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
Irine
received a $312 third payment.
"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has undoubtedly made a significant positive impact by offering us a substantial and unconditional cash transfer. This support arrived as a beacon of hope, particularly after facing the challenges of raising four children on my own following my separation from my spouse. The financial assistance has alleviated my worries and renewed my optimism, as I've been able to invest wisely using the transfer. Throughout my experience with the organization, I have not encountered any operational inefficiencies, and I am genuinely thankful for the positive changes it has brought to our lives. However, I do wish that there could be an opportunity for additional transfers, as there are still numerous needs to address for the well-being of my children."
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over 1 year ago
Ezekiel
received a $139 initial payment.
"I make my living as a motorcycle taxi driver, so I spend the entire day cruising the streets. I left my phone at home to charge on this specific day since the power was down. Until the sun began to set, I drove around ferrying people. Around 5:00 p.m., I eventually made it back home, exhausted but happy that I had earned something to feed my family. My wife welcomed me with a grin and some wonderful news: a transfer had arrived in our account. As I looked at my phone and saw the confirmation message, I couldn't help but experience a surge of joy. Plans started to emerge in my head right away; I knew precisely what I wanted to accomplish using the transfer. The next day, I was set to buy a big sack of maize to keep our family well-fed, thanks to the transfer."
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over 1 year ago
Namboka
received a $1251 second payment.
"I hope to have completed payment on my land in mbale by the end of this year."
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over 1 year ago
Kadzitu
received a $368 second payment.
"After losing my house to a devastating fire, life became a complicated puzzle of survival. Each day felt like a struggle and nights were spent in a granary store, a meager shelter that barely shielded me from the world outside. When GiveDirectly's support arrived, it was like a ray of hope cutting through the darkness. With the second cash transfer they provided, I decided to transform my life. I invested in constructing a new house, a place I could finally call home. I used $250 of the transfer to secure roofing materials, another $100 for building poles, and employed a skilled local contractor whose labor charge amounted to $95. As the walls of my new house rose from the ground, a sense of security and pride bloomed within me. The soot that had once plagued my nights was now a thing of the past, and I could finally rest peacefully under a solid roof.But my transformation didn't stop there. With $72 from the cash transfer, I embraced the opportunity to nurture a small livestock enterprise by purchasing three goats. This wasn't just about sustenance; it was a step towards self-sufficiency. With the remaining amount I acquired a comfortable bed and mattress for $110, a luxury I never thought I'd experience. As the drought tightened, I used the remaining amount to buy essential food supplies."
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over 1 year ago
Bwayo
received a $1251 second payment.
"What I can say is that GD doesn't tell lies and it delivers whenever they promise something"
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over 1 year ago
Kadzo
received a $368 second payment.
"If I manage to secure some funds, my sole aspiration revolves around acquiring a dairy cow. With diligent care and unwavering commitment, I envision the cow becoming a source of sustenance and prosperity for my family. Through selling the milk produced, a stream of income would trickle into our lives, providing a steady flow to cater to our hunger, clothe our bodies, and light the path toward education and brighter days."
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over 1 year ago
Sidi
received a $368 second payment.
"The tremendous work that GiveDirectly put forth was commendable and considerate to every villager. During the initial gathering, we got excellent instructions that clarified our understanding of the parameters for registration. Reading the fly cards that we were given and hearing the instruction at the initial meetings helped us to prepare and make decisions. We appreciate the effort put into each step of the procedure, and we hope to work with you again soon."
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over 1 year ago
Ajabu
received a $382 second payment.
"From the first cash transfer GiveDirectly provided, I embarked on a journey to transform my living conditions. My small one-room dwelling had long been a source of discomfort for my family. The moment I received that initial transfer, I saw an opportunity to change that. I immediately set out to construct a two-room house that would provide the space and comfort we deserved. However, various needs nibbled at the funds, and I couldn't complete the project as quickly as I hoped.
Upon getting the second transfer, I allocated $207 to purchase 24 iron sheets, $98 for the essential roofing timbers, and I paid a skilled contractor $80 to ensure the construction was done right. As the last piece was put in place, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The sight of the finished house, crowned with the gleaming iron sheet roof, filled me with pride. But the benefits of the cash transfer didn't end there. I prioritized education by using $50 to pay my children's school fees to secure their future. The remainder of the funds ensured our daily needs were met, bringing stability and contentment to my family's life in ways I had never imagined. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the transformation was not only structural but touched every facet of our lives."
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over 1 year ago
Dama
received a $368 second payment.
"When the much-awaited cash transfer from GiveDirectly finally arrived, relief washed over me like a soothing rain after a long drought. The weight of worry that had been bearing down on my shoulders lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope. My three secondary school children's education had always been my top priority, but the school fees had been a constant source of sleepless nights. Determined to secure their future, I used $480 of the transfer to pay their entire school fees for the year. As I handed over the money to the school administrator, I felt a mixture of pride and gratitude. The burden that had haunted me was now lifted, and my children could continue their studies without interruption.
With a portion of the cash remaining, I turned my attention to improving our family's living conditions. Our home was in dire need of some basic household equipment that we had been lacking for years. I bought a set of new utensils that brought a shine to our mealtimes, and even a few blankets to keep us warm during chilly nights. Each purchase felt like an investment in our well-being, a small step towards a brighter future."
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over 1 year ago
Simon
received a $368 second payment.
"When I received the second cash transfer, it felt like a lifeline once again. The weight of uncertainty that had been pressing down on my shoulders seemed to lift, if only for a moment. Without hesitation, I knew exactly how I wanted to use this support to shape a better future for my family. My children's education was paramount, and I used a significant portion of the money, $300 to be precise, to settle their school fee arrears. This decision was not just about finances; it was about investing in their dreams, in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. As the school confirmed their continued enrollment, I could see the determination in their eyes, grateful for the opportunity to learn without the looming threat of being sent home.
With a heart full of gratitude and the remaining amount in hand, I embarked on a project that had been a dream for far too long. Our living situation had been cramped and far from ideal, with all of us squeezed into a single room. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford. Therefore, I put in the effort and hard work to finally complete the construction of a small but comfortable house for my children. The joy that radiated from their smiles when they stepped into their own space was immeasurable. It wasn't just a house; it was a symbol of our resilience and the progress we were making against the odds."
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