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
Weldon
received a $367 second payment.
"Building on my three years of experience in baking, my aspiration is to continue refining my skills, progressing from cakes to the category of bread production. At present, I am effectively distributing cakes using my two motorcycles along with an additional pair of rented bikes, servicing shops both within and beyond the county. Over the next one to two years, I aim to extend the scope of my venture by transitioning into bread manufacturing, achieved through the acquisition of an advanced oven capable of producing substantial quantities without compromising quality. As I proceed, I intend to accumulate savings from my current enterprise while embarking on educational visits to more advanced baking facilities. If circumstances permit, I also aim to hire an expert capable of producing a consistently high standard of quality that can compete effectively within the market."
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1 year ago
Anthony
received a $312 third payment.
"Upon receiving the final transfer, I allocated part of it towards realizing my desire for a sustainable venture that could provide ongoing support for my family beyond the scheduled three transfers. With this in mind, I combined the $450 I had received with the proceeds from selling some of my livestock, enabling me to acquire a secondhand motorcycle valued at $700. This motorcycle has consistently generated a daily income of at least $4 since then, a sustainable amount for my family of four. On certain days, I have even managed to save more than a dollar. Since the commencement of these transfers, I am pleased to have heavily invested in income-generating initiatives such as bee farming, goat farming, and providing transportation services using the motorcycle I obtained. In comparison to the past, when I relied on occasional manual labor, my current ventures are yielding greater returns, significantly improving my family's well-being."
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1 year ago
Gladys
enrolled.
"Receiving this money means quality education for my three children in secondary level. Raising their school fees has been an uphill task since I lost the motorcycle that used to give me more money. I have $300 school fees in arrears and considering in two weeks time they will be joining the last academic term of the year an additional $200 is required. I am excited because the transfers will allow me have peace because I shall use to clear school fees and pay for other levies. My children will be able to study comfortably and improve their educational performance."
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1 year ago
Winnie
received a $312 third payment.
"Throughout the period of utilizing the support we received from GiveDirectly, I had been collaborating closely with my supportive husband to formulate and carry out our plans. I am pleased that upon receipt of the final transfer, he was able to utilize $50 to repair his motorcycle, which has previously served as our primary source of income, catering to school fees for our two children and other household expenditures. Additionally, we spent $36 to purchase essential food items like maize, beans, and sugar for our family of four. Recognizing the need for furnishings in our new house, we used $44 to acquire two tables and three plastic chairs, enhancing the interior look of our home. Having leased a parcel of land some months ago, planting had been hindered due to insufficient funds to purchase the required seeds or seedlings for the entire acre. With the remaining funds, I am content that I can now acquire all the necessary inputs for farming. This step will hopefully enable me to plant the entire plot, relieving me of the casual labor I engaged in when land was not available for cultivation. Leasing this land marks a significant stride toward achieving self-sustained food production for our family of four."
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1 year ago
Edwin
enrolled.
"Due to poor sanitation at our home, we need a toilet. It's a shame we still depend on my father. Building our own is our utmost priority. The high cost of materials and labor means we need at least $150 to construct a decent one. This will help improve our health conditions.
I own a motorcycle, it needs repair. I cannot currently use it because it got stalled. I lacked the money to repair it. It will cost me about $100. The motorcycle will help me run my errands or even run a motorcycle taxi when I am free. This will help support my family's income.
Our 2-roomed house is in a bad state. Termites have eaten up most of the wooden support structure. We need to repair it. The high cost of materials means we need approximately $500. This will reduce our worries about the state of our house.
To ensure we have something sustainable for the future. We plan to buy goats. They do well here and grow faster. I need 5 goats, it will cost almost $200. When the stock numbers are high enough we can sell for use. Additionally, we can also milk them to supplement our domestic milk consumption.
The difficult drought times mean we buy food. The cost of living is also high. Our farm's production is low. We'll use the rest of the income as an emergency for food support. It means we'll have something to eat as a family most of the time."
