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.
Duncan's family
access_time 23 days ago
Duncan received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"This year has been a journey of hard work and dreams coming true. I took out a loan to purchase a motorcycle, and I have been working tirelessly to pay it off by the end of the year. Currently, I have an outstanding loan balance of $783, and I am determined to finish repaying it soon. To clear the loan, I plan to use a portion of my transfers in addition to my earnings that I make from my motorcycle taxi business, allowing me to make larger payments and aim for full repayment within the next four months. Once I have cleared this debt, my goal is to take another step forward by acquiring another motorcycle on loan. With this new bike, I plan to employ someone else, creating a job while also generating additional income. This new venture will help me secure a better future for my family, ensuring that my younger siblings have what they need for school and that we never have to worry about food or clothing again. I dream of a life where my hard work today leads to a brighter and more stable tomorrow."
Chengo's family
access_time 23 days ago
Chengo received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"I currently work as a motorcycle taxi operator, but I don’t own my own motorcycle. Owning one has always been a dream of mine, as it would allow me to be self-employed. I am determined to make this dream a reality, even if I have to buy a second-hand motorcycle. To achieve this, I have been saving a portion of my transfers in our local savings group. My plan is to continue saving a portion of my future transfers until I can use them to purchase a motorcycle. This will enable me to manage my work more effectively and provide better support for my family. Once I have acquired the motorcycle, I intend to keep saving a portion of my transfers to invest in goats. My hope is that they will multiply, increasing in number and value. In the future, I plan to sell them to help fund my children’s education and create a safety net for emergencies, as I currently rely on my motorcycle taxi earnings to meet our daily needs. I am truly grateful for everything that GiveDirectly has done for me, and I am optimistic about the future that lies ahead."
Jeniffer's family
access_time 24 days ago
Jeniffer received a $349 second payment.
"In the coming years, I plan to focus on rearing livestock to keep myself busy and avoid hard labor. By nurturing my animals, I can sell them when the time is right, providing a steady income for my family. Additionally, I want to start rearing poultry, which will give us more sources of food and income.I also intend to continue farming, particularly by planting Napier grass. This will ensure that my cows have plenty to eat at home, improving their health and productivity. With these plans, I aim to create a more sustainable and stable future for my family, allowing us to thrive and have a better quality of life." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Samuel's family
access_time 24 days ago
Samuel received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"In life, having essential skills is crucial for survival. I know that once I successfully complete driving classes and obtain my license, I will be able to secure a job, preferably driving trucks to transport goods. Currently, I am diligently saving $20 each month in our merry-go-round to enroll in a driving school, with the goal of gaining the expertise needed to operate large trucks. As a motorcycle rider and livestock keeper, I have five goats and chicken that I raise for future financial security. My plan is to let these animals breed, eventually selling them to fund the purchase of bulls and dairy cows. The bulls will help with land preparation, while the dairy cows will provide milk for both sale and personal use, such as making tea. The income generated will significantly improve my family's living standards. I also aspire to build a four-room house, as our current one-room home will soon be insufficient for my growing family. However, this project will come later, after I have successfully completed the initiatives I mentioned earlier." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Saumu's family
access_time 28 days ago
Saumu received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"I aspire to expand our home into a three-room house. Currently, we live in a two-room house, with one room serving as our living area. My goal is to create two separate bedrooms, providing my children with their own space for privacy and comfort. My daughter, who is now grown, lives with her grandmother, and I’m eager for her to return so we can all live together as one big family. To make this happen, I’m part of a merry-go-round group where we save collectively for future projects. When it’s my turn to receive the funds, I plan to purchase the necessary materials first and then call the builder to start the work. My husband, who works as a motorcycle driver, will also help. Together, we aim to create a more spacious and comfortable living environment for our family's well-being and unity."
Mercyline's family
access_time 28 days ago
Mercyline received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"I run a vegetable selling business that I started using my previous transfers, and I am glad to say that it has allowed me to support my family alongside the income my husband earns as a motorcycle taxi driver. Currently, we live in a mud house, and I have always dreamt of having a more durable house made of blocks and concrete. To make this dream a reality, I plan to save a portion of the transfers I receive from GiveDirectly, along with some of the profits from my vegetable business and contributions from my husband's earnings. By doing this, I will gradually purchase building materials needed for our improved home. In addition to this goal, I want to ensure that my children continue their education without interruption, so I will allocate another portion of my transfers to support their schooling. Furthermore, I intend to reinvest part of my business profits and occasionally use some of the transfers to help my vegetable business grow. By following this plan, I am confident that we will eventually have a more durable house to live in and a sustainable source of income, especially when the GiveDirectly program comes to an end."
Charo's family
access_time 30 days ago
Charo received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"In the coming year, my main goal is to purchase my motorcycle. Currently, I rely on borrowing one, which makes it difficult to save money for my family as a significant portion of my earnings goes towards renting the bike. I believe that owning my motorcycle will allow me to take home more income and better provide for my family. To achieve this, I've been saving a portion of my GiveDirectly transfers at a financial institution, little by little, so that by next year, I can afford my motorcycle. This plan gives me hope because having my bike will not only increase my earnings but also bring stability to my family in the years to come." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Sidi's family
access_time 30 days ago
Sidi received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"Running a small charcoal business has been essential in helping me care for my family, especially as a widow with four younger children. My elder son, who works as a motorcycle taxi rider, also steps in to assist when things get tough. Though my business helps cover the basics like food and clothing, financing my children’s education has been a challenge. Before being enrolled in the Give Directly Cash program, my children were frequently sent home due to unpaid school fees, interrupting their education. Now, I am glad that my children are consistently attending school without being sent home. To ensure they remain in school and continue learning, I paid $56 towards their school fees. I also bought a new pair of school uniforms for my son, replacing his old, worn-out pair. It makes me happy knowing he can go to school feeling comfortable and confident. In addition to that, I saved $28 to purchase iron sheets for building a new house. The current house we live in is in a dilapidated state, and before it becomes unsafe, I want to gather enough materials to begin construction. I also spent $10 on two hens to restart my poultry venture, as my previous hens sadly died due to disease. I’m hopeful that these new hens will multiply and provide me with an opportunity to sell them for profit. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has allowed me to secure my children’s education, plan for a new house, and restart my small poultry business. It has truly improved my life and given me hope for a better future."
Rashid's family
access_time 1 month ago
Rashid received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the upcoming year, my main goal is to revive the grocery store that my wife used to run. I want her to have a meaningful source of income, especially during these tough times. With the little money I earn from my motorbike riding job, I have been saving gradually, and I am determined to restock the grocery store soon. It hasn't been easy, but I believe that once the store is back up and running, it will bring in much-needed income. My wife will be able to manage it while I continue working, and together, we can improve our family's financial situation. Looking ahead, I hope the grocery business will grow, providing us with stability and a brighter future." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Fondo's family
access_time 1 month ago
Fondo received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the upcoming year, my main goal is to complete college, which I have been working hard to achieve. This is the foundation for my future. Once I have my diploma in hand, I plan to seek employment in my field of study. Getting a job will be my first step toward financial independence, allowing me to support myself and start giving back to my family. After that, I will evaluate my options and decide what’s next for me. Whether it’s furthering my education, advancing in my career, or exploring new opportunities, I know that finishing college will open doors to a brighter future." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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