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.
Happy Holidays!
GDLive updates will be slower while GiveDirectly's Africa offices are closed over the holidays.
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4 days ago
Katana
received a twenty-sixth payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to build a herd of goats that will serve as security for my future, even after the GiveDirectly program ends. Goats are a smart investment because they are easy to care for and multiply quickly. Each month, I plan to use my transfers to buy a goat, unless an emergency arises. Over time, as the herd grows, I aim to exchange goats for cows, which will provide even greater value to my family. A cow is equivalent to five goats in the current market. This plan excites me because it gives me hope and a clear path to financial stability. With a growing herd, I’ll not only secure a steady source of income but also create a legacy for my family. Beyond this year, I dream of owning a mix of goats and cows that will sustain us for years to come."
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4 days ago
Jumaa
received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to buy goats because they will serve as a security source for my future, even after this program ends. Goats are valuable assets with a ready market, and I can sell some to meet pressing needs when they arise. To achieve this, I plan to start saving at least $15 every month from the transfers I receive. This disciplined saving will allow me to buy my first goat soon, and with time, I hope to grow a small herd. Owning goats will not only provide me with a reliable source of income but also give me peace of mind knowing I have something to fall back on during tough times."
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4 days ago
Nyevu
received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming years, my greatest aspiration is to focus on my children’s education, nurturing their growth into responsible, independent individuals who can navigate life confidently. Each lesson they learn and milestone they achieve will be a step closer to that vision. To support this dream, I’ve resolved to save at least $10 monthly. Beyond this, I hope to build a legacy of love and resilience, teaching my children not only to excel but also to embrace challenges with courage and integrity."
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4 days ago
Chengo
received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming year, my greatest goal is to build a good and spacious house for myself. After my house burnt down, I have been sleeping in the kitchen, and it has been very challenging. I dream of having a safe and comfortable home again, and I am determined to make this happen. Unless an emergency arises, I will commit every monthly transfer I receive to buying building materials bit by bit. With careful planning, I will achieve my goal."
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4 days ago
Jumwa
received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming year, I aim to grow my herd of goats. As of now, I have five goats, but I want to expand because goats are a valuable asset. They are easy to maintain, and their demand keeps growing. To achieve this, I will be saving at least $10 monthly from my transfers. Bit by bit, I plan to buy one goat at a time until I have a sizable herd that can sustain my family. Beyond this, my vision is to continue growing my herd, eventually exchanging some goats for a cow or selling them during peak demand seasons to generate more income. This goal will secure my family's future and help me provide better opportunities for my children."
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4 days ago
Kadzo
received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to focus on renovating my house by flooring it with cement. For a long time, I have dreamed of having a solid, clean floor in my home, but I couldn’t afford it. Now, with the help of the transfers I receive, I plan to dedicate all of them to the ongoing renovation unless an emergency arises. I will take it step by step, using the transfers to buy the necessary materials and hire labor when needed. Flooring the house will not only make it more comfortable for me."
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7 days ago
Masha
received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I have two key projects that I’m excited to pursue. My long-standing passion for masonry, inspired by my father’s dedication to the craft, has motivated me to seek formal training. I plan to enroll in a college to earn a Certificate that will qualify me for professional opportunities in masonry. To fund this, I will allocate a portion of my monthly savings toward my education.Additionally, I initially planned to start a business for my wife. However, she is currently facing stomach complications and has temporarily relocated to her parents' home for treatment. For now, my focus is on supporting her and working towards joining college. Relying on a single source of income can be challenging, especially with job availability being inconsistent and our siblings and parents also depending on our support. Therefore, the business idea is still on my mind, and once my wife recovers, we will pick it up again. By establishing a family business, we aim to supplement our income and improve our financial stability."
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7 days ago
Zawadi
received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"I currently burn and sell charcoal to support my spouse, who is a carpenter, as we work together to support our four children. During the rainy season, we also engage in small-scale farming to provide food for our family. I want to invest my transfers wisely before they come to an end, as time is passing quickly. In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to buy a bed and a mattres for my children. The bed they currently use is too small to accommodate all four of them, so they have to squeeze together as best as they can. This situation is temporary as we search for a better solution. As they grow older, I know they will need more space, which is why I want to use my savings to buy a larger bed and a mattress to ensure they can sleep comfortably. At times, they rotate, with some sleeping on the mat while others sleep on the bed, which is very uncomfortable.I believe that with the support from my merry-go-round savings group, I will be able to achieve this goal. This will allow my children to sleep more comfortably, without the need to wait for their father to leave so they can use the bed. It is distressing for me to see them uncomfortable, and I am hopeful that this change will provide them with the comfort they deserve."
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7 days ago
Sidi
received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"I currently live in a small two-room house made of mud, with an old iron sheet roof that has developed holes. The rooms are cramped and do not comfortably accommodate my four children and me, but we have been enduring this situation since we have no other option. With the rains now here, I am concerned that the walls may collapse as they have become very weak. Given these challenges, my immediate goal for the coming year and beyond is to build a spacious two-room house that will provide enough space for my family to live comfortably. To achieve this, I am part of a merry-go-round savings group where I save $20 every month. When it is my turn to receive the funds, I plan to use the money to buy the necessary building materials. Once I have enough materials, according to the builder’s requirements, we will begin construction. Additionally, I have decided to save part of my income from my vegetable business to help speed up this process. I envision that once the house is completed, it will create a better living environment for my family, bringing happiness, a greater sense of belonging, and security."
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7 days ago
Jumwa
received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to invest in livestock farming. Due to the high prices of goats during the Christmas season, as many people buy them for slaughter, I’ve decided to start with chicken rearing as a more feasible option. I currently have 12 chickens, and they are multiplying. Once I have enough chickens, I plan to sell them and reinvest the profits into purchasing a female goat. I intend to use part of my transfer, along with the income from selling chickens, to invest in goats. I see this as a reliable investment since goats multiply quickly and are more drought-resistant than other animals, making me confident that this project will succeed. This investment will help me address future financial needs, such as paying school fees, as I can sell the goats’ offspring once they have multiplied to cover such costs and handle unforeseen emergencies. By diversifying my sources of income through this venture, I hope to build a stable financial foundation for my family’s future. Investing in livestock farming will provide a steady income, allowing me to manage school fees and deal with any unexpected challenges."
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