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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11 months ago
Mohammed
received a $24 twenty-second payment.
"I lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, I have been struggling to make ends meet. I have been taking up random jobs that are unreliable and hard to find. To overcome my financial challenges, I started keeping poultry. I currently have over 30 birds, which I have been selling to pay for my six children's fees. My goal is to invest more in this project, buy more chickens, and add to the existing ones. I rely on the monthly transfers to buy chicken feed and treat my chickens against diseases. I also plan to sell some of my chickens soon and use the money to buy some goats to add to my existing three goats. Owning livestock is a good investment and an excellent source of income because, whenever I fail to secure menial jobs, I can always depend on my livestock to help me settle my financial needs and educate my children."
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11 months ago
Esther
enrolled.
"Raising my family as a single parent has never been easy at all. I totally rely on casual work to earn a living and put food on the table. I am paid KES 300 daily which is drop in an ocean compared to our family needs. We are living the life on hand to mouth, no savings neither investment. I am even worried that when we are faced with major problem like sickness, I will have nothing to run to."
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11 months ago
Peninah
enrolled.
"We are currently struggling to pay school fees for our daughter Saingo Satina in Lowlands secondary school. Charcoal burning being our main source of family income and this disadvantage us because of our old age. This job needs someone energetic and young. We end up earning little money to support ourselves and meet family needs.
Housing is also another big challenge for us, we share one grass thatched house with my children which is embarrassing."
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11 months ago
Maua
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"The condition of my current house is far from ideal, with the second-hand iron sheets used in its construction now rusted and prone to leaking during rainfall. Over the years, sections of the roof have become detached from their holding nails, causing disruptive flapping noises during strong winds and rendering the house inhospitable.
To remedy this situation, I am determined to construct a new house before the year concludes. This goal is feasible through the savings accrued from the merry-go-round I joined last year, facilitated by the GiveDirectly funds. Contributing $10 monthly to this group, consisting of 24 members, I anticipate receiving a lump sum of $240. This amount will significantly contribute towards procuring essential materials, particularly the iron sheets necessary for roofing.
However, considering that I will need approximately 30 iron sheets, each costing $11, I recognize the need for additional savings or alternative funding sources to fully realize this objective. It is evident that achieving this goal will require diligent saving efforts or exploring supplementary financial avenues."
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11 months ago
Kadhengi
received a $25 twenty-second payment.
"I am eager to embark on a substantial investment venture by acquiring livestock. Investing in livestock presents a promising opportunity to generate wealth, as they have the capacity to multiply within a relatively short timeframe. At present, I have acquired eight goats using funds from the transfers, a development that brings me great satisfaction. I am appreciative of the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, which has facilitated this endeavor."
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11 months ago
Dama
received a $25 twenty-second payment.
"I have a total of six children, yet only three are currently enrolled in school. Despite the remaining three reaching the required school-going age, financial constraints have impeded their enrollment. The cost of purchasing the necessary school items, particularly for new enrollments is too costly for me. To prevent any further delay in their education, I am determined to utilize the subsequent transfers to enroll them in school. If unable to enroll all simultaneously, I will prioritize enrollment based on age, beginning with the eldest, who is currently seven years old.
Once all my children are enrolled in school, I will redirect my focus towards expanding my poultry stock. Given their affordability relative to my income level, chickens represent a viable investment opportunity. As my poultry holdings increase in number, I plan to transition towards acquiring larger livestock through strategic trading initiatives. This progressive approach to investment aims to enhance our financial stability while concurrently fostering the educational advancement of my children."
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11 months ago
Tsetse
received a $25 eighteenth payment.
"While I initially desired to invest my transfers in purchasing livestock, my priority now lies in allocating the funds towards my children's school fees. Given the substantial financial demands of their education, I am compelled to focus on ensuring their tuition payments are covered. Witnessing their successful completion of education and pursuit of their career aspirations will bring me immense joy. I am deeply appreciative of the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, which has enabled me to support my children's educational journey."
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11 months ago
Juliet
received a $25 eighteenth payment.
"The structural integrity of my house, particularly the support poles for the roof, has been compromised by termite damage, posing a significant risk to the safety of my family. There is a genuine concern that any impending strong winds could result in the collapse of the roof, exposing us to grave danger. Urgent intervention is imperative to address this imminent threat, necessitating the immediate replacement of the damaged roof poles with new, sturdy ones.
To mitigate this looming peril, I am committed to allocating a portion of my forthcoming transfers towards procuring the necessary materials for this essential renovation. Once this critical task is completed, I intend to allocate the remaining transfers towards long-term investments, such as acquiring livestock. This prudent investment strategy will serve as a financial buffer, particularly as my children progress to high school, where the financial demands for their education are expected to escalate. By prioritizing these strategic investments, I aim to safeguard the well-being of my family and secure our future stability."
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11 months ago
Kabibi
received a $25 twenty-second payment.
"My objective is to acquire additional iron sheets to fulfill the quantity needed for a comprehensive renovation of the entire roof. Upon securing the necessary sheets, I will proceed to obtain new building poles and address the repairs needed for the walls. The assurance of a secure dwelling brings profound peace of mind. I am deeply grateful for the assistance received thus far, which has been instrumental in advancing my endeavor to restore my home."
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11 months ago
Kadii
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Looking ahead, my goal is to invest in keeping livestock, specifically goats and chickens. Given my current situation of looking after my young nieces and nephews, whose parents recently passed away, and considering my advancing age, taking on a regular job seems challenging. Therefore, owning livestock appears to be the most viable way for me to generate wealth to support the needs of the four children under my care. With the children currently in primary school and a long educational journey ahead of them, I aspire to provide them with the best education possible within my capacity. I believe that investing in livestock will not only contribute to their well-being but also serve as a sustainable source of income for the family's needs."
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