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 6 months ago
Dama received a $27 thirty-sixth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest my transfers in goat rearing. I love goats because they are resistant to diseases, multiply quickly, and are highly marketable. I'm happy to say that I have already purchased six goats using my transfers, and one of them was pregnant and recently gave birth to twins. In the long run, I plan to barter these goats to acquire a dairy cow. I prefer dairy cows because they also reproduce, and if I ever need to sell one, they can bring in a good amount of money. This initiative will serve as my future financial investment, and in case I face any financial crisis, I can sell some goats or the dairy cow to support myself and pay for my children's school fees. With the ongoing food crisis and the need to pay school fees, I will continue to use my GiveDirectly transfers to support these efforts and secure a stable future for my family."
Kadhengi's family
access_time 6 months ago
Kadhengi received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to expand my omena business. In addition to the income I receive from GiveDirectly, this business provides financial support, allowing me to earn a daily income. This ensures that my family never goes to bed hungry, as I am able to buy food every day. I am optimistic that by boosting this business, it will not only improve our financial situation but also offer stability and security. To achieve this, I plan to invest part of my transfer into growing the business. Additionally, I have a plan to invest part of my transfer in livestock, specifically goat rearing and poultry. I considered this because I have two children in upper primary school who will soon transition to secondary school. These animals will serve as my future financial security. In case I face financial difficulties, I can sell them to pay for my children's school fees or buy food when needed for family consumption."
Mariam's family
access_time 6 months ago
Mariam received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"I embarked on a journey to the Middle East as a domestic worker, fueled by the dream of crafting a brighter future for myself and my family. With each transfer I receive and my hard-earned salary, I’m determined to save a substantial portion of my income. My vision is to save enough amount of money that will allow me to return to my homeland and launch my very own business. I dream of opening a vibrant boutique, a place where creativity meets commerce. I can already picture it: shelves filled with beautiful items, a warm atmosphere, and customers who leave with smiles on their faces. I’m committed to pouring my heart and soul into making this venture flourish, turning it into a reliable source of income that will support my family and ensure my children receive the education they deserve. Every day, I hold onto the hope that these dreams will come true, paving the way for financial stability and a life filled with opportunities for my loved ones. The journey may be challenging, but I believe that with determination and hard work, I can turn my aspirations into reality."
Sidi's family
access_time 6 months ago
Sidi received a $27 thirtieth payment.
"With my house on the verge of collapsing, my goal for the coming year is to build a new home. I am pleased to share that I have already purchased all the roofing materials needed for this housing project. Now, my next step is to buy building poles and cement. To achieve this, I plan to use a portion of my transfers to gradually acquire the building poles necessary for constructing the two-room house I have always dreamed of and start building. Once my house is complete, I intend to redirect my transfers toward buying goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in both number and value, providing me with a reliable source of income to support my family and educate my children. They will serve as a valuable asset, especially when this program comes to an end. I am truly grateful for the support I have received from GiveDirectly, and I remain hopeful for a brighter future ahead."
Sanita's family
access_time 6 months ago
Sanita received a zeroth payment.
"I am a professional salonist, but I haven't had the chance to open my salon yet, so I've been providing services from home. It has been challenging because I didn't have equipment like blow dryers, which led some clients to disappear. However, after receiving my second transfer, I used a total of $200 to buy a blow dryer, oils, hair products, shampoo, towels, and other essentials to open a salon. I am now finalizing the arrangements and planning to open it very soon in the nearby town. This new venture is going to be a game-changer for me as I will be able to manage my bills, including my children's school fees, easily, as I will be earning good profits. I was also able to pay $220 in fees for my niece, who had finished her education but was denied a certificate due to outstanding arrears. Additionally, my five children in primary school had also been sent home for unpaid fees, which I was able to settle on time. I’m glad this is no longer a headache, as it has been stressing me for a while, and I didn’t think it would be possible to use my cash to resolve these issues. I also wanted to have something to keep at home as an asset, so I bought two goats for $80. I am sure that as they increase in number, they will help me reduce the burden of covering household expenses. Finally, with $30, I ensured that I bought sufficient food to last us a while, allowing us to enjoy the good meals we had been missing for some time."