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1 year ago
Jenifer
received a $312 third payment.
"I deeply appreciate GiveDirectly for their remarkable efforts. Without their support, life's challenges would have been more devastating. Currently, we possess water collection equipment, which is a tangible outcome of GiveDirectly's support. The organization's unique approach of providing unconditional cash transfers devoid of external interference sets them apart. Unlike other conditional organizations that focus solely on specific items like housing construction for those without homes, GiveDirectly's approach is comprehensive and flexible. Their successful practices should be extended to other villages for a similar positive impact."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Ezekiel
received a $139 initial payment.
"I make my living as a motorcycle taxi driver, so I spend the entire day cruising the streets. I left my phone at home to charge on this specific day since the power was down. Until the sun began to set, I drove around ferrying people. Around 5:00 p.m., I eventually made it back home, exhausted but happy that I had earned something to feed my family. My wife welcomed me with a grin and some wonderful news: a transfer had arrived in our account. As I looked at my phone and saw the confirmation message, I couldn't help but experience a surge of joy. Plans started to emerge in my head right away; I knew precisely what I wanted to accomplish using the transfer. The next day, I was set to buy a big sack of maize to keep our family well-fed, thanks to the transfer."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Elius
received a $313 third payment.
"Before receiving the initial transfer, I had already committed to acquiring a motorcycle on credit from a seller, agreeing to a weekly payment of $34. This arrangement was viable as I had identified an opportunity to provide transportation services for schoolchildren and teachers, resulting in consistent earnings from roundtrip journeys five days a week. With the third and final transfer, I wisely placed a lump sum deposit of $250 to cover expenses over the upcoming seven weeks, considering the potential disruption due to school closures affecting my weekly payments. Over the past few weeks, I have diligently maintained timely payments, cleared the debt, and obtained both a logbook and a new license plate. Presently generating at least $6 daily, I am effectively managing my projects, accumulating savings, and aiming to initiate further profitable ventures for my family of four. Allocating $48, I secured two months' worth of daily milk by prepaying for a liter each day, acknowledging the challenges of dairy farming amid the ongoing drought. I also invested $105 in acquiring three goats, supplementing our existing herd that I intend to sell in the future to support household expenses. I express my gratitude for GiveDirectly's generous support, which has fostered significant positive change within the village."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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1 year ago
Lilian
received a $24 sixth payment.
"I generate a monthly income of $50 by raising livestock, while my husband works as a motorcycle taxi driver. Despite our efforts, our incomes are modest, leading to significant challenges in meeting our family's basic necessities. Our financial responsibilities encompass four school-going children who rely on us for support. Recently, I used $15 to settle a school fee debt for my eldest son, ensuring his return to primary school after a two-day absence. Witnessing him resume his education brings me immense joy and relief. Additionally, I allocated $6 to acquire three hens, a decision that holds strategic value for our future. As these hens multiply, my plan involves selling some to gradually transition into goats, known for their lucrative market value. This progression is expected to yield substantial profits. To address our immediate needs, I dedicated the remaining $13 to procure food for our family. Reflecting on our journey, significant advancements have materialized, particularly concerning our access to nourishment. Gone are the days of enduring hunger for extended periods. The support we've received, including financial assistance, has transformed our circumstances, for which I am profoundly thankful."
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1 year ago
Jumaa
received a $24 seventeenth payment.
"I am a father of three amazing children and in the wake of a motorcycle accident, GiveDirectly's consistent monthly transfers have been a guiding light. Crafting a strategic plan, I safeguarded my children's education, by paying their tution fee of $20 that really made them very happy. I also spent $10 on tending to our necessities, and also embarked on a fruitful chicken farming venture with an initial $4 investment in two chicks. Today, with a flourishing flock of thirty chickens, I'm turning adversity into accomplishment, all thanks to the unwavering support that continues to propel my family's journey forward."
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