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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9 months ago
Kahaso
received a $26 twenty-fifth payment.
"After careful consideration on how to achieve financial stability, I am planning to start a grocery business, recognizing that these financial transfers will end in five years. This business will allow me to comfortably support my family with the profits generated. Although a large part of my focus is on paying my child's school fees, I plan to set aside a small portion of each transfer to build the capital needed to start this venture. I am confident that this strategy will help realize my dream in the coming years. Hence this is my goal in the coming year and beyond."
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9 months ago
Khonde
received a $26 twenty-fifth payment.
"My primary goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to allocate part of my monthly transfers toward my college tuition. I plan to pursue a course in electrical wiring since I've completed my secondary education. The motivation for choosing this course stems from the practical needs of my village; we often have to rely on experts from distant places for even minor electrical repairs due to a scarcity of local skilled professionals. I am optimistic about starting college soon, thanks to the financial support from GiveDirectly. This assistance has shown me that there is a hopeful future ahead. Previously, without these transfers, I frequently faced interruptions in my education because my mother, the sole breadwinner, struggled to pay my school fees on time. I am deeply grateful for the financial support that has significantly improved our lives."
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9 months ago
Christopher
received a $341 third payment.
"I appreciate GiveDirectly's commitment to conducting follow-ups on the money they send to ensure it's used responsibly and invested wisely. It's commendable how they fulfill their promises of timely payments and maintain a culture of accountability by continuing to monitor how recipients utilize their funds. This approach ensures that the assistance provided is truly impactful and contributes to long-term positive outcomes for the recipients."
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9 months ago
San
received a $341 third payment.
"Previously, life was very hard for me. I wasn't employed, and the only work available to me was farming. However, sometimes I lacked the capital to start farming or even the money to rent land for it. After receiving a third transfer, I used $200 to clear the arrears of the farm I had initially bought but hadn't completed payment for. I saw this as a good opportunity to stop renting land for farming and instead have my own farm.After completing the payment for that half hectare, I invested $150 to plant maize on it. Unfortunately, all the maize was swept away by floods, including the house I had built with the second transfer. Currently, we are living in Salabani Primary School, which is located in a raised area safe from floods.I also spent $90 on food. Getting food was very difficult, especially while supporting a family of five. I took up casual jobs like working on other people's farms or doing farming around Lake Baringo to make ends meet.The remaining cash I used to pay my utility bills so that I could save for the future. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for improving my life. I am certain that if it weren't for these floods, I could have harvested around 40 bags of maize, providing food for my family and giving me the means to make other investments."
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9 months ago
Elizabeth
received a $416 initial payment.
"I now own six goats and cleared fees for my children on time, which so far has made the biggest difference in my daily life. Before I received the support, I struggled to pay for my two children's college tuition fees. Before they joined college, I relied on menial jobs, such as working in construction, to make a living. Although my brothers helped with the tuition fees, their support was minimal since they also had their own families to support. Currently, I no longer engage in menial jobs and I am only doing subsistence farming in the village. I am at peace now because I managed to clear my children's fee arrears with the recent transfers and they are now comfortably continuing with their college education. My goal as a parent is to ensure that they achieve their educational goals without any interruptions in fees. I am also glad that I was able to purchase six goats, which I could not afford before. Previously, I had some goats, but when it was time to take my children to school, I sold them all to raise their fees. Now, I am keeping these goats and letting them multiply so that in the near future, I can sell them to meet my financial needs."
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9 months ago
Purity
received a $416 initial payment.
"I completed a tailoring course but I could not afford to start my own tailoring shop. A friend let me work for them, but I was not earning much. My goal was always to start my own shop, and when I received my first transfer, I used it to buy a new sewing machine for $150 and started my own business. I'm glad that I finally achieved my dream of owning a tailoring shop where I can stock materials and serve my own clients. I am now earning a good income, which is enough to take care of my family of four. Also, I am now able to provide adequately for my family's basic needs with ease, unlike before when I used to struggle. With the remaining $390 from the transfer, I bought building materials which included 16 pieces of iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. I used them to build a new house for my family. Our old house was weak and collapsed after a heavy rain, leaving me and my two children almost homeless. I managed to build a temporary structure at that moment as I waited until I could save enough money to buy the materials for a new house. This would have taken a long time to achieve if it was not for the transfer. I am at peace, having built a decent, iron-roofed house to live with my family and no longer worrying about the rain."
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9 months ago
Kamuche
received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"In the upcoming months, my main focus is on expanding my livelihood through a simple yet strategic plan. I aim to purchase goats, knowing that their numbers will multiply over time. Once they increase, I'll be able to exchange some of them for a pair of oxen, a valuable asset for farm work. With oxen, I can significantly enhance my farming activities, making them more efficient and productive. Moreover, I plan to utilize these oxen not only for my own farming needs but also to offer them for hire to friends and neighbors, generating an additional stream of income for me and my family. This step forward represents more than just a transaction; it's a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of my livelihood. With careful planning and hard work, I'm confident that this venture will pave the way for a brighter future for myself and those around me."
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9 months ago
Kamone
received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"In the years ahead, after my son graduates from college, my plan is to become a goat owner. Having goats will be a crucial step for me to sustain prosperity even after the GiveDirectly program concludes. It's about securing a future where I'm not solely dependent on external aid. With a herd of goats, I'll have a reliable source of income and sustenance. No longer will I worry about how to provide for my family when I have a flock of goats to rely on. It's a simple yet powerful idea: investing in something tangible that can offer security and stability for years to come. So, as I look forward, my focus is on building this foundation, ensuring that my family's well-being is safeguarded long into the future."
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9 months ago
Kahonzi
received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones."
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9 months ago
Kazungu
received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"As the heavy rains approach, my priority is to utilize my upcoming transfers to procure the remaining four pieces of iron sheets required to fully cover the roof of my house. This initiative aims to prevent rainwater leakage into the house during the rainy season. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance received, which has enabled me to fulfill essential obligations such as paying school fees for my children and ensuring the well-being of my family."
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