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.
Reuben's family
access_time 8 days ago
Reuben received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to create a better future for myself and my family. Currently, I own four goats, but my dream is to grow my herd significantly in the coming year. Goats are not only a source of income but also a form of security for me. To achieve this, I plan to save at least $10 every month, which I will use to buy more goats and improve their shelter and care. Beyond this, I envision using the profits from selling milk and offspring to invest in my children’s education and eventually start a small business that will sustain us for years to come. This is the beginning of a brighter, more stable future for us."
Mwanajuma's family
access_time 8 days ago
Mwanajuma received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to stay focused on my goal of buying two plowing bulls, something I've been working towards for quite some time now. I’m committed to saving at least $10 every month to make this plan a reality. Every small step I take in sticking to this savings plan brings me closer to achieving my dream, and I feel determined to continue on this path, no matter how long it takes. This goal not only represents progress for me but also symbolizes my dedication to creating a sustainable future."
Kauchi's family
access_time 8 days ago
Kauchi received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"Now that the construction of my new house is nearly complete, I have set my sights on a new goal: investing in more goats. Currently, I have four, but my aim is to expand my herd to secure a stable future for my family, even after this support ends in five years. To achieve this dream, I plan to save a portion of my transfers to gradually purchase more goats. Over time, the herd will grow, giving me hope and a reliable source of income to depend on without needing to seek help from neighbors. Additionally, these goats will enable me to meet my family's needs, support my children's education, and build a stronger foundation for our future."
Dama's family
access_time 8 days ago
Dama received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming months and beyond, my primary goal is to renovate my three-room house. Currently, one of its walls has already collapsed, a situation that fills me with fear. I constantly worry that the damaged wall might trigger the collapse of the remaining structure, leaving my family homeless. To turn this difficult reality around, I have devised a plan to join a savings group. Through this group, I regularly set aside a portion of my cash transfers. By January, I hope the accumulated savings will enable me to purchase the necessary materials and begin the construction process. Achieving this goal would bring immense relief. It would mean an end to the constant worry and sleepless nights I have endured, imagining how my children and I would cope if the house's condition worsened. It is a step toward securing a safer and more stable future for my family."
Salim's family
access_time 8 days ago
Salim received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"I own a plot of land that I acquired some time ago, located near my homestead. This land has remained unused for a long time, but I’ve set a goal to make it productive by building a rental house on it. To turn this dream into reality, I plan to start purchasing building materials using a portion of the transfers I am yet to receive. Additionally, I will sell one of my cows to raise the necessary funds. Once the rental house is completed, I intend to rent out some of the rooms as shops while offering the remaining rooms for people to live in. This venture will provide me with a steady source of income, which is crucial for supporting my family since I currently don’t have a permanent job to rely on."
Mwanaisha's family
access_time 8 days ago
Mwanaisha received a $27 thirty-fourth payment.
"In the coming months and beyond, I plan to begin renovating my house, which is currently on the verge of collapsing on one side. With the rains now starting, my worry has grown, as the house is very weak. Thankfully, I was able to join a savings group and set aside a portion of the transfers I receive each month. My plan is to use these savings starting in January, once the funds have accumulated, to buy the materials needed to begin the construction process. When the renovations are complete, I will be the happiest person ever. For now, I have been enduring sleepless nights, constantly worrying that my house could collapse at any moment."
Katana's family
access_time 12 days ago
Katana received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"I am focusing most of my cash transfers on buying animals that can reproduce and increase in number, allowing me to sell them and raise funds to cover any needs that arise in future. I have already added two goats to the three I had before, and I plan to expand my herd further. I appreciate goats because they are resistant to drought and can thrive in areas like ours that are prone to it. To achieve this goal, I will continue using my monthly transfers, along with the income from my carpentry work. My spouse and I also burn and sell charcoal to support our children’s school fees and other basic needs. In addition to goat keeping, I am committed to focusing on my children’s education because I believe that with an education, they will be able to take care of their own families when they grow up."
Dama's family
access_time 12 days ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my aim is to keep investing in livestock, particularly goats, by using a portion of the transfers I receive. Goats provide a safety net for my family, especially during times of financial hardship. I have discovered that goats thrive in our environment and offer valuable support in many ways. Their adaptability and resilience make me confident that they will be a long-term asset. I believe the goats will multiply, increasing both in number and value. This will ensure that when the program concludes, I will have a dependable source of support to take care of my family and fund my children’s education as they progress to higher levels of schooling. Additionally, I will continue to prioritize providing food for my family and ensuring I can pay the school fees for my children with great ease."
Maazo's family
access_time 12 days ago
Maazo received a $27 thirty-fifth payment.
"In addition to being a fisherman and a mason, I also practice farming when the weather permits. My wife works as a full-time farmer, and together, we are cultivating our small plot of land with the rest of our family. I have plans to expand our farming activities in the coming years. Earlier this year, we didn’t need to buy maize flour because we had a great harvest from our farm. I am eager to grow more crops, both for selling and personal use, and I’ve been thinking about planting banana stems and maize. Additionally, I plan to increase the number of goats we have to ensure future financial security. Besides the small plot of land my parents gave us, I am saving part of my regular income to purchase an additional piece of land around one acre that my wife and I can call our own. I’ve already added two goats to our herd, which now totals 18. I plan to sell some of the goats to raise money for this. One acre costs about $50, and my goal is to buy two acres."
Mwalimu's family
access_time 12 days ago
Mwalimu received a $27 twenty-eighth payment.
"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, I plan to expand my livestock business. I will continue using my transfers to buy more goats, hoping they will multiply and increase in both number and value. Eventually, I aim to trade some of these goats for cows. My goal is for these cows to grow and appreciate in value, helping me secure the financial means to support my children's education as they move on to higher levels of schooling. I am truly excited and grateful for the opportunity that Give Directly has provided. I believe that by the time this program ends, I will have built a sustainable source of income that will allow me to support my family and ensure our future."