"Photography was my passion and income. I walked around our village taking photos at ceremonies and family gatherings. It gave me purpose and the hope that one day it could grow into something bigger. Then in 2024, the lens broke. That felt like the end of my dream. I could not repair it or buy another, and the business stopped completely. I survived on farming and casual labour, but my heart was hurting because the thing I truly loved was gone. When GiveDirectly came, the happiest moment for me was buying a HD camera for $290, even bigger and better than the one I lost. I felt like my dream had come back to life. Now I photograph in the village and print in town the next day, earning $17 to $29 on a good week. My dream now is even bigger. One day, I want to shoot music videos and work with famous artists." John in Malawi Learn more about our work in Malawi at GiveDirectly.org/malawi

🆕 GiveDirectly's quest for scale @GiveDirectly are no longer the new kids on the block, and have been scaling their operations rapidly in recent years, a trend that's set to continue. Caitlin Tulloch joined this week's podcast to discuss this journey.

"I depended on whatever work I could find that day. In the morning I might be carrying heavy sacks, later working in someone else's field, and when there was nothing, I would burn charcoal just to have something to eat. After a full day of effort, I would return home with only ~$0.80. I wanted to start selling, to have something of my own, but I had no way to begin. When I received the money from GiveDirectly, it was the first time I sat down and thought carefully about what I could do with it. I started by buying small items to sell in my community and kept saving part of what I earned. Over time, I managed to buy a motorbike. I still remember the first time I rode to Nacala to collect goods. I left early, unsure if I would manage, but I came back with products people here struggle to find. Later, I bought two canoes and gave them to two young men in my community, who now go fishing and earn income for themselves and for me. Today I open my shop and people come because they know they can find things here without waiting for market day. Those young men no longer rely on casual jobs like I once did. With the money I saved, I bought my own piece of land and started building my house. It is not finished yet, but it is mine." Carlos in Mozambique Learn more about our work in Mozambique at GiveDirectly.org/mozambique

The 23rd of December 2022, two days before Christmas, was the worst day of my life. My father was diagnosed with kidney failure, heart disease, and lung disease. All hope for a bright future was shattered. I had planned to enroll in a welding school. I knew this was going to be really difficult. Against all odds, I enrolled anyway. Then my father's condition worsened. As the eldest child, I had no choice but to come back home. That is how I dropped out of college and my dreams were completely shattered. I spent the entire 2024 waiting for my father's Thursday dialysis visits. When GiveDirectly came into the village, I knew this was a second chance. I was casually browsing Facebook when a message popped up. I had received the money. I didn't know whether to yell, run out of the house, cry or remain calm. I came across a car-wash machine online and purchased it for $600. The machine is now a week old. I have been able to collect a minimum of $5 a day washing people’s motorbikes. My plans are clear: keep saving, buy an air compressor, and complete my course so I can start a welding business.” Amos in Kenya Learn more about our work in Kenya at GiveDirectly.org/kenya

I just donated to GiveDirectly — they send cash directly to people in need. Thought you might want to check them out too! referral.givedirectly.org/78…

"There are two days I will never. The first was when people were gathered to watch football and I wanted to go, but I had no way of getting there with my old wheelchair. I stayed at home crying because I could not join the others. The second day was when I arrived late to school and missed an important test because I had to push my wheelchair alone. When I finally reached the classroom, the test had already started and I could not take it. Then GiveDirectly came. With my transfers, I ordered a better and stronger wheelchair. When I started using it, for the first time I felt that I could move with more freedom. I also started building my own house and bought school notebooks and a uniform to continue my studies. Today I can move faster and reach school on time. I no longer worry about missing tests because of the long journey. Sometimes I go to watch football with other young people, sit with them, talk and laugh together. Moments like these make me very happy and feel included. Today, I feel like I can finally go where I want and be part of the life around me." Severino in Mozambique Learn more about our work in Mozambique at GiveDirectly.org/mozambique