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.
Furaha's family
access_time 7 months ago
Furaha received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My primary focus is caring for my family, and I am planning to expand into raising livestock. Currently, I have four goats; starting with two, they have multiplied, which brings me great joy. Investing in goats is advantageous because they can reproduce quickly, offering a straightforward path to expansion. My goal is for their numbers to multiply, enabling me to eventually exchange them for cows and sell some to generate income for my family's needs. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for your support."
Rukia's family
access_time 7 months ago
Rukia received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"Once I finish my studies, my goal is to set up my own tailoring shop. I have set my sights on purchasing a sewing machine, which I have discovered costs around $200 or more. Determined to achieve this, I intend to save diligently from my transfers until I can afford a quality machine. I plan to make gradual payments to clear any remaining debt, while using my savings to buy essential materials like fabric and needles. My business will focus on creating dresses, uniforms, and other fabric items, aiming to enhance not only my life but also that of my family. This venture represents a significant step towards securing a better future for us all."
Fatuma's family
access_time 7 months ago
Fatuma received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"I produce and sell charcoal. Right now, I own twenty chickens, four goats, two cows, and four sheep. Seeing my business struggle, I took time to think and concluded that investing more in poultry and livestock is the best move. I see it as a smarter choice than holding onto cash, which could easily be spent on ongoing expenses. Animals can easily multiply and I can sell them when I encounter difficulties, providing a more stable finance for my family."
Jackson's family
access_time 7 months ago
Jackson enrolled.
"My primary challenge lies in acquiring funds to lease land for irrigation, which is essential for agricultural productivity to secure food for my family. Income generated from farming would not only fulfill our food requirements but also enable us to address other critical expenses such as constructing a house, purchasing clothes, and acquiring necessary household items. Currently, the KES 1,500 earned weekly from charcoal production is insufficient to meet the basic needs of my family of 4. This income shortfall underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to enhance our financial stability and improve our quality of life."
Mary's family
access_time 7 months ago
Mary enrolled.
"My family lacks a stable income and relies on charcoal burning which does not cover all the food expenses for my family of 7. We're struggling to afford school fees for my secondary school child and materials for my other children in primary school. Additionally, my son has been hospitalized for nearly 8 months now, and we're facing difficulties in financing his medical treatment."
Kadzo's family
access_time 7 months ago
Kadzo received a $428 second payment.
"I have spent most of my life living in a small grass-thatched hut with no hope of building a better house. Having an iron sheets house was far from reach for me since I could not afford to buy the necessary building materials, such as the iron sheets. I have endured several seasons of rain and cold weather, but I had no choice. However, I am grateful because my priority was to acquire a new piece of land and build a new iron-roofed house. The place where I have been living with my family was not my own, and for fear of potential land disputes in the future, I resolved to buy my land, an acre. I had already made a payment using my first transfer but had not cleared the full amount. When I received my second transfer, I cleared the outstanding $120, and I am now the full owner of this land. I can now build my home and use the land for agricultural practice as well. After clearing the balance, I purchased the building materials, which included 28 iron sheets, nails, timber, and building poles to construct a two-room iron-roofed house. I am at peace now because I am no longer facing the challenges I experienced while living in the grass-thatched hut. Even when it rains heavily, I feel very safe with my family. Additionally, I also replaced my bedding with new ones, as they were old and worn-out. I bought a new mattress and a bed, costing me $130, and now I am sleeping soundly on my new sleeping arrangement."
Julius's family
access_time 7 months ago
Julius received a $428 initial payment.
"I have been running a business of purchasing milk from local farmers in my area and delivering it to customers using my motorbike. This business has helped me support my ten children's education by paying their fees. Three of my children are planning to attend medical college soon, while the rest are still in high school and primary level. As the financial needs of my household continue to grow, I realized that selling milk alone would not be sufficient to meet all our needs. While I appreciate the support from my two wives who also do some work in town, I have always aimed to expand my business and add another source of income. When I received my first transfer, I used $100 to buy sardines, which I am now selling alongside the milk. This addition has provided me with an extra income. Furthermore, I am in the process of constructing four temporary rental units on a piece of land near a high school that I own. I used the remaining funds to purchase the necessary building materials for this construction project. I am hopeful that once these units are complete, I will also earn rental income, which will help me save money to support my children's education and cover our household's basic needs more comfortably."
Joseph's family
access_time 7 months ago
Joseph received a $428 initial payment.
"For the past ten years, I found it challenging to replace my beddings, and I had been using an old mattress that was no longer comfortable. The idea of purchasing a new mattress seemed unattainable due to the cost. However, when I received my first transfer, I decided to invest in a new durable mattress that cost $280, and I believe it will serve me well for years to come. Additionally, I've started a poultry project, breeding over 20 chickens. I've always wanted a reliable source of income, especially to support my two children's education. My plan is to generate enough money from this project to eventually start another business in order to create more income sources."
Kadzo's family
access_time 7 months ago
Kadzo received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My main goal is to buy new bedding, particularly mattresses. The one I currently have is worn out, causing me considerable discomfort and pain every night. My ultimate wish is to sleep comfortably and wake up refreshed without nagging pains. Therefore, my priority for the upcoming transfer is to save up and achieve this goal. I believe investing in good-quality bedding will significantly improve my quality of life and overall well-being. By prioritizing this purchase, I aim to create a more conducive environment for rest and recovery, which is essential for my health and daily productivity. I look forward to the day when I can finally enjoy a peaceful night's sleep and bid farewell to the discomfort that has plagued me for so long."
Kache's family
access_time 7 months ago
Kache received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"For now, the dream that I have been thinking of is to grow my herd by consistently acquiring more goats. As of now, I own two goats, and I intend to use my transfers to acquire additional ones. Owning goats is beneficial as they can be readily sold to cover fees or handle unexpected expenses. Once I have many of them, I will no longer have to struggle to fulfill my needs like before. I believe that by expanding my herd, I can create a more stable and secure future for myself and my family. This goal keeps me motivated, and I am determined to see it through in the coming year and beyond."