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.
Fondo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Fondo received a $25 fourteenth payment.
"I'm happy to report that this project has considerably improved my life since its inception. As a motorcycle rider, I barely generate enough money to support my parents and myself each day. I started a chicken coop, and my flock grew from two to an astounding 56 chickens in a matter of months. I sell them in batches to boost my earnings. I can now support my family since I have a second source of income. I spent $30 on chicken feed and an additional $20 on personal expenses. I then spent $30 cultivating land where I planted maize, but it took some time for it to mature, so I had to buy food costing $30." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Florence's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Florence received a $319 second payment.
"Immediately after receiving the second transfer, I made several necessary purchases for my household. Firstly, I acquired 12 iron sheets for $114, which were used in constructing the walls of my new house. Additionally, I obtained five calsheet iron sheets for roofing, costing $75, along with 10-foot frames priced at $60 and posts for $30. To transport these materials back home, I incurred a $20 expense. With the help of a $50 labor charge, the construction was successfully completed, and we are now relishing the improved space provided by the new structure. To cater to the needs of my family of three, I purchased a half sack of maize for $35, ensuring an adequate supply of food. Furthermore, I allocated $46 towards procuring essential household goods, including kitchenware, toiletries, and other consumables. As part of my ongoing commitment to support my younger sister's education, I used $20 to address a portion of her outstanding arrears, with the intention of settling the remaining amount using subsequent transfers. It is worth mentioning that my husband works as a motorcycle rider while I engage in subsistence farming, and until the gracious financial support from GiveDirectly, our ability to sustain our family had been incredibly challenging." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Noah's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Noah received a $319 second payment.
"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my aspirations revolve around strengthening my existing motorcycle transportation business while reviving my wife's grocery store, paving the way for the initiation of a new venture in livestock business. My primary goal is to engage in buying and selling goats within the nearby market, recognizing the potential profitability and manageable nature of this enterprise. Our community predominantly consists of farmers who rear goats, and these animals are in high demand for local consumption in resorts and hotels. By capitalizing on this market, I aim to establish a thriving and sustainable business that will contribute to our long-term financial stability."
Mackdonald's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mackdonald received a $319 second payment.
"I was unable to construct a kitchen while still taking care of the family's necessities because I was a motorcycle rider. Thus, using my house as a store and a kitchen simultaneously did not make me feel at ease. Consequently, after receiving the current transfer, I put aside $80 for food, using it to pay for foodstuffs for my family, $90 to purchase three goats as an investment, and the remaining funds to construct a kitchen. This has made it easier for me to go to bed at a reasonable hour instead of staying outside my house until very late at night to wait for the smoke to dissipate after cooking in the evening. Furthermore, it has stopped the iron sheet from accumulating soot, which lessens the visual attractiveness of the property." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Kadenge's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kadenge received a $25 ninth payment.
"I live in a one roomed house with my three children and I and this has been a big challenge. The house is so small that it cannot comfortably accommodate us without having hiccups here and there. I had desired to build a bigger house, a two roomed house and this is how I got to the decision of using my transfers to get sheets of iron. I have a target of 22 sheets of Iron and I already have 16 sheets. The thing that has proven a challenge is getting the trees to build since the drought dried up most of our tree cover. I am however working towards raising funds to buy enough building poles and timber to help me construct my house." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
William's family
access_time over 1 year ago
William received a $142 initial payment.
"Upon receiving my initial transfer, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my most urgent requirement, which involved fencing my land. I spent $88 on this endeavor. Additionally, I invested $30 in purchasing a comfortable bed to enhance my quality of sleep. Furthermore, I spent $40 to acquire two goats. Subsequently, I utilized $20 to repair a motorbike, and with the remaining funds, I purchased essential food items. In the past, fulfilling these goals posed significant challenges due to the absence of reliable income sources. As a motorcycle taxi rider and part-time farmer, and with a loving family consisting of my spouse and four children, I am immensely grateful for achieving these tasks. The contentment and delight I feel from these accomplishments are truly fulfilling."
Alice's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Alice received a $25 thirteenth payment.
"Having completed my education at Vitengeni College, where I acquired valuable tailoring skills, I aim to expand my business. Alongside creating garments, I plan to sell additional products such as plates, cups, and spoons to cater to a wider customer base. Simultaneously, I intend to save enough and get my husband a motorcycle as a means to provide opportunities for my husband, who is currently seeking employment. With determination and the skills gained from my education, I am confident in our ability to build a brighter future for our family."
Kahindi's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kahindi received a $25 thirteenth payment.
"I do not own a house, I live in my brothers house, he lives in the city so he is not using his house at the moment and hence I have a access to it for now. However with a lot of uncertainties out here I do not want to predict that he may relocate back home or not so its better for me to have my things in order. I am working towards building a house. With my income as a motorcycle rider who is employed I do not get much to have enough to build it so I plan to do it through this transfers. Through this transfers I am able to save with the goal of building the house while also getting the right materials to ensure I finish this project."
Shabani's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Shabani received a $25 tenth payment.
"Once an active motorcycle driver, my life took an unexpected turn when I suffered a severe accident, resulting in broken arms. While recovering from this unfortunate incident, I have been contemplating new opportunities to secure my financial future. One idea that has caught my interest is investing in chicken. I plan to purchase chickens and nurture them, patiently waiting for the right time to exchange them for goats. By carefully managing this investment, I hope to accumulate enough value that can be utilized during challenging times, such as paying off any outstanding debts that may arise. This strategic approach will not only help me recover from my current setback but also pave the way for a more stable and resilient future."
Arnold's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Arnold received a $25 seventeenth payment.
"My primary goal is to provide a quality education for my six school-going children. Overcoming the financial challenges associated with their school fees payment has been a constant struggle for me. To achieve this, I am determined to allocate a significant portion of my monthly income towards settling their outstanding fees, ensuring that when the project comes to an end, I can look back with pride at the education I have provided for them." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
motorcycle