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.
Saul's family
access_time 2 months ago
Saul received a $277 third payment.
"Now that I have successfully fenced my 3/4 piece of land, I am eager to venture into extensive farming to secure a sustainable source of food for my family of two. Recognizing the challenges posed by drought in this region, diversifying into agriculture becomes crucial for resilience. In the upcoming year, my focus will be concentrated on farming, and to initiate this endeavor, I require a capital of $200. I plan to raise this amount through a combination of profits from my motorcycle taxi business and the sale of goats. By leveraging these income sources, I aim to create a foundation for successful and resilient farming activities. This strategic approach not only ensures financial sustainability but also addresses the need for diversification in the face of climatic challenges. I am optimistic that, with careful planning and hard work, the coming year will bring about positive changes and increased food security for my family. The support from the motorcycle business and goat farming will serve as catalysts for the agricultural venture, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Roy's family
access_time 2 months ago
Roy received a $276 second payment.
"I work as a motorcycle taxi rider, and I am currently single. Upon receiving my transfer, I made the decision to invest in initiating a sheep project with the goal of increasing my income. I am planning to settle down soon and start a family, and this project aligns with my long-awaited aspirations. The financial constraints I faced in the past made it challenging to fulfill this goal, as the daily income from my work is quite modest, and accumulating a lump sum was beyond my means. To kickstart the sheep project, I spent $190 to purchase three goats and invested $100 in constructing a proper sheep pen. Additionally, I used $120 to renovate my house, which involved plastering, and utilized the remaining $40 to carry out necessary repairs on my motorbike. Achieving this dream in such a short span of time is truly a dream come true for me, and I am immensely grateful for the timely and substantial support that has significantly uplifted my living standards." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Shariff's family
access_time 2 months ago
Shariff received a $337 second payment.
"Looking ahead to the next two years, my ambitions are centered on expanding my current charcoal business into a thriving enterprise. I envision dealing in larger quantities and scaling up operations to meet the demands of a broader market. Simultaneously, I plan to venture into a new business realm selling plastic utensils, a venture I believe will bring additional stability and prosperity to my family. The seed capital for these ventures will be sourced from my current means of income, a motorcycle hustle that has sustained me thus far. With determination and strategic planning, I am confident that in two years, I'll be celebrating the realization of these aspirations, marking a significant step toward providing a better life for my family through successful and diversified business ventures."
Jumaa's family
access_time 2 months ago
Jumaa received a $21 twenty-second payment.
"In the past, I managed a thriving poultry venture, which unfortunately faced a setback when I encountered an accident. Subsequently, I had to sell some of the hens to cover my medical expenses. Now, having recuperated and secured a source of income as a motorcycle taxi operator, I am eager to revive the project and generate additional earnings from it. The support I have received from Give Directly has significantly transformed my life, and I am genuinely grateful for it."
Rajab's family
access_time 2 months ago
Rajab received a $21 twenty-second payment.
"My primary goal is to channel the financial support into ensuring a brighter future for my children through education. The cash transfer will be dedicated to covering school fees, buying textbooks, and facilitating a conducive learning environment at home. I believe that investing in their education is a long-term strategy for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for their personal and professional growth. I am filled with gratitude for the support it will transform my family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Emmy's family
access_time 2 months ago
Emmy received a $276 second payment.
"The cash transfers have proven to be incredibly beneficial in supporting my efforts to finance the education of my two daughters, who are currently in secondary school. Before, paying their school fees was a significant challenge, given that my main source of income comes from small-scale maize farming. Additionally, my spouse contributes by operating a motorcycle taxi, but the earnings are limited, averaging around $8 per day, which is too little to cater for both our daily needs and education. I am genuinely delighted that $200 from the transfer allowed me to cover all the fees for this term. This has brought a sense of relief, knowing that my children's education will not face disruptions for the entire term, and I am hopeful that they will excel in their studies. The timing of the funds during the festive season also allowed me to allocate $80 to purchase new clothes for my six children. This not only adhered to our tradition of wearing new clothes during Christmas but also brought joy to their faces, unlike the previous Christmas when they wore old clothes due to financial constraints. Furthermore, I invested part of the transfer, $50, in upgrading my home's furnishings. I added two-seater sofas to replace an old, broken seat, enhancing the overall look and comfort of my house. The remaining amount was wisely utilized to buy food for my family, ensuring their immediate needs were met."
Ezekiel's family
access_time 2 months ago
Ezekiel received a $276 third payment.
"GiveDirectly has been doing well in providing financial support and assistance to individuals in need. However, one issue that arose in our area was the brewing of alcohol. Unfortunately, this led to delays in the distribution of transfers, affecting even those who were innocent in the matter. It became a challenge for everyone receiving support. Fortunately, the issue has been addressed and resolved, bringing relief to the community. The delay caused by the alcohol problem is now behind us, and everyone is now able to receive their transfers without hindrance. It's reassuring that the situation has been resolved, allowing individuals to move forward and manage their financial support without unnecessary obstacles." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Kevin's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kevin received a $276 third payment.
"GiveDirectly is doing well in my opinion. The support they provide has made a positive impact on my life, allowing me to achieve significant improvements. The assistance has been effective, addressing my immediate needs and empowering me to make positive changes. As for improvement, I don't have any specific suggestions. I appreciate the positive impact they've had on my life, and I believe they are already doing a great job in their current programs." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Neema's family
access_time 2 months ago
Neema received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"I've diligently set aside my recent transfers with the goal of acquiring a goat. After accumulating $55, I successfully made the purchase, marking the fulfillment of a longstanding desire to possess assets that can serve as a financial safety net. Initially having one goat, I now boast a total of two, with aspirations to foster their reproduction and establish a growing herd. Considering the responsibilities of supporting my young family, including children in primary school who depend on me, I recognize the potential challenges ahead. While my current income from selling chapati every morning sustains us for now, it may not cover all future educational expenses. My husband's income from motorcycle services, though helpful, isn't sufficient either. Therefore, the acquisition of livestock serves as a strategic advantage. In addition to the goats, I invested $4 in purchasing poultry, aiming to develop a thriving poultry project. Presently, I manage 18 birds, anticipating that they will contribute to supplementing our income. With a child starting school, I diligently saved a larger portion of the transfers over the past months to cover expenses such as new school uniforms and timely payment of fees. I am pleased that my children are comfortably enrolled in school because of the transfers since I saved enough for this purpose."
Jumaa's family
access_time 2 months ago
Jumaa received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"Allocating a significant sum of $64, I covered the school fees for both my wife and son. My wife's pursuit of a tailoring course is aimed at acquiring skills to generate supplementary income, complementing my earnings as a motorcycle taxi driver. Her anticipated completion of the two-year course in December brings me great satisfaction, as her newfound skills will significantly benefit our family. Furthermore, I settled my son's school fee arrears and made a partial payment for the current term, ensuring his uninterrupted education. During the festive season, I allocated $20 to purchase new clothes for my son, enhancing his appearance and confidence. With the remaining $14, I procured food provisions to partake in joyful celebrations with my family. The invaluable financial support we've received has notably enhanced the quality of life for my family."
motorcycle