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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1 year ago
Ezekiel
received a $295 second payment.
"Our engagement with GiveDirectly provided us with valuable insights. The team adeptly clarified program details, assisted us with requirements, and urged us to voice our perspectives. The unconditionality of the transfer presented a chance for us to improve our lives. I have no reservations regarding the program's operations."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Cornelius
received a $295 second payment.
"Despite being a trained accountant and currently unemployed, I have chosen to sustain my livelihood by engaging in motorcycle taxi services. Meanwhile, my wife is pursuing her education in college. We are a married couple blessed with two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I concurred on prioritizing the allocation of funds to pay her college tuition. This was a significant goal for us. Subsequently, I invested $15,000 in repairing my motorcycle. The remaining amount was utilized to acquire a water drum for storing clean water. I am elated by the notable achievements accomplished in a short time, which were challenging before. Hence, I am genuinely grateful for the positive changes."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Saul
received a $295 second payment.
"We used to live on a big piece of land that extended from the top of the hills down to the stream in the valley. It was challenging because we did not have clear boundaries, and we relied on rocks or trees as improvised markers. Selling or dividing the land was difficult, often leading to conflicts with neighbors over unclear boundaries. The relief came when we received the transfer, which helped cover the surveyor's cost for subdividing the land and assigning plot numbers. I paid $100 for the acre of land where my house is situated, and now the boundaries are clear. However, after the subdivision, I realized my current house was right on the boundary, so I am starting a new foundation deeper into my land for a new house. I have spent $66 on 5 iron sheets and $30 on labor for leveling the foundation. I plan to use the remaining funds to buy poles and barbed wire for fencing and some food to sustain myself until the final transfer arrives, especially since I currently live alone. I will also supplement my food expenses with earnings from my motorbike taxi business, which brings in an average of $4 a day. The support has been crucial in making these necessary changes to my living situation."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Kevin
received a $295 second payment.
"For a long period, I have been operating a motorcycle taxi service, assisting community members in transporting their purchased goods from the shopping center to their homes. Through this endeavor, I have gained valuable insights into the goods people seek from distant places and what's readily available in the local shopping center. These experiences have sparked numerous business ideas. Looking ahead to the next year, I aspire to establish a hardware shop specializing in construction materials and farm tools. Currently, I am diligently saving from my motorbike taxi business, and as soon as I approach the $2000 mark, I plan to stock the new shop with a comprehensive range of goods to serve the entire community. The goal is not only to save customers' time but also to reduce their transportation costs, offering them more affordable alternatives compared to the expenses they incur when shopping in town. This venture aligns with my vision of contributing positively to the community by providing convenient access to essential products while fostering economic efficiency."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year 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."
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1 year 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)
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1 year 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."
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1 year ago
Joseph
received a $295 third payment.
"Receiving aid from GiveDirectly has been transformative for my community, including my own family of eight. Personally, my business has flourished, ensuring that we have food on the table and stability in our lives. While the support has been immense and incredibly beneficial, I hold no desire for the organization to alter its approach, as everything currently stands perfectly fine. I remain profoundly grateful for their assistance and hope for the possibility of additional transfers in the future to continue uplifting more families like mine."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Roy
received a $131 initial payment.
"The most significant change in my daily life since receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly is the expansion of my old house, creating a spacious and comfortable living environment. Despite living alone, I value having ample space, and this improvement allowed me to acquire a sofa seat, complementing the two plastic chairs I previously had. The sense of contentment and pride in my enhanced living conditions is immense. Additionally, I am delighted that I can now comfortably earn at least 500 a day, which is sufficient for my needs as I continue to live independently. The support from GiveDirectly has not only transformed my physical living space but has also positively impacted my daily life and financial well-being."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year 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."
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