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.
Kazungu's family
access_time 22 days ago
Kazungu received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"My primary goal is to renovate my house, which was affected by heavy rains, causing it to sink and the roof to leak badly. I am happy that I have already begun the process by purchasing iron roofing sheets and I have accumulated sixteen pieces so far. With a bountiful harvest ensuring sufficient food, I plan to redirect my transfers towards completing the renovations. These repairs will not only improve my living conditions but also provide much-needed relief, as I will be able to give my family a safe and secure place to live. I truly appreciate the assistance given, as it has uplifted my living standards."
Kadzo's family
access_time 23 days ago
Kadzo received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Thanks to financial support from transfers, I was able to repair my dilapidated house, focusing on fixing the roof. With this crucial improvement completed, my attention has shifted to investing in livestock, recognizing them as valuable assets and a potential income stream for the future beyond the transfer period. As my livestock numbers increase, I intend to capitalize on this growth by selling some to generate additional income, which will be utilized to meet my family's needs. I am deeply appreciative of the support I've received, as it has enabled me to make significant strides towards achieving my goals."
Kesi's family
access_time 23 days ago
Kesi received a $24 twenty-ninth payment.
"My house would be still leaking had it not been for Givedirectly transfers. I am so thankful that my house was repaired as a result of receiving Givedirectly transfers, I used $34 to pay for the repair of my grass thatched roof that had been washed down during the rainy season and it was leaking then. I now have a roof that does not leak and can live in the house even during the rains. I bought food using the transfers at $29. I spent $20 on my motorcycle business. I also got myself a new pair of shoes at $15."
Furaha's family
access_time 23 days ago
Furaha received a $384 second payment.
"Before, our home was cramped and barely accommodated the four of us, along with our belongings. It was just a small, one-room mud wall house that left us feeling suffocated. Using $320 of the money I received, I was able to purchase 20 pieces of iron sheets and roofing timbers to add an extra room to our house. Now, our home feels spacious, and we no longer feel cramped or uncomfortable. The extra space has brought us immense joy and relief, and we can finally enjoy living in a more comfortable environment. In addition to improving our living conditions, the monetary assistance also enabled us to invest in tools that have enhanced my husband's work as a welder. With $80, we were able to purchase our welding machine, eliminating the need to constantly hire one. This has allowed my husband to work more effectively and efficiently, without the stress of relying on external equipment. Furthermore, I used $150 to buy a smartphone, which has proven to be incredibly useful beyond just communication. I utilize it to download the latest welding designs and share them with my husband, enabling him to undertake unique projects and expand his skills. Overall, the support we received from GiveDirectly has not only improved our living conditions but has also empowered us to invest in our livelihoods, leading to a brighter future for our family."
Kadii's family
access_time 23 days ago
Kadii received a $370 second payment.
"With the roof of my house still unfinished from the first transfer, completing it became my top priority. I spent $200 on both the iron sheets and the labor charge, and now, I'm happy that my house is finally complete. It's a comforting feeling to have a secure place to sleep at night, knowing that I've made tangible progress in improving my living conditions. Additionally, I decided to invest in the future by purchasing a goat to add to my existing herd of 20. These goats serve as a form of security, providing stability and a potential source of income down the line. Moreover, I made sure to settle any outstanding food debts we had accumulated from a local shopkeeper. Maintaining trust and credibility within the community is essential, so I saw it as a wise decision to settle the bill promptly, reinforcing the positive relationship with the shopkeeper. Lastly, recognizing the strain on my son, who works as a casual laborer, I purchased food for the family to alleviate some of the burden on his shoulders. It's important to support each other within the family, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist him."
Sidi's family
access_time 23 days ago
Sidi enrolled.
"I am a widow living with my three children. I live in a small one room house with a grass roof. The roof is fully of termites and they fall on the bed during night hours making me have sleepless nights. My daughter seeks shelter from neighbors and this is very dangerous for a girl child to spend night away from her parents. I do casual jobs making little income that caters for food and school fees for the daughter who is in primary school. I will use $500 to build a one room house with iron sheets roof. This will uplift my dignity in the community. I used to sell fish in the village but the business collapsed when the capital was used to pay school fees for the children . I will also use $50 to revive my fish business. I intend to make a profit of approximately $5 per day. This is a sustainable source of income."
Mwenda's family
access_time 23 days ago
Mwenda enrolled.
"I am a widow of two and I do farming as my job. The challenge I faced is lack of rain. This has made change my mind and do poultry and animal rearing though on a small scale. Farming has enabled me to pay school fees for my daughter in primary school and also buy food . I live in a one room house with a grass roof and it leaks during rain season. I lack the capacity to build a spacious one. I will use $750 to build a two room house for the family and also equip it with beddings. I will also use $200 to buy four goats as an investment to add on the poultry I have . This will assure me of sustainable income."
Halima's family
access_time 24 days ago
Halima received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Every month, I set aside a portion of the GiveDirectly transfer to contribute to our savings group. Over the last three months, I've managed to save up $70, knowing that once the new year rolls in, I'll receive back what I've set aside. And let me tell you, "I've got great plans." Our current house is cramped, the roof has caved in, and cook in the same room. With three kids, including two in school, it's a constant struggle, when it comes to covering school fees. With the transfers, I paid $22 for their school fees and bought food with the remaining $10. Despite my husband's job as a house helper bringing in $60 a month, it barely meets our household's basic needs. So, I took to selling firewood, but even on the best days, I only make $2. It's been tough, but ever since GiveDirectly stepped in, things have started looking up. Our children no longer face the threat of being sent home from school due to unpaid fees, and we can afford to put food on the table every day. With the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, I'm determined to build us a new home. We are grateful for the support and assistance that GiveDirectly has provided us."
Baraka's family
access_time 25 days ago
Baraka received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"My residence, an aging structure, is no longer able accommodates my growing family of eight forcing some of my children to seek sleeping arrangements at their grandparents' house, as they have outgrown the capacity of our home. Addressing this pressing issue, my foremost priority is to construct of a new dwelling. This new construction will allow our current residence to serve as additional sleeping quarters for my children. To facilitate this endeavor, I have been saving a portion of my transfers through a local savings group which has enabled me to procure some of the requisite materials, including 18 out of the 25 iron sheets needed for the roofing. To complete this phase of the project, an additional 7 iron sheets are required, amounting to an approximate cost of $95. Fortunately, my employment in the construction sector equips me with the necessary skills to oversee the construction process once all materials are procured. In addition to this housing project, I remain steadfast in ensuring the consistent education of my children. To this end, I prioritize the timely payment of their school fees, ensuring they remain enrolled and engaged in their education. By pursuing these dual objectives, I aim to secure a brighter future for my family, characterized by improved living conditions and educational opportunities."
Kahindi's family
access_time 28 days ago
Kahindi enrolled.
"My wife and I do casual jobs earning little income which caters for food and school fees . I have a family of seven members and we all live in a two room house that has a leaking roof during rain season. I can not renovate the house due to lack of funds. I will use $500 to buy 20 pieces of iron sheets and other materials to renovate my house. I will also use $300 to buy six goats as an investment. This will foster sustainable income in my family. It will also help me to raise school fees for my children three children who are at primary school."
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