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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over 1 year ago
John
received a $121 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life and that of my family is that we are more peaceful and happy as a family. I no longer worry a lot like I used to do trying to make ends meet. I was in constant worry of where to get the next tree within my village that will help me make ends meet. The worry of planting crops in my farm and getting disappointed because they could not gibe me the much needed returns was mind boggling. We are just one happy family as we look forward to receiving the next transfer and use the same to build a better house. The house that O currently own is made of timber and timber frames and is highly susceptible to termites attack. This is how much GiveDirectly will change my life and that is why we are happy and very grateful for the support."
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over 1 year ago
Kazungu
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My goal is to further expand my kiosk business. Thanks to the cash transfers, the business has grown from operating with $40 worth of stock to at least $100. This has put me in a better and more secure position to provide for food, medical expenses, and school fees for my five children. I would be delighted if, by the time the cash transfers cease, the business could run with a stock of around $500. I believe that with a larger stock, I can generate a better income than what I'm making right now. My ultimate aim is to be able to financially support the education of my children, who are currently in primary school, until they finish college."
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over 1 year ago
Salina
received a $302 third payment.
"At the beginning of the year, I faced a daunting challenge. My child was about to begin Form 1 for her secondary studies, and the combined costs of school requirements and fees amounted to a staggering $800. To secure my child's secondary education, I had to borrow $900 from a local table banking group. The weight of repaying this loan loomed large over me. However, with the arrival of the transfer, a glimmer of hope emerged. I paid off $80 of the debt using the third transfer, in addition to what I had already paid, leaving a more manageable balance of $200. Furthermore, I spent $50 to clear some fee arrears for this term, guaranteeing that both of my two children could concentrate on their studies without disruptions. This brought me peace, knowing that they could focus on their academic pursuits. I also bought a 250-litre water storage tank worth $35. This eased the struggle of going long distances to fetch as much water as I could during the rainy season and reserve it for dry periods. I also used $100 to purchase essential food supplies for my family of six. This ensured that my family had enough to eat, and this allocation helped us maintain a stable and nourishing diet. I saved the remaining amount as an emergency fund, offering a sense of security to my family."
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over 1 year ago
Jeniffer
received a $302 third payment.
"In the coming years, I plan to dedicate my efforts to my one-acre plot located near the river. My primary focus will be on cultivating vegetables like kale, spinach, onions, and tomatoes. I intend to invest my time and energy in ensuring these crops receive adequate irrigation, timely planting, and proper care to optimize the harvest and boost my income. This strategic approach not only secures my family's well-being but also showcases my determination and perseverance in establishing a sustainable livelihood"
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over 1 year ago
Ngumbao
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My objective is to start acquiring goats on a monthly basis. In the past, my financial resources were predominantly allocated to providing food and covering my children's school fees. However, thanks to a successful cultivation venture, I have now mitigated the issue of food shortages in my household. As a result, I am in a position to invest in goats. I plan to acquire and raise these goats with the intention of having a stable asset base, even after the organization's support phase concludes. These goats will not only serve as a financial cushion but also assist me in meeting ongoing expenses such as school fees and food. Given my reliance on low-paying casual employment, having this livestock on hand will prove invaluable during times of urgent financial need."
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over 1 year ago
Sidi
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My primary objective is to provide a comfortable and uninterrupted educational journey for my children. The income from my casual job of burning and selling charcoal is insufficient to cover their school expenses. Similarly, my husband's casual work in town does not yield substantial earnings. As a result, we heavily rely on financial transfers to meet our children's school fees requirements. With six children currently enrolled in school, managing their educational expenses has proven to be quite challenging. My utmost aim is to ensure that they can continue their education without any interruptions or hindrances due to unpaid fees. This commitment is driven by a deep desire to see my children thrive academically and reach their educational aspirations. Witnessing their success in their academic pursuits is a source of great happiness and fulfillment for me as a parent"
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over 1 year ago
Zosi
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"The house that used to provide me shelter collapsed, leaving me without the immediate means to construct a new one. I found refuge in a relative's home, but the dependence on someone else for shelter weighed on my peace of mind, and I yearned for the day I could have a place to call my own. I am now grateful because I'm in the process of turning that dream into reality. I've been able to acquire some of the essential building materials, including building poles, and construction is underway. The anticipation of having my own home brings me tremendous joy. My next objective is to save up for the roofing of my new house, which necessitates 14 iron sheets. Currently, I've managed to purchase 5 iron sheets. My primary focus is to diligently save my monthly transfers to secure the remaining iron sheets and see the completion of my new home."
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over 1 year ago
Sakina
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My greatest aspiration is to witness all of my children achieve their academic goals. Without the financial assistance, affording their education would have been a significant challenge for my husband and me. My husband works various casual jobs to support our family, and there have been times when this proved to be quite challenging, resulting in our children being sent home from school on occasion. Despite the financial hardships we face, I am grateful that my children are comfortable in their educational pursuits. My primary objective is to ensure that I can consistently pay their school fees on time to prevent any interruptions in their studies due to financial constraints. In addition, I am also planning to invest a portion of the money in acquiring livestock, particularly goats. My goal is to establish a sustainable goat-raising venture. As their numbers grow, they will serve as a financial safety net for my children's future education."
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over 1 year ago
Kahindi
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My most significant aspiration is to acquire a water pump that will facilitate the irrigation of my crops. I currently reside near a river where I cultivate vegetables for sale. Oftentimes, I have to manually transport water, a laborious and time-consuming task. To achieve this goal, I've devised a plan to set aside a minimum of $10 from my monthly earnings, earmarking it for the purchase of the water pump and irrigation pipes. This investment will allow me to utilize a larger agricultural area, subsequently increasing my sales. I aspire to expand my crop variety by cultivating more vegetables and other crops along the riverbank and setting up an efficient irrigation system using the pipes. The water pump is priced at $30, and I am confident that with consistent dedication to saving a portion of my monthly income, I will be able to acquire it and streamline the irrigation process."
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over 1 year ago
Jumaa
received a $23 fourteenth payment.
"My primary objective is to construct a spacious house that will provide a stable and secure shelter for my six children. This undertaking necessitates the acquisition of 16 iron sheets and the necessary building poles. Over the past four months, I have been gradually accumulating these materials, and I now have a total of five iron sheets. I am confident that achieving this goal will greatly benefit my children, as they will no longer have to worry about where to stay at night, allowing them to focus on their studies. Once I successfully complete the construction of this house, my next aspiration is to enroll in a driving school. This step will equip me with valuable driving skills. I have primarily relied on irregular, casual jobs like construction work for my livelihood, which are not always dependable. My ultimate aim is to acquire the necessary driving skills, which will significantly enhance my employment prospects as a driver. I am optimistic about raising the required fees for driving school, as I have the reliable support of the transfers to rely on. This support will enable me to work toward my dreams with determination and confidence."
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