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.
Hamisi's family
access_time 5 months ago
Hamisi received a twenty-fifth payment.
"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to invest in livestock. With the success I’ve seen in my vegetable business, I’m confident that I can also succeed in raising livestock and selling them for a profit. To achieve this, I plan to use my future transfers to purchase more goats. As the herd grows, I anticipate earning a good income from selling them. I’m very happy with the improvements in my life and that of my family, as we are now able to meet our daily needs with much greater ease than before."
Dama's family
access_time 5 months ago
Dama received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to invest in livestock. With the uncertainties surrounding the climatic conditions, I can no longer rely on farming alone. Livestock is a more dependable way for me to make a living. I plan to use the money I’m saving in the savings group to purchase more animals by the end of the year. As my livestock numbers grow, I’ll be able to sell them at the market for a profit, which will help me meet my family’s essential needs. Additionally, I want to purchase a larger water tank to store water for use during the dry season."
Naomi's family
access_time 5 months ago
Naomi received a $27 twenty-first payment.
"While I am still in college, my main focus is on my studies. I want to ensure that when I graduate, I won't regret not fully understanding the material being taught. Therefore, I am committed to concentrating on every aspect of our lessons, as this will shape my future. I plan to continue using my monthly allowance to pay for my tuition and purchase any necessary supplies. My ultimate goal is to establish my own salon business, a venture that will fulfill my dreams and provide long-term stability. This journey is filled with hope, determination, and gratitude. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for the support that has helped me turn my aspirations into reality. Additionally, once the salon is established, I plan to sell a variety of women's wear to generate additional income, which will not only meet my needs but also assist my siblings and ease my parents' financial burden."
Charo's family
access_time 5 months ago
Charo received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My main goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to successfully complete my studies, which has always been a lifelong aspiration. I take pride in investing in my future, such as purchasing two cows with my GiveDirectly transfers, hoping they will become strong assets for farming and help expand my herd. As I approach my final exams at the end of the year, my next plan is to use my GiveDirectly transfers to build my own house, as I will not need to pay my fees after using my recent transfers to clear them. I strongly desire to have my own privacy now that I am a grown up. Typically, when school closes, I sleep at my uncle's place, but I feel the need for my own space this time. After finishing college, I am inspired to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. With the knowledge I've gained in electrical engineering, along with the proceeds from my sheep and careful savings, I envision opening an electrical shop, a venture that aligns with my passions and aspirations for the future."
Kahunda's family
access_time 5 months ago
Kahunda received a zeroth payment.
"It was on the 14th of July, a Sunday, when I left my phone to charge and went to church. I spent the rest of the day attending to my usual chores. It wasn't until I was about to go to bed at 9 p.m. that I picked up my phone and noticed the transfers from GiveDirectly. The excitement that washed over me was indescribable. I immediately woke my husband, who was already fast asleep, and when he saw the message, he couldn't believe it either—he thought it was some kind of joke. His happiness mirrored mine, and together we started dreaming of finally completing the house we had been building for so long."
Darasa's family
access_time 5 months ago
Darasa received a zeroth payment.
"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was pay off a $350 debt that my father had taken years ago. He had borrowed the money to sustain our home during tough times and offered our farm, which has palm trees, as collateral. It was a huge burden on our family since we couldn't afford to pay it back, and the thought of losing the farm was unbearable. Now, with the debt cleared, we can start harvesting the coconuts and tapping the wine, which will provide us with some income and stability. I used $50 to pay the school fees for my four children. Education is important to me, and I want to ensure that my children have a chance at a better future. I also spent another $50 on their school requirements, like uniforms, books, and other essentials, to make sure they can stay in school without any disruptions. Keeping them in school has always been a priority, and now I can do that without constantly worrying about where the money will come from. I then spent $50 on household food items to ensure my children have enough to eat. With the remaining money, I bought a motorcycle engine to repair my own bike, which is crucial for getting around and possibly earning some extra income. I was only able to make a deposit of $50, and I still owe $100, but I'm hopeful that I can pay off the balance soon. This cash transfer has been a blessing, allowing me to address urgent needs and set my family on a more stable path."
William's family
access_time 5 months ago
William received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My main focus is to build a house and invest in livestock. I believe that with the help of GiveDirectly, I can accomplish my goal of constructing a better home. The current condition of our living situation is worrying, especially when I see dark clouds gathering. My house is made of old iron sheets that have started to develop holes, causing us to get wet when it rains. What's worse, the walls are made of mud, which has become weak and prone to falling apart. During heavy rains, the walls could collapse and result in significant damage, especially during the night. To address this, I am using my monthly transfer to build a two-roomed dream house. Since my casual jobs provide only a modest income, I spend most of it on food for my family and allocate a larger portion of the transfer to buy building materials. I'm happy to report that I am almost finished buying the necessary poles and iron sheets; I only need four more sheets before I can start the building process. Once the house is complete, my next goal is to invest in livestock, hoping that they will multiply. Selling them will provide funds to support my children's education. I am very grateful for GiveDirectly's financial support, which is helping me move closer to achieving these goals."
Wilson's family
access_time 5 months ago
Wilson enrolled.
"I am currently facing significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of financial resources to support my family. With no steady income to meet our basic needs, we struggle daily. My situation worsened after a road accident left me partially paralyzed, rendering me unable to work. Now, we rely solely on my eldest son to provide for our sustenance."
Kitsao's family
access_time 5 months ago
Kitsao received a $27 eighteenth payment.
"As I look ahead to the coming year and beyond, I have a clear goal of starting my own livestock business. I plan to use the transfers I am yet to receive, along with the little savings from my charcoal business, to kickstart this venture. My dream is to buy and sell goats and turkeys, inspired by seeing others thrive in this business. I'm hopeful that it will succeed, as these animals are always in demand. Additionally, with my age, this job is not as tiring and will be more convenient for me compared to the strenuous work involved in selling charcoal. Once this business picks up, I will no longer have to strain to meet my family's essential needs as I have before."
Kadzo's family
access_time 5 months ago
Kadzo received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"Since age is catching up with me, I have set a goal to continue buying goats and chickens to expand my herd. I currently have about 10 animals, and I am confident that they will be very helpful, especially when this support comes to an end. I plan to sell some of them to support myself. Given that my son, with whom I live, does not have a reliable job, these animals will provide a crucial source of support in the future, reducing my dependence on him. Another goal of mine is to build a better house, as my current one is on the verge of collapse. I can't wait for it to fall apart, so I need to start preparing for a new one as soon as possible. I am planning for the upcoming transfers to fund this project, and I am hopeful that by the time my current support ends, I will have achieved these two goals."