get me started. I am planning to save enough to continue with my studies. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I believe I will have a bright future."
Shida's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Shida received a $24 thirteenth payment.
"I really want to improve my family's living standards; I really want to start a grocery store. Currently I am at home taking care of my children and my goats. With the savings I have and the monthly transfers I will be able to start my business and sell it at an affordable price to my neighbors. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am able to dream again."
Furaha's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Furaha received a $378 second payment.
"I am deeply thankful for the no-strings-attached cash transfer from Give Directly, which has bolstered our confidence and strengthened our bonds with the community. Being able to interact openly and with self-assurance after a period of strained relationships due to debts has been incredibly fulfilling. This transformation wouldn't have been feasible without the support from Give Directly's generous transfer."
Kangombe's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kangombe received a $378 initial payment.
"I was so grateful when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With $80, I decided to invest in the future for my family. I purchased two goats, hoping that they would provide us with offspring that we could sell or trade. Sleeping on the floor had always been uncomfortable, so I used $200 to buy two beds and two mattresses. One bed was for me, and the other was for my grandson, who helps me with everything. We used to lay down on empty sacks, but now, resting comfortably has become a luxury we truly cherish. The transformation in our sleep quality brought so much happiness to our lives. I also decided to invest $50 into agriculture. Seeing my crops flourish fills me with joy and satisfaction. Additionally, I used another $50 to pay for school fees for my youngest son, who is in primary school. It's a relief to know that he can continue his education without interruptions. The remaining money I decided to save for any unexpected family emergencies. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives have taken a turn for the better, and our hopes for a brighter future have been reignited."
Lydia's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lydia received a $378 initial payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was like a dream come true for me. I had always wanted to start a daycare institution, a project that would not only fulfill my passion for working with children but also provide me with a reliable source of income. This idea had been stuck in my mind for so long, held back only by the constraints of limited funds. But now, everything has changed. With the financial support I received, I am finally able to turn my vision into reality. It's incredible to think that just a short while ago, my daycare project was just an idea on paper, and now, it's on the brink of becoming a full-fledged reality. As October approaches, so does the launch of my daycare institution, and I couldn't be happier or more grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly has given me to transform my life in such a meaningful way."
Micheal's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Micheal received a $378 initial payment.
"I had been struggling for years to complete the construction of my spacious house, a dream that had been put on hold due to a lack of funds. But when I received the assistance, everything changed. With the money, I was finally able to finish building my dream home, a comfortable and spacious house that I had always envisioned. Now, I can confidently and happily host and spend time with my grandchildren, a luxury I could not afford before when I was confined to a small, inadequate space. The cash transfer not only transformed my living conditions but also brought a sense of fulfillment and happiness to my life, allowing me to create precious memories with my loved ones in a home we can all enjoy."
Zawadi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Zawadi received a $378 initial payment.
"Once the cash transfer arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and relief. The old house I had been living in was on the verge of collapsing, and I knew it was time for a change. So, I decided to invest the money wisely. First thing, I purchased a large 310-litre water tank, envisioning how it would aid me in my project. With this tank, I could store water efficiently, a crucial element for the upcoming construction. With water secured, I embarked on making interlocking blocks. Day after day, I mixed cement and pressed it into molds, creating each brick with care and determination. These blocks would be the foundation of my new home, and I am determined not to be held back by any lack of materials. I want to ensure that when construction begins, there will be no interruptions due to shortages. Each block I made seemed like a stepping stone towards stability and security."
Jumwa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jumwa received a $378 initial payment.
"Living with my husband and two grown-up daughters in that cramped single-room house was becoming quite a challenge. Our privacy was almost nonexistent, and I constantly worried about the lack of space. When the cash transfers from GiveDirectly came through, it felt like a ray of hope had pierced through the clouds. Without a second thought, my husband and I decided to use the money to build a new house. We eagerly went to the market and purchased 22 iron sheets for $220. These would become the roof of our new home. Additionally, we invested $100 in building poles to ensure our new house would stand strong. As the construction began, I could already picture the happiness and peace of mind that awaited us in our separate dwelling. Our daughters would get to keep the current house, and my husband and I would have our own space at last. Once the new house is completed, I'm planning to use the remaining funds to start an agricultural venture. It's incredible how a little financial assistance can completely transform our lives, and I'm excited to see the future unfold with newfound comfort and opportunities."
Joyce's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Joyce received a $378 initial payment.
"One sunny afternoon, as I was assembling my dried maize from the sun, a message pinged on my phone. Curious, I unlocked it and there it was a notification that the first GiveDirectly transfer had arrived. My heart raced as I read the message, and a mix of emotions overflowed within me. It was as if an eruption of happiness had taken over, knowing that the struggles and difficulties I had been facing were finally being met with a solution. At that moment, under the warm sun and surrounded by my harvested maize, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It wasn't just about the money; it was the realization that someone out there cared enough to help and that this support was a ray of hope for a brighter future."
Kadzo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kadzo received a $378 initial payment.
"Getting that cash transfer from GiveDirectly was like a dream come true for me and my family. With $150, I enrolled my daughter into a tailoring college that she had always dreamt of attending. Seeing her passion for sewing, I decided to invest an additional $200 in buying her a sewing machine. I believe that once she completes her studies, she can start her own tailoring business and create a better future for herself. One thing that had bothered me for a long time was the uncomfortable sleeping situation. Sleeping on torn mats was a daily struggle. Thankfully, with $62, I was able to purchase a comfortable mattress. The feeling of sleeping peacefully at night has brought me so much joy and relief. It's amazing how something as simple as a mattress can make such a big difference in my life. The remaining amount of the cash transfer was used to support our family's basic needs, and I'm grateful that we can now live with a little more security and comfort. Seeing my daughter chase her dreams while also improving our living conditions has filled my heart with immense happiness and gratitude toward GiveDirectly."