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.
Kenga's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kenga received a $24 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming years, I would be happy to reflect on the positive changes brought about by Give Directly's assistance. My main goal is to use the support to construct a new house for my family, providing them with a safer and more comfortable living space. The current one is in a poor state, with one of its walls collapsing due to the continuous rains. Once this is achieved, I have another exciting plan in mind. Since my current location is close to the road, I want to build a rental house. I will occupy one of the rooms and start a hardware business, as there is currently no such business in my village. This venture would not only benefit my family but also provide essential services to the community. I am determined to work towards these goals, and with the help of Give Directly's support, I am confident that I can bring these plans to fruition in the near future."
Sidi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sidi received a $24 twenty-second payment.
"During periods when I have fewer financial responsibilities, I manage to save $5 per month through a self-help group. My primary objective is to use these savings to construct a better house for my family. The current structure we have can hardly be called a house, as it leaks rainwater and consists of just one room. This cramped space is insufficient for my husband, our four children, and myself. I dream of having a traditional mud-walled house with iron sheet roofs, featuring three rooms. This improved housing would provide us with more comfort, space, and privacy. Additionally, I aspire to replace our current sisal-twined beds with decent wooden ones and mattresses."
Kuloba's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kuloba received a $647 initial payment.
"We now have access to full meals a day, I have also embarked on constructing a descent and reason house that will be able to accommodate my family members and some visitors incised we are to have."
Esther's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Esther received a $372 second payment.
"With that first thing on my mind, I purchased a comfortable mattress and a spacious bed, costing a total of $130. For far too long, I had endured restless nights on a small, uncomfortable bed, and the relief I felt when I finally sank into the new mattress was indescribable. It brought a newfound sense of peace and comfort to my life. Also, I used a portion of the money to buy a much-needed smartphone. This device opened up a whole new world for me. I could now access the internet, search for information, and learn about the happenings worldwide. It was like a window to knowledge that I had never experienced before. With the remaining amount, I made sure to stock up on food and household necessities for my spouse and two children. My spouse's income as a casual laborer was meager, barely enough to sustain us all. It had been a constant struggle to make ends meet, but the cash transfer brought some much-needed relief. We could now afford to have nutritious meals and ensure the essential needs of our household were met."
Matanda's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Matanda received a $647 initial payment.
"There's a big difference ,now that there is some money with me that enables me to think positive , I don't have any pressure of how to meet basic needs at home and school fees . I have been able to own livestock which I didn't have before."
Sidi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sidi received a $24 seventeenth payment.
"As a single parent, I face the constant challenge of not having a stable source of income to support my children's education. I mainly depend on menial jobs and at times working in other people's farms for a living. However, thanks to the transfers I receive, I am grateful that my children can now comfortably attend school. Ensuring their continuous education is my top priority in the coming year and beyond, and I am determined to see them through to the completion of their studies. I believe that by the time the program ends, they will have made significant progress toward achieving their educational goals. To supplement my income and secure my family's future, I am also planning to invest in buying goats. Presently, I own three goats, and with a successful harvest providing enough food, I can confidently allocate some funds to acquire additional goats. These goats not only serve as an additional income stream but also act as a form of security for my children's education. As the goats multiply, I can easily sell the offspring to generate the necessary funds for my children's educational needs."
Fahani's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Fahani received a $372 second payment.
"After receiving the second transfer, I invested in a sewing machine for myself, a long-desired dream that I couldn't afford until now. Hiring one every month was draining my resources, but now I have my own, and I can keep all the earnings for myself. This means I can fully provide for my family of three without any financial worries. The burden of paying commissions is lifted, and I can focus on growing my sewing business. In addition, I used $105 of the cash transfer to purchase three goats. These are not just animals; they are assets that can offer security during times of financial constraints. They are well-suited to thrive in our region, making them a practical investment. As my spouse and I both work hard to make ends meet, having these goats will give us some peace of mind and a fallback option. Lastly, I ensured my family's immediate needs were met by buying food. My spouse's income as a taxi driver may not be huge, but with my new sewing business and the goats, we now have a better chance of building a more stable and prosperous future together."
Priscilla's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Priscilla received a $372 second payment.
"When I received the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, it felt like a ray of hope had finally reached our humble residence. With a family of seven crammed into our tiny house, I knew I had to do something to improve our living conditions. So, I decided to use $200 to construct an additional room, a place where my children could have some space to call their own, study, and dream. Seeing their smiles as the room took shape was priceless, and it filled my heart with joy. Education is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty, so I allocated $180 to pay for my eldest child's secondary school fees and $20 for my youngest one in primary school. Investing in their future was non-negotiable, and I knew it was a gift that would keep on giving. With the remaining amount, I purchased enough food to sustain my family for the foreseeable future. As we sat together, sharing a meal in our slightly more spacious home, I couldn't help but feel immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for making all of this possible."
Mujeni's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mujeni received a $372 second payment.
"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. With the money, I finally completed the roofing of our humble house, which now stands as a secure haven for my family. No longer do we have to worry about rain leaking through the makeshift roof. The joy in my children's eyes, when they saw their new home, was priceless, and it filled my heart with immense gratitude. With part of the cash, I decided to invest in two goats. They may seem like a simple purchase to some, but these goats represent hope and prosperity for us. Not only do they provide us with an income through selling their offspring, but they also remind me that a brighter future is within reach. Moreover, the rest of the money allowed me to take a much-needed break from my exhausting charcoal-burning business. I am thankful for this break as it not only rejuvenated me but also enabled me to purchase food for my family during the downtime. My heart brims with gratitude for the positive changes that the GiveDirectly cash transfers have brought into our lives."
Pauline's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Pauline received a $372 second payment.
"Receiving a donation from GiveDirectly has been a life-changing experience for me, and I wholeheartedly support the program. The unconditional nature of the money allowed me the freedom to address my most pressing needs, providing a sense of empowerment and control over my own life. Knowing that someone out there cared enough to extend a helping hand and that the organization had ongoing plans to ensure our well-being, gave me a newfound sense of security and hope for the future. GiveDirectly's thoughtful approach has not only made a difference in my life but has also awakened a sense of gratitude and faith in the goodness of humanity."