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.
Sidi's family
access_time 6 months ago
Sidi received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"I mostly use the cash transfers for my children's tuition. Their school had outstanding debts that could have jeopardized their education, and since their father, who operates a motorcycle taxi, was struggling to settle these debts, I spent $31 on tuition fees. I am happy that one of them got to sit for their final primary school examinations without school fee struggles. Also, three of the kids had worn-out uniforms that could not be repaired anymore, so I used $18 to get them new ones. Additionally, I invested $25 in buying a goat and $8 in two chickens for future breeding. The plan is to let these animals reproduce, grow the herd, and sell the offspring to meet the children's needs. Finally, with the onset of the short rain season, $10 went into plowing the land for planting, and the rest covered our food expenses."
Fondo's family
access_time 6 months ago
Fondo received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"I am grateful that the cash transfers enabled me to secure a motorbike on credit, which I now use for my taxi business. This opportunity has allowed me to support my family, a task that was challenging before the cash transfers. My goal is to fully pay for the motorcycle by May next year. Beyond that, I plan to replace my current mud-walled structure with a brick house. Brick walls are stronger and not susceptible to destruction by rain, providing a more secure and durable home for my family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
William's family
access_time 6 months ago
William received a $295 third payment.
"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing me with unconditional cash support. The impact on my life has been profound; I now own valuable assets, including cows and a motorcycle. The freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has allowed me to invest in income-generating ventures, significantly improving my financial standing. The acquisition of livestock and a motorbike not only represents tangible wealth but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable income. GiveDirectly's approach of trusting recipients to make decisions based on their unique needs has proven to be effective, empowering me to create a more secure and prosperous future for my family."
Joseph's family
access_time 6 months ago
Joseph received a $295 third payment.
"As I look ahead to the coming year, my heart is set on one major goal: building a home for my family of eight. It is a dream that symbolizes security, comfort, and stability for us, and I have mapped out a strategy to turn this dream into reality. I plan on using $1000 to accomplish this task. My idea is to sell the tomatoes we cultivate as well as the profits from the goat trading business. It is a resource I can leverage to raise the necessary funds, and it is a testament to my determination to make this home-building goal a reality. I am excited and determined to embark on this journey. It will not be easy, but the thought of creating a stable and comfortable home for my family is what keeps me motivated. I am ready to put in the hard work, make strategic decisions, and see this dream through to fruition." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Roy's family
access_time 6 months ago
Roy received a $131 initial payment.
"Around 3:00 pm, unexpectedly, I received a message that took me by surprise. Reading it, I easily identified with it as it bore the name Segovia Technology, a name well-known from enrollment. I happened to be in the nearby shopping center at that moment, and some friends who also received the news were sharing the excitement. The joy was overwhelming, and having everything planned, I didn't rush to collect the money. I headed to the shopping center in Marigat, where I retrieved the funds and made the initial purchases from my planned list. The sense of happiness during this moment was shared among friends, and it marked a positive turn in my life, I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Duncan's family
access_time 6 months ago
Duncan received a $23 eighteenth payment.
"The impact of the cash transfers has been significant in my life, enabling me to support my siblings' education, procure food, and engage in agricultural activities. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue this transformative journey. Right now, I run a motorbike taxi business in the village to support my needs and those of my family. By the time the cash transfers come to an end, I wish to have grown this endeavor further by acquiring another motorcycle. With my current monthly income from the taxi business standing at $50, I believe that adding another motorbike could potentially double these earnings. The estimated cost to purchase another motorbike is around $1400 and I believe I to be able to save some funds from the cash transfers to buy one on a credit basis."
Robert's family
access_time 6 months ago
Robert received a $362 initial payment.
"Receiving my first unconditional cash transfer marked a turning point in my life. Instead of continuing to rely on temporary jobs for survival, I decided to invest in a venture that would offer long-term stability for my growing family. I used around $250 to kickstart a charcoal-selling business in the neighboring town. The initial days were challenging, navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship, but as the business gained momentum, I found a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. This venture not only provides for my wife and me but also positions me as the breadwinner for our young family, which we recently started. The joy of expecting our first child added a layer of excitement and responsibility to our lives. I later allocated $50 to buy food, especially considering the well-being of my expectant wife. Ensuring her strength and health during this crucial time has become a top priority. With the remaining funds, I am strategically planning to invest in a motorcycle. This addition to our assets will not only serve as a personal mode of transportation but also open up opportunities for additional income. I harbor dreams of saving for the education of our upcoming children, an aspiration I was unable to fulfill for myself due to a lack of access to quality education. This new chapter in my life, fueled by the unconditional cash transfer, is not just about immediate gains but lays the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for my growing family."
Cosmus's family
access_time 6 months ago
Cosmus received a $364 initial payment.
"When I received the transfers, I made several purposeful decisions to improve our family's life and financial stability. I spent $155 to purchase a sewing machine for my wife, who is a talented tailor. This investment was intended to not only support her work but also contribute to the well-being of our family. In addition, $35 went towards purchasing new bedding, ensuring a more comfortable and restful night's sleep for everyone. I also dedicated $100 to debt repayment, helping to alleviate some financial burdens. The remainder of the funds were thoughtfully used for food and clothing, addressing essential needs for our family of seven. We depend on the motorcycle taxi business for our livelihood, and while all the profits from this endeavor primarily go toward providing food for the household, I decided to diversify our income sources by using some of the transfers to open a pub business. This decision not only brought a sense of fulfillment but also the promise of financial stability and a brighter future. I am genuinely happy with the positive changes these transfers have brought into our lives." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Fredrick's family
access_time 6 months ago
Fredrick received a $23 twenty-second payment.
"My top priority is to replace my deteriorating roof, which consistently leaks during heavy rainfall, rendering my house uninhabitable. Additionally, I plan to expand the house by constructing two additional rooms to better accommodate my family's housing requirements. I'm pleased to report that I've already begun purchasing iron roofing sheets, and I plan to utilize the forthcoming transfers to acquire more of these materials. The prospect of providing my family with a larger and more secure home fills me with great happiness." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Saidi's family
access_time 7 months ago
Saidi received a $23 seventeenth payment.
"My children used to always be sent out of school due to financial lack. I would do my best to raise cash from my charcoal selling business and my motorcycle business but due to a slow market I would not make enough to sustain them in school. My goal is use my transfers to ensure my children get an education and never miss a day of school. I hope for them to get a chance at opportunities I could not get because of my education."
motorcycle