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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9 months ago
Dama
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Whenever I receive cash transfers, I usually channel them towards different kinds of needs depending on the urgency. These include school fees for my five children, saving through a merry-go-round group, and buying livestock and other household items like food. Sometimes my husband supports these needs, but only when there is a pressing issue. He sells traditional herbs in town and his income can be quite unpredictable. So recently, I spent $35.5 to pay school fees for my son in secondary school and $7 for the four in primary school. There have been accruing debts for years back, and the funds have helped reduce the balances. Only that I have other needs like food in the household, but if it were not for that, I would have spent everything on the tuition. I also used $20.5 to buy five chickens. Right now, I have seven chickens. I am rearing them so that when they reproduce, I can sell them to cater to the needs of my children, particularly school fees; for instance, I can sell two and get $10, which can cover one primary school child for the entire term. I also spent $39 to buy a goat as well for rearing."
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9 months ago
Kabao
received a $24 twenty-second payment.
"While my primary focus remains on providing my children with quality education by ensuring their school requirements are promptly met, I am also aware of the cultural and economic significance of livestock ownership in our community. Despite my age, I am disheartened by the absence of livestock in my possession, as it is traditionally regarded as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
To address this, I plan to start with chickens since they are the most affordable option for me. I will rear them and then sell them once I have a good number, using the proceeds to eventually buy a goat. I will continue this process until I can afford to purchase a cow. While my children's education is a significant achievement made possible by this project, owning a cow at the end of it would also be a valuable investment in my eyes."
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9 months ago
Karisa
received a $24 twenty-sixth payment.
"My primary goal is to ensure my children have no debts in school and attend school consistently without any disruptions caused by delayed fee payments which usually lead to them being sent away from school. This is why I plan on continuing to use the transfers to pay their school fees and also take care of any other school requirements. Besides this, I also aim at continuing to expand my livestock herd by buying more goats and chicken whenever possible. This is to cushion myself against the high fee requirements that I will experience once my children join highschool. I currently have around 50 chickens and 20 gees which I intend to sell and use the proceeds to buy a much larger and easier to manage livestock such as a cow. In future, I can sell the cow to raise any money in times of financial emergencies."
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9 months ago
Sofia
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"I am currently in high school, but my parents can not afford to pay my fees because they rely on occasional construction jobs, which are hard to come by in our village. To make sure I can stay in school, I decided to use $30 of the monthly transfers I receive to cover my fees. This has made a big difference because I no longer miss school due to late fee payments, which used to happen often. As a result, my grades have improved.
After I have cleared my fees, I usually use the remaining money to invest in things like livestock. Right now, I have 4 goats and 3 chickens thanks to these investments. Sometimes, I also use the money to buy things we need at home, like clothes and shoes. During the December holidays, I treated myself to a new dress and a pair of shoes with some of the money. I also bought a mattress for $25 and added another goat to my herd, which cost $30.
Through these endeavors, I am not only securing my education but also actively building a foundation for financial stability and personal well-being."
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9 months ago
Kazungu
received a $24 twenty-fifth payment.
"I am currently aspiring to venture into chicken farming as a means to improve my living conditions. While I don't yet have any chickens, I am actively seeking employment opportunities to change my circumstances. With part of my transfer, I plan to invest in purchasing chickens, believing that they will hatch and provide a source of income through sales. Additionally, I have a dream of building my own home. I currently have one small house, but I recognize that the current conditions make it challenging. However, I remain determined to pursue my goals and work towards creating a better future for myself."
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9 months ago
Omar
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"At the moment, my financial stability relies heavily on the transfers I receive, which are crucial in meeting my basic needs, advancing towards long-term aspirations such as building my own house, and supporting my family by ensuring access to essential necessities.
To achieve my housing goal, I have adopted a plan of allocating approximately $10 from the monthly transfers towards acquiring building materials, specifically one iron sheet at a time. Additionally, I capitalize on opportunities to purchase chickens, which are relatively inexpensive, costing around $5 each. These chickens serve as a strategic stepping stone towards acquiring larger livestock. Through a prudent process of accumulation, I leverage these initial investments in poultry to gradually expand my livestock holdings, ultimately growing my financial resilience and contributing to the realization of my broader goals. Through this process, I have so far accumulated 4 sheep and aim to achieve even more."
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9 months ago
Mary
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Managing the educational needs of my five children in school has been a primary focus of the transfers I receive. These funds are predominantly allocated towards covering expenses such as school uniforms, fees, and stationery, ensuring that my children's education remains uninterrupted. Additionally, the transfers have played a crucial role in supplementing the modest income generated from my small business ventures, particularly in hairdressing, thereby helping to sustain our household's basic needs.
Moreover, through strategic planning, I have successfully expanded my assets. One notable achievement is the acquisition of four goats, which I accomplished through a methodical process. Initially, I focused on poultry farming, rearing chickens with the intention of eventually leveraging them into goats. Through a humble yet systematic approach, I gradually accumulated a sufficient number of chickens, which I then exchanged for goats. This initiative shows my commitment to resourcefulness and financial prudence, as well as my determination to secure a more stable and prosperous future for my family."
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9 months ago
Jumaa
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"During this quarter, I managed to invest a portion of my transfers in acquiring tangible assets, including two goats valued at $60 and chickens amounting to $10. These investments not only diversify my financial portfolio but also hold promise for future returns. Additionally, the transfers have enabled me to support my family, even though I have no stable source of income. I have supported my parents in meeting my siblings' educational needs and household expenses through the help of the transfers.
Furthermore, I have proactively addressed my own personal requirements, including clothing, thanks to the financial support provided by the transfers. Concurrently, I have taken steps to secure my educational aspirations by participating in a savings group for the past two months. Through this initiative, I contribute $20 monthly towards accumulating funds for my college education. These savings will help in covering my tuition fees and other essential school expenses. My decision to embark on this initiative is due to my family's financial circumstances. It is evident that my parents are not in a favorable position to finance my college education. By assuming responsibility for my own educational pursuits, I am empowered to pursue my aspirations with determination and self-reliance."
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9 months ago
Shida
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"My goal for this year is to start a poultry business, specifically focusing on raising chickens. I believe this venture will provide the financial stability I have longed for. I plan to finance it with my upcoming transfers since I don't have any urgent needs to address currently. Having my own business will ensure a steady income even after the project ends. I'm sincerely thankful for this assistance and optimistic about a brighter future ahead."
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9 months ago
Sidi
received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"I focus on farming while my husband manages a small kiosk in our village, selling essential items like sugar, milk, and soap to sustain us. Life has not been easy for us, particularly when it comes to acquiring food during prolonged droughts. Thankfully, the support we receive through these transfers has eased our burden, allowing us to afford basic necessities. With this assistance, I have been able to invest in livestock and poultry and we currently have nine goats and six chickens. When our house developed severe leaks, I allocated $20 to replace the rotten building poles. Additionally, I spent $14 on purchasing chickens to add to our existing brood. Furthermore, $34 went towards acquiring a goat, which I intend to sell for profit later. The remaining $34 was used for treating my stomach ulcers, and I'm pleased to say that after receiving treatment and medication, I have recovered well. Being able to afford basic necessities that were once challenging to obtain brings me immense happiness, and I'm deeply grateful for all the assistance we have received."
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