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.
Kadii's family
access_time 5 hours ago
Kadii received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"We never had the opportunity for an education, which has put us at a disadvantage for a long time. As I look at my children, I want to ensure they don’t face the same struggles we have experienced as their parents. We are determined for them to receive an education, and as I mentioned before, all my transfers will be directed towards their schooling. Additionally, I burn and sell charcoal to earn extra money to help my spouse support our family. With a large family like ours, it requires both of us to work extra hard so we can provide our children with their basic needs. Therefore, in the coming year and beyond, my spouse and I will concentrate on caring for our children, particularly making sure they receive the best education possible."
Kazungu's family
access_time 6 hours ago
Kazungu received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"Now that I’ve finished building my two-room house with the help of some of the transfers I received a while ago, I have a new goal: to buy more goats and keep them at my homestead. I feel that my financial struggles have partly been due to a lack of dependable assets that I could sell when needed. To achieve this, I’m now planning to save about $20 each month from my transfers, so I can fulfill this dream as soon as possible. Once I reach my goal, I’ll be in a good position to sell some goats and pay my bills on time, especially since I don’t have a permanent job at the moment. Having goats at home will also ease my burden, as I won’t need to borrow money in case of emergencies. Instead, I’ll be able to sell one or two goats and settle any expenses that come up."
Karisa's family
access_time 1 day ago
Karisa received a $27 thirty-first payment.
"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future."
Mercyline's family
access_time 1 day ago
Mercyline received a $349 second payment.
"I am hoping that by the end of the year, I will have finished paying off the balance for the piece of land. My goal is to make sure that when the next long rains come, we will have already moved out and started building a new house. I plan to use the third transfer to settle the payment for the land. Hopefully, if the tomato harvest goes well, I can sell them and use the money to build our new house in the area we want to move to. This move is important because it will help us stay safe from mosquitoes that bring diseases when it rains."
Baraka's family
access_time 1 day ago
Baraka received a $27 thirty-first payment.
"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves."
Gladys's family
access_time 1 day ago
Gladys received a $155 initial payment.
"The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the cash from GiveDirectly is that I've started farming, something I had never done before in my life. Just yesterday, I sold my very first harvest and made $500! I feel like the happiest person alive because, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I held that much money in my hands. Before this, I used to earn just $16 every two weeks from burning charcoal, a difficult and exhausting job. I never realized farming could be this profitable, and now I see a future where I can keep growing, both in my skills and my earnings. GiveDirectly has truly changed my life."
Nzingo's family
access_time 1 day ago
Nzingo received a $27 thirty-first payment.
"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed."
Tsetse's family
access_time 1 day ago
Tsetse received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"I currently have a few pieces of iron sheets that I bought with transfers some time ago. My goal now is to build a new house, as my current one has become too small to accommodate me and my grandchildren. I am saving a portion of the transfers I receive each month to construct a one-room house, where I will move once it’s finished, leaving the old house for my grandchildren, who can comfortably live there. I trust that by next year, my savings will allow me to purchase the remaining materials needed to start construction on my new house. This will restore my dignity and provide me with the privacy I need, as well as that of my family members. I believe this will earn me the respect I desire."
Kadzo's family
access_time 1 day ago
Kadzo received a $27 twenty-first payment.
"My main goal now is to buy a wooden door to install in my house. Currently, my house lacks a door, and I live in fear that someone might enter while I’m away and take my belongings. This situation has prevented me from going far from the village, as I worry that people might take advantage of my vulnerable state. I am tired of feeling this way, and I believe it's high time I address this issue. Therefore, I plan to use my small savings from my kiosk business and a portion of my transfers to buy and install the door. I believe that this is the only way to restore my happiness, joy, and the peace of mind I have been lacking."
Kalume's family
access_time 1 day ago
Kalume received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"Considering my age, I realize that I am getting older, and I fear that once this program ends, I may lack something to rely on in terms of assets. I have set a goal for the coming years: to save at least $15 from my monthly transfers for several months to buy more goats. I currently have four goats on my compound, and acquiring more will increase my benefits. Once I achieve this, it will be easier for me to pay the school fees for my children who are still in primary school, even after the program ends. Additionally, having livestock will provide me with security, as people will be more likely to trust me and lend me their items knowing I have assets."