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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over 1 year ago
Christine
received a second payment.
"I love the fact that GD has consistently fulfilled their promises, delivering what was initially communicated. Furthermore, I admire the conduct of their employees working in the field, as they demonstrate a high level of interactivity and understanding towards the beneficiaries.
However, considering the current challenging circumstances with the increasing cost of living and skyrocketing prices of goods, I do have a wish for the organization to provide additional aid. While acknowledging and appreciating the assistance we currently receive, it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with the rising expenses"
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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over 1 year ago
Victor
received a $325 third payment.
"Out of the third transfer, I allocated $360 towards maize farming. This included expenses for land preparation, purchasing planting inputs, and hiring labor. I made the decision to invest in maize farming with the aim of generating income and ensuring a stable food supply for myself. Additionally, I utilized $40 to purchase new clothes, enhancing my personal appearance and adding to my existing wardrobe.
With the remaining amount, I serviced the motorcycle I had previously purchased using the second transfer. As its performance had declined, it was necessary to invest in maintenance to ensure its proper functioning. This would enable me to continue utilizing the motorcycle for my transportation needs."
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over 1 year ago
Reginah
received a $145 initial payment.
"Our first transfer from GiveDirectly brought about significant changes in our lives. Living near the center, we yearned to relocate deeper into the land to provide ample space for our livestock. To realize this dream, I purchased 10 iron sheets for $72, which would be crucial in constructing our new house. Meanwhile, my husband encountered a problem with his motorcycle, which served as a vital source of income for our family. It facilitated his taxi business, the transportation of water during drought seasons, and frequent visits to our distant farm. Recognizing its importance, we spent $45 to have it repaired, ensuring that our means of income remained intact. Furthermore, to ensure a sufficient food supply, I invested $65 in acquiring a substantial 100-kg bag of dry maize grains for my family of four. Previously, I relied on small-scale food businesses and grocery purchases while my husband diligently operated his motorcycle taxi, and after a breakage, we could not get any income. With the remaining $18, I bought other essential household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our daily lives."
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over 1 year ago
Peris
received a $145 initial payment.
"As soon as I received the first transfer, my priority was to replenish our food supplies, which had been dwindling. It was a moment of relief when I spent $65 on purchasing enough food to sustain my family of six for an entire month. Another matter that had been weighing on our minds was our motorcycle, which had been out of service for the past two months due to engine problems. This motorcycle played a crucial role in water collection and served as a means of transportation for my spouse's taxi business. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford the repairs at the time due to financial constraints. However, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we were able to fix it for $60, and we're now overjoyed that it's up and running again. In addition to these expenses, I used $40 to clear my son's tuition arrears from the previous term, ensuring his education continued without interruption. To enhance the security around our home, I invested $25 in purchasing wire mesh to complete a section of the compound fence that I had previously left unfinished. Lastly, I spent $3 on labor support during the fencing project and the remaining $7 on various household goods, including sugar, toiletries, and other essential items."
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over 1 year ago
David
received a $145 initial payment.
"I was very elated, since I had no money for food, debt"
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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over 1 year ago
Mackdonald
received a $145 initial payment.
"I work as a motorcycle taxi driver, and I am currently single. The support I received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in my life. It has enabled me to achieve things that I once thought were impossible. When I received the transfer, I decided to invest in goat rearing. With $54, I was able to fence my land, providing a grazing area for the goats. I then used $60 to purchase two goats. Additionally, I bought a sack of maize for $30. I am grateful that I now have an alternative source of income to rely on, which brings me a sense of relief and contentment."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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over 1 year ago
Reuben
received a $25 tenth payment.
"I have a desire to construct a new house, as my current one is in poor condition. The tin roof has corroded over time, resulting in water leakage during rainy days. Additionally, the house is made of mud, making it less stable and more prone to damage. I aim to build a new two-room house with a more durable structure, that is made of bricks instead of mud. However, financial constraints have made it difficult to pursue this goal, but if I can find a breakthrough or opportunity, I will build the house. I am determined to invest the cash transfers I receive into building the house. Besides, having a tangible outcome like a new house would provide a clear and meaningful purpose for the funds I receive."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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over 1 year ago
Naomi
received an initial payment.
"Upon receiving my transfer, I had just given birth to my secondborn and had to delegate a lot to my husband. We first put a dent in the loan we had taken with my spouse for our motorcycle, paying off $71 of it. It's been a gradual process, but we are thrilled to be nearing the end of this financial burden. The motorcycle has been providing income and easing the task of fetching water, particularly during my pregnancy and after giving birth, since walking to the river became challenging. I allocated $135 towards purchasing essential foodstuff for my family of four, including maize, rice, beans, and fruits. My husband's work as a gobbler in the nearby market has been instrumental in sustaining our household. We shared a single bed with our firstborn child in the past, but thanks to a fortunate purchase, we now have an additional bed. However, the absence of a mattress meant that my husband had to endure uncomfortable nights using makeshift cartons. This changed when we invested $38 from the transfer to buy a brand new mattress. Now, my husband can enjoy a restful sleep after long and tiresome days. I set aside $10 to improve my farming activities. Additionally, I spent $6 to purchase household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our daily well-being."
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over 1 year ago
Maurine
received a $384 second payment.
"I decided to spend $200 from the second transfer to finish building the house that I had begun with the first. Right now, I am satisfied to reflect on it and pleased that I finished it. I chose to spend $70 for a mattress because I did not have one and was previously sleeping on torn-up pieces of mats. Since then, GiveDirectly has helped me sleep well and securely, and I am grateful for that. Due to the requirement that there be no unpaid school fees before the end of the term exam, which my three primary children were due to take, I also paid some additional school costs totaling $80 for them. I held onto the remainder for usage by the family."
(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
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over 1 year ago
Gunga
received a $25 eighteenth payment.
"I reside with my extended family, consisting of a total of eight members, including my wife, son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. Both my son and I share the responsibility of fulfilling the needs of our large family. While my son earns a living as a motorcycle taxi driver, I sustain myself as a peasant farmer, heavily relying on agricultural produce to support us. In April, I received my transfers at a time when the weather conditions had improved, and we had begun to receive some rainfall. Out of the $34 April transfers, I allocated $25 to prepare my one-acre plot for planting. The preparation process involved clearing the land of bushes, digging and softening the soil, and demarcating the area for efficient planting. Once the land was ready, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase herbicides and fertilizers, aiming to enhance the growth of my maize and bean crops. With the plentiful rainfall we have been receiving, unlike the limited precipitation of the past six years, I am confident that our crops will thrive. This optimistic outlook brings relief to our financial burdens, as it alleviates the difficulties we face in affording expensive food items from the stores."
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