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.
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7 months ago
Ngumbao
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"For now, my dream has been to build a house for my three children. Presently, they are relying on the hospitality of nearby relatives for accommodation, but as their parent, I am determined to provide them with a stable living situation by building them a house. It breaks my heart to see them without a permanent place to call home, and I want to change that. I trust that through the transfers that I receive every month, I will be able to save enough money to build a new house for them. I plan to diligently put aside a portion of each transfer, knowing that each saved penny brings us closer to our own home. By doing this, I hope to ensure that my children will no longer need to seek shelter from relatives and can grow up in a secure, loving environment."
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7 months ago
Furaha
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"For now, my primary focus is on a significant goal I hope to accomplish by August, which is to build a new house. I plan to allocate my upcoming transfers, my savings, and the goats that I will be owning towards purchasing building poles. Building this house will not only fulfill one of my personal ambitions but will also provide a spacious living area for my seven family members and a comfortable space to host visitors. Achieving this dream will bring me immense pride as a parent, as I have long struggled with the lack of adequate housing. The thought of finally providing my family with a stable and comfortable home brings me a sense of peace that I have been missing. I am determined to see this project through and ensure that my family has a better place to live."
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7 months ago
Zawadi
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"I have been investing in chicken with the hopes of selling them in the future when needed and trading some for goats. The goats are also intended to multiply, increase in value, and eventually be sold to support my family. I had around 60 chicken, but unfortunately, around 20 of them died due to illness. This setback made me very sad but did not discourage me and I am now happy with the progress that I have made. I therefore plan to buy and raise more chicken using my transfers and with the help of my husband, so that in the future, they can help me take care of my family."
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7 months ago
Baraka
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My plans have always included building a new house for my family, as our current home is aged and leaking, making it uncomfortable to live in. With the help of transfers from GiveDirectly and my savings from other hustles, I have been able to erect the structure, and the construction is in progress. I aim to complete the house within the next month, and I will be very happy once it is finished. After completing the house, I plan to venture into the livestock selling business, starting with goats so that I can support my family. My goal is to save the profits, along with additional transfers, to eventually advance to selling cows. To achieve this, I need a starting capital of $500, which I plan to gather by saving the transfers from GiveDirectly. I am truly hopeful that my dreams will become a reality as this will make me very happy."
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7 months ago
Dama
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"I currently cook with firewood and do not have a separate kitchen. With the ongoing rains, I have to cook inside the same house where we sleep, making it uncomfortable and causing us to suffocate from the smoke, which poses significant health risks. My plan is to build a separate kitchen so that during the rainy season, I have a proper place to cook, avoiding the smoke and potential health hazards. To achieve this, I intend to use some of the transfers, along with other resources, to construct a kitchen. Once this is accomplished, I will be very happy. Following this, I will focus on my initial plan of buying livestock, hoping they will multiply and increase in value. This will help me support my children's education in the future."
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7 months ago
Mohammed
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My main goal is to purchase a bull for land cultivation and a female cow for milk production. I've been diligently working towards this by using my transfers each month to acquire goats and chickens, which serve as stepping stones toward my ultimate ambition. By consistently prioritizing these purchases, I am paving the way to eventually acquire a bull for farming and another cow for milk. This initiative will provide income to support my family. I also remain adaptable to address unexpected financial needs, adjusting how I allocate my transfers when urgent situations arise."
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7 months ago
Benard
enrolled.
"It cost me about $300 to prepare and cultivate my 2.5 acre piece of land. This investment gave me hope of living a better life. As it is said, "Do not count the chicks before the eggs are hatched." I was optimistic and hopeful that I will have a bumper harvest this season. Things took a different turn, on that fateful day we received heavy downpour which lasted for about 3 hours. The whole village was flooded and I lost all my investment in flash floods. All that I had invested was reduced to ashes. I am left recounting losses. I never imagine that I will end up burning charcoal to earn a living and support my family."
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7 months ago
Mercy
received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"After working in a local hotel for a year, I've gained skills that inspired me to start my own small hotel business. Using the money I get from transfers, I've been buying equipment and supplies, and I plan to get the rest soon. I'm attracted to running a hotel because I've seen how profitable it can be, and it doesn't need a lot of money to start. Having my own business will boost my income, which will help my children and family. I aim to keep growing the business with the transfers, hoping to achieve financial stability for my family by the end of the project. This isn't just a personal goal but also a way to ensure a stable future for my family."
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7 months ago
Jumwa
received a $425 initial payment.
"My life used to be very hard, as I had no proper house and was sleeping in the kitchen. The smoke from the cooking would disturb me at night, making it difficult to rest. When I received my first cash transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly, I decided to build a house. I spent $173 on 15 pieces of iron sheet and $11 on three ridges. For the structure, I bought poles, rafters, and roofing timbers for $125, and I paid $100 for the labor charges to the contractor, who is still working on the construction.
With the remaining amount, I have saved it to ensure I can complete the house. Soon, I will have a proper place to sleep, free from the smoke that used to bother me every night. I am very happy and eagerly looking forward to enjoying a comfortable, smoke-free home. Once the house is finished, I plan to use my remaining savings to make further improvements in my life."
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7 months ago
Sidi
received a $409 second payment.
"In the coming year, I hope to make the most of the piece of land I bought. My dream is to start subsistence farming so that I can provide enough food for my family. By growing our food, I can save the little money I earn from casual labor. This saved money will go towards paying school fees for my five children, ensuring they get the education they deserve.
Beyond this year, I want to continue improving our lives bit by bit. My ultimate goal is to see my children succeed in school and have opportunities that I never had. I believe this piece of land is the first step towards a brighter, more secure future for all of us."
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