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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7 days ago
Eunice
received a $27 twenty-seventh payment.
"I am currently enrolled in college, pursuing a diploma course in Early Childhood Development Education. I believe that enrolling in this program will open exciting new paths for my career and therefore I am committed to completing this course. I am meant to complete my studies in July next year and I am hopeful for the chance to secure a position with the County Government, which would provide the job security and growth I aspire for, especially compared to my current role within our community school where there is no job security. As I move forward, my primary focus is to continue dedicating all my transfers toward funding my education until I complete my studies. Once I complete my studies, I plan to start investing in livestock, starting with goats. My hope is that these goats will thrive and multiply, growing in both number and value. Thereafter, I plan to trade some of them to purchase cows that I will use to plow my farm. I am optimistic that these goats and cows will become valuable assets for my family and be a reliable source of support especially once this program concludes. I am deeply grateful for the assistance I receive from GiveDirectly. It has been an essential stepping stone toward my dreams, and with each step, I feel my aspirations coming closer to reality."
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7 days ago
Saumu
received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My vision for my life is to become a dedicated livestock farmer, one who can truly rely on livestock as a steady source of income and security. For the coming year, I plan to use my transfers from GiveDirectly to expand my herd by purchasing more goats, adding to the ones I already have. My hope is that these goats will multiply, grow in value, and set the foundation for something lasting. Once I have six goats, I can trade them for a cow and I intend to have many goats so that I can trade some of them for several cows. I am working towards this goal with so much anticipation. The bulls will be invaluable for plowing my farm, which will allow me to save on the high costs of hiring tractors each season. Meanwhile, the cows will keep multiplying, providing milk for my family and an additional income stream from milk sales. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it is helping me bring my dreams to life. This opportunity gives me such hope for the future, hoping that I can create a stable and sustainable life for myself and my family."
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7 days ago
Stanley
received a $154 initial payment.
"The floods brought so much destruction to my life, sweeping away my four acres of maize and damaging everything I owned, from my household items to my eight goats. Life was already hard, and the floods made it worse. I was struggling to make ends meet, relying on casual jobs and farming whenever the rains were kind to us. My two children depend on me, and after separating from my wife 20 years ago, I’ve been the sole provider. The money from the cash transfer came at a time when I needed it most, offering hope and relief in the midst of my challenges.I used $60 to pay my children’s school fees, which was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I used to rely on casual work and farming to cover the fees, but it was never enough, and sometimes I couldn’t even get casual work. I then spent $35 on a mattress because the old one we had was completely worn out, and my children had been sleeping uncomfortably. It was a small comfort, but it meant a lot to see them finally sleep well. I also bought kitchen utensils for $16, as I had very few, and it was difficult to serve guests without proper items. I purchased new clothes for $10, as I had no good clothes to wear, especially for occasions like vacations. The remaining $14 went towards buying new cups, as the ones I had were broken. Lastly, I used the rest of the money to buy food, which was a huge relief. Before, I had to rely on casual jobs that earned me just $3 a day, which was never consistent. Some days, I didn’t even have food to give my children. Now, I feel more secure knowing that I have food in the house and my children’s school fees are paid. The transfer has made a big difference in our lives, bringing hope and stability where there was once struggle."
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7 days ago
Samuel
received a $347 third payment.
"I poured my heart into farming to provide for my family, but there were times when finding the resources was nearly impossible. When I had a bit of capital, I’d always manage to plant watermelons, a crop that brings hope to my family, yet sometimes I struggled to gather even that small amount. With this transfer, I finally had the chance to invest fully, using $220 to buy seeds, plough the land, and fuel the generator for watering. The watermelon crop is now flowering beautifully, promising a profit of around $1,500 for just one acre—a return that can lift us significantly. Additionally, I allocated $80 to cover my child’s school fees. Education is something I want for all five of my children, as I know it will give them opportunities I never had. In our household, farming is the primary source of income, so each season matters. This transfer allowed me to keep my child in school without risking our farming resources, giving me peace of mind about both their future and our present. To secure another part of our livelihood, I also bought two goats for $150. These goats will soon provide us with milk, which not only supports my family’s health but can also generate some income. My wife and I work side by side on the farm, tending to both crops and livestock. Life wasn’t easy before, but with these investments, I see us growing, little by little, toward a better future for our family."
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7 days ago
Kadzo
received a $27 thirty-sixth payment.
"I am a widow with eight children, four of whom are married, leaving me to care for the other four. To provide for them, I do casual jobs such as charcoal burning and selling firewood. With my last three transfers totaling $102, I decided to make some important investments. I saved $40 at a local savings group, aiming to accumulate enough funds to renovate my house. The plan is to strengthen the house by adding pillars so that it can withstand the fierce winds we sometimes experience in our area. This is a priority for me because I want my children to have a safe home, regardless of the weather. After saving for the house, I spent $24 to buy food for my family, ensuring we had enough to eat. I also invested $13 in purchasing a young goat, which adds to my herd of three. Livestock is important for us, as it will help provide income in the future. Finally, I used $25 to pay school fees for my children. Education is a crucial part of their future, and I want to ensure they don’t miss out on their studies. These transfers have enabled me to meet our current needs while also planning for a better future."
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7 days ago
Kangombe
received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to grow my livestock by purchasing more goats through my monthly savings. Right now, I have one goat and one cow, but expanding my herd will secure a better future for my family. I’ve already started saving $10 per month through a merry-go-round group, and I’m committed to continuing this until I can afford to buy more goats. With a larger herd, I’ll have more resources to provide for my family’s needs and create long-term stability for us. This plan gives me hope and a clear path forward."
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7 days ago
Kandenge
received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to buy more goats to secure my family's future, especially when it comes to my children's education. Goats are a valuable asset that can provide stability, and I believe that by steadily saving at least $10 every month, I can grow my herd. This investment will ensure that when school fees come up, I have the means to support my children without financial strain. By focusing on building this asset, I am setting a foundation for their future and ours as a family."
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7 days ago
Safari
received a $27 thirty-third payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to purchase more goats to add to the two I already have. I plan to save at least $10 each month for this purpose, as I believe these goats will be a valuable investment for my family’s future. They will provide us with security, offering the potential for income during tough times and a way to expand our resources. By steadily increasing my livestock, I will ensure that my family has something to rely on in the years ahead. This is an important step toward building a better future for all of us."
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7 days ago
Kache
received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to invest more in goat farming, as I believe it holds great potential for my family's future. I already have five goats, and I plan to grow that number steadily by saving $10 monthly from my transfers. By expanding my goat farm, I will be able to provide a more stable income for my family, ensuring we can meet our needs and even invest in other opportunities down the line. This plan will help secure our future, and I am determined to make it a success."
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7 days ago
Christine
received a $27 twenty-ninth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I want to diversify my investment by expanding my livestock. Right now, I have over 50 chickens, and my goal is to sell them as they grow in numbers to buy more livestock. I already have seven goats and two cows, but I aim to add even more to ensure my family's future is secure. Investing in livestock will give me a stable source of income and provide a safety net for my family. This plan will help us thrive in the long term, giving me peace of mind about our future."
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