Bidii's family
access_time 6 months ago
Bidii received a zeroth payment.
"I am very grateful for the support provided by this organization in my village. The financial assistance I received has allowed me to accomplish a great deal, particularly in terms of investing in livestock, which I would not have been able to do with my funds. This support was crucial because many of our needs required financial resources to address. Providing us with financial assistance was the best approach, and it led me to regard this organization as the best of all. I see no need for any changes within this organization, as they have excelled in all areas."
Nyevu's family
access_time 6 months ago
Nyevu received a zeroth payment.
"Now that I have finished building a decent house, my new goal is to own a dairy cow in my compound. I have realized that a dairy cow offers many benefits, especially in providing daily milk. I plan to allow the three goats I already have to multiply and increase in number. I will then sell a few of them and use the proceeds to buy the cow. I believe this dream can be achieved in the coming years, as goats reproduce quickly. Once I succeed, I will have a reliable source of milk for my family and can sell the surplus to my neighbors to generate income. This milk business will help me pay my child's school fees much more easily in the future."
Zawadi's family
access_time 6 months ago
Zawadi received a $427 second payment.
"I have been living in an extended family compound for years with my four children, and it hasn't been going well. Most of the time, it was difficult because I was tired of the humiliation from some of my relatives. At times, I felt like a burden to them, especially since the land wasn't ours. I have also been concerned about my children's future. When they grow up, the situation might get worse, with more conflicts arising. Because of this, I decided to use $400 to buy one acre of land, though I still owe $700. My plan is to relocate to that land, which is a few kilometers from where we currently stay. I know that very soon we will have our own place to call home, which I have been yearning for but couldn't afford due to being jobless. My husband has been the breadwinner, but he doesn't have a permanent job, so whatever he earned could only cover our daily meals. This clearly shows it would have taken us many years to achieve this precious goal. For this, I will be forever thankful to the organization. Additionally, I used $100 to start a vegetable-selling business in the village, as there is high demand. This business will help me support my husband and better care for our family, unlike the struggles we've been facing, like paying fees for the children. With $50, I bought food because times have been tough, and there were days we only ate once. I'm thankful that now, at last, we can eat twice a day."
Karembo's family
access_time 6 months ago
Karembo received a $427 second payment.
"I have a very important goal that has been on my mind: to build a permanent house. My current home is quite old and made of mud. It’s always frustrating when it rains, as the floors get wet and muddy. On top of that, the cold nights have made it hard for me to get a good night's sleep. This has often led to coughing, caused by the dust stirred up while sweeping the rooms. Therefore, I am now planning to save a portion of the profits from my motorcycle business and invest in a savings group. As the money accumulates, along with support from my children, I will be able to build a permanent house. I believe that once this dream is achieved, I will no longer have to worry about the issues I've faced, especially the dust and cold nights that have been affecting my health."
Kadzo's family
access_time 6 months ago
Kadzo received a zeroth payment.
"My family consists of my two sons, my husband, and myself. Unfortunately, my husband is now dealing with mental health challenges, which has resulted in my elder son and me taking on the majority of the family's responsibilities. This has been particularly difficult, as I have two children currently attending college. One is in her second year studying to become a teacher, while the other is pursuing mechanical engineering at a local college. Covering their tuition fees has been a significant challenge for us, especially since my elder son, who helps support the family, earns very little due to his lack of a permanent job. As a mother, I have always prayed and hoped for miracles so that my two children can complete their education and graduate. I firmly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued our family for so long. Additionally, I pray that in the future, when my husband and I are older and in need of assistance, my children will be able to support us. I am grateful that with the $515 from the second transfer, my children can continue their studies without worrying about tuition fees for the next semester, ensuring a smooth continuation of their education. Additionally, with the $15, I purchased food that sustained us while we waited for the planting season to begin."