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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1 year ago
Talai
received a $294 third payment.
"As a widow living alone, my life has been shaped by the challenges that come with old age, as I cannot perform any menial job, hence depending on my two grown children for support. However, I have also felt the weight of this reliance, considering their own financial constraints due to the demands of their families. The struggle has been real, and life has posed its difficulties. Upon receiving the third transfer, I allocated $180 towards food purchases as it is essential for my sustenance, ensuring that it will last me for a significant duration. This has brought a sense of assurance, alleviating the burden on my children and providing a measure of self-reliance. Additionally, I invested $170 in acquiring three goats. This decision is fueled by high hopes, as I anticipate their multiplication to become a valuable source of income through future sales, reducing dependence on external support.
I also utilized $40 to purchase a 500-liter water storage tank to ease the stress of fetching water from a distant source, as I will be harvesting the water during the rainy season and storing it. Lastly, I have set aside the remaining amount as emergency money. This contingency fund serves as a safety net, providing peace of mind and a sense of control over unforeseen circumstances."
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1 year ago
Elizabeth
received a $360 second payment.
"One thing that GiveDirectly has done perfectly is make people realize their dreams. personally, my life has truly changed, with my first transfer I purchased a water tank, and the second one I paid my children's school fees as well as opening a poultry-keeping business. To GiveDirectly may you never lack, you lifted my life from nowhere to somewhere. My since appreciation because you promised us the unconditional cash and you finally fulfilled the promise.My wish if the organization will add us more funds so that we can continue improving our living standards."
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1 year ago
Maria
received a $295 second payment.
"My objective is to invest in a water tank and fence my land. Fencing the land will allow me to cultivate my crops without interference, while having a water tank will provide a reliable storage solution for clean water. I intend to achieve this goal by utilizing the funds generated from farming activities and supplementing them with the little savings I accumulate over time. This strategic approach aims to address both water storage needs and agricultural productivity on my land."
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1 year ago
Christina
received a $295 second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to acquire a sizable water tank to facilitate the collection of rainwater, providing a crucial resource during dry periods when piped water becomes scarce. Despite having access to piped water, the absence of a storage facility hampers our ability to fully enjoy its benefits, especially during weeks when the supply is intermittent. Additionally, I am keen on reintroducing goat farming to my activities. Having previously sold a few goats to cover school fees, I see this as a long-term investment. I plan to expand my goat farming by purchasing more and engaging in breeding, creating a sustainable source of income to address future financial obligations. This dual initiative reflects my commitment to securing both essential resources like water and a stable financial foundation through strategic investments in agriculture."
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1 year ago
Esther
received a $295 second payment.
"Securing enough water daily has been a constant struggle in our community, even with pipes installed up to our doorsteps. The high demand has led to water rationing, with our region getting water only on Mondays. Lacking sufficient reservoirs, we often resort to fetching from a distant river. To address this, I spent $225 of the second transfer on a 3000-liter water tank, greatly improving our water access. Additionally, I invested $112 in barbed wire and 2 chain links to fence around our field. Purchasing a $43 sack of maize has sustained my family of five, supporting us beyond subsistence farming and casual labor that I initially relied on. With the remaining amount, I allocated $20 for personal shopping, splitting it between my husband and me. Recognizing the upcoming needs of my three children in college and secondary school reporting in early January, I decided to save the remaining $50 to cover their transport costs when they return to school. This support from GiveDirectly has not only addressed immediate needs but also enhanced our overall well-being, and I am sincerely grateful."
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1 year ago
Sharon
received a $295 second payment.
"GiveDirectly is making a commendable impact that is widely appreciated in our community. Individuals have taken responsibility for the cash support, demonstrating prudent spending. Many households have addressed water scarcity by investing in tanks, while others have chosen to invest in livestock and businesses. The autonomy to make decisions tailored to individual needs has contributed to the varied and positive outcomes. I express gratitude for everything and remain hopeful that our projects will thrive in the future, standing as testimonials to the amazing and generous support provided by GiveDirectly."
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1 year ago
Maria
enrolled.
"My current house is made of grass and mud. When it rains we're always worried it may fall down. Termites also eat the grass and the wooden structure. I'd like to construct a 2-roomed all round iron-sheet house. The cost of materials is high now, I expect to use about $500. When I have a better house, we'll live without worrying when it rains. It will also give us enough room to sleep.
Additionally, due to lack of proper sanitation. We plan to spend some of the transfer to build a toilet. It will reduce our chances of getting diseases and also the stress of asking neighbors to allow us to use theirs.
The remaining transfer will help us in farming. We have been doing maize farming each season. Since, we depend on irrigation, it's important to save some amount for labour and watering the farm. Irrigation does well here and we have already set canals."
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1 year ago
Benson
received a $295 third payment.
"In the coming years, I put my focus on securing a sustainable future for my children. I am looking forward to investing my efforts in vegetable farming. I am planning to rent land in Kipterkech because of its water availability, which presents an optimal environment for cultivating high-quality vegetables through irrigation. Additionally, I hope to start buying and selling of chicken business, the scarcity of chicken trading opportunities in the area positions my venture as a unique and potentially lucrative opportunity. Collaborating with neighbors who rear chickens allows me to access resources and establish a reliable supply chain. Through a dedicated commitment to modern farming and exploring the untapped potential in chicken trading, I hope to create a legacy of sustainable prosperity and provide a comfortable life for my family."
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1 year ago
Markson
enrolled.
"We have good plans for the transfers and we believe it will change our lives for the better. For the first $180 cash transfers, we intend to do piping for water from the borehole to our compound, fence our compound and also purchase clothes for us. For the second and third transfers, we intend to purchase 5 sheep which would cost us about $ 200 of the transfers. Additionally, we intend to transform our home by adding one room since we live in a single room. We also intend to build a pit latrine which will cost us about $100. This will improve our sanitation so much. We also have a maize farm in which we intend to put fertilizer and therefore with the transfers we will be able to accomplish this."
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1 year ago
Kabon
received a $295 second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to establish a connection for piped water to my home, ensuring access to clean water for consumption, especially considering the distance to the stream. To achieve this, I intend to use my third transfer. I am immensely grateful for the support that has facilitated a transformative change in our lives."
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