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.
Micheal's family
access_time 6 months ago
Micheal received a $361 second payment.
"Due to a lack of protection for my belongings and some rodents that were bothering me, I utilized a portion of my second transfer to complete my house, which I had begun during the previous transfer, by purchasing four red metal doors.Despite my unemployment, I utilized a significant portion of the transfer to cover my three grandchildren's tuition fees, as their mother did not have any source of income .In order to prevent my family from going hungry in the future days, I utilized the part of the remaining money for agriculture and also purchased a new 3000 liter water tank because I can no longer get water on my own due to my health status therefore Givedirectly has really help me improve my life and am grateful about it."
Karembo's family
access_time 6 months ago
Karembo received a $362 initial payment.
"Receiving the transfers was a turning point for my family's future. I spent $250 on a water tank, a crucial investment considering the prolonged water shortages we faced. This decision was not just for us but also for our community, ensuring access to water during challenging times. Investing $50 in goats as assets was an opportunity to secure a sustainable source of income. An additional $60 went towards addressing immediate needs—food and clothing for my family of seven—ensuring their well-being. The remaining funds were channeled into our house construction, a dream I had long held but was not sure I would ever achieve. As a family reliant on our retail shop business, these transfers opened doors to possibilities I had not dared to imagine. The fulfillment of these dreams brought immense happiness and a newfound sense of security for my family's future."
Pauline's family
access_time 6 months ago
Pauline enrolled.
"I have so many good plans for the cash transfers which I believe will transform my life a lot. For the first cash transfers I intend to spend $180 of the transfers to renovate and improve my house. Since I have 14 family members, I intend to renovate an extra room and purchase beddings. For the second cash transfers, I intend to purchase a generator and a gas cylinder. I intend to use about $450 of the transfers on this. This will enable me to do irrigation farming in our farms since we depend mostly on irrigation due to instances of drought in our village. For the third transfers I intend to purchase a water tank which would cost me about $350 of the transfers. This will ensure that we have water in our home and we won't have to purchase water or use unclean water. With this transfers, I believe my life will be transformed positively."
Joseph's family
access_time 7 months ago
Joseph received a $299 third payment.
"The impact of GiveDirectly on my life has been tremendous. With the funds received, I was able to build a much-needed new house and invest in a 5,000-litre water tank. This has brought about significant improvements, particularly in terms of convenience. We no longer have to endure long walks to fetch water, and our overall living conditions have greatly improved. In my opinion, I believe there's an opportunity for broader community development. For instance, drilling boreholes could be a game-changer for the entire community that GiveDirectly can seize. Access to clean water is a basic necessity, and such a project could significantly enhance the health and productivity of everyone in the community. It's not just about personal benefits; it's about envisioning positive changes for the community as a whole. These improvements have inspired me to think beyond my immediate needs and consider ways in which the entire community can benefit. It's a hopeful sign of positive change, and I'm grateful for the transformative impact that GiveDirectly has had on my life and the potential it holds for the broader community."
Everline's family
access_time 7 months ago
Everline enrolled.
"The first transfer will help up reinforce our livestock house. It's made of sticks and tree branches. That is not safe for our livestock. We plan to buy a barbed wire and steel poles to fence it well. It will cost about $200. This will give us peace of mind, knowing our stock cannot escape or attacked by wild animals at night. The second transfer in January will help to pay our children's school fees. Those in primary and secondary level. Three of them are in school. This will give them stability in school, hence won't be send back home during learning days. We need a lot of water for domestic use. That also includes drinking water for our livestock. It's a challenge storing and fetching water now. We have piped water from a nearby borehole and pay $3 per month. It runs twice a week. A 6000 litres water tank will give us water security. It will cost us about $500. One cannot do anything meaningful without water."
Naomi's family
access_time 7 months ago
Naomi enrolled.
"Drought has led to food insecurity, we plan to solve this by buying food. We'll spend approximately $150, that's buying maize, beans and other household items. This will give us food security for at least 3 months. Due due long distance covered to fetch water from the bore hole which is about 7 kilometers. It's also straining walking that far. We plan to buy a 5000 liters water tank. This will help us harvest rain water or hire water suppliers during drought seasons. It will cost about $300. This will give us enough water for domestic use. Our goats will also not travel far to drink water. We also plan to buy a cow, it will provide us with more milk. We can sell and also use some at home. We will plant enough grass on a portion of our land. Grass grow well here since they need little water supply. This will cost us approximately $600, which includes planting grass."
Merceline's family
access_time 7 months ago
Merceline received a $301 third payment.
"My paramount objective is to achieve a seemingly modest yet life-changing goal: to acquire a water tank for rainwater harvesting. Currently, I find myself trekking long distances to fetch water, which is not only physically demanding but also time-consuming. With my own water tank, I envision the freedom to harness rainwater, thereby alleviating this daily burden and enhancing self-sufficiency. Additionally, this newfound water source will enable me to create a small garden and grow vegetables, a project I've long yearned for but couldn't pursue due to water constraints. As I set out on this journey, I am not just investing in a tank; I am investing in improved quality of life, sustainability, and the ability to nurture a thriving garden that will provide nourishment and well-being for my family"
Targok's family
access_time 7 months ago
Targok received a $301 second payment.
"I've decided to invest in a chain-link fence for my farm. My neighbor's animals have been causing damage and encroaching on my land. It's quite distressing. A good fence will clearly mark the boundaries and prevent further encroachments. I'm also planning to expand my livestock. It seems like a smart move for long-term stability. If managed well, livestock can be a sustainable source of income. And with a sturdy fence in place, it creates a secure environment for them to thrive. I'm not stopping there; I'm getting a water tank too. Water scarcity is an issue here, so storing water during the rainy season makes sense. It's not only for my household needs but also contributes to the overall self-sufficiency of the farm. In a nutshell, I'm strategically investing in infrastructure and livestock to build a more resilient and prosperous future for myself. It's about addressing immediate challenges and setting the stage for long-term security."
Sera's family
access_time 7 months ago
Sera received a $354 second payment.
"In the upcoming year, I have a significant goal in mind: to complete the construction of a water tank that will allow me to harvest rainwater. This precious resource will be a game-changer for our family of eight, as it will enable us to irrigate and grow fruits, bananas, pawpaws, and vegetables to generate income. Timing is everything in this endeavor, and I aim to make the most of the El Nino rains to fill our water tank. This will ensure a steady supply of water for our crops throughout the year, even during dry seasons. To finance this project, I plan to utilize the $200 I have saved, which I set aside with great care. Additionally, I intend to sell our maize harvest and tap into my husband's retirement pension. With this combined effort, I am optimistic that we can complete the construction of the water tank, creating new opportunities for our family and securing a more stable and prosperous future."
Talai's family
access_time 7 months ago
Talai received a $301 third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to buy a water tank. Fetching water from the available wells has become increasingly challenging with my current age, and with the assistance of my daughter, we've resorted to ordering water through motorbikes, which can be costly. Additionally, I prioritize monitoring my health and regularly visit the hospital for check-ups. To support these efforts, I engage in robe-making and use the proceeds to purchase water, as having a convenient and reliable water source is essential for my well-being and daily life. This is what I hope to accomplish in the near future to improve my living conditions."
water tank