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.
Jeptanui's family
access_time 1 year ago
Jeptanui received a $300 third payment.
"In the future, my focus is on expanding my goat-rearing project. I intend to increase the size of my herd, ensuring they receive the best care, nutrition, and healthcare to enhance their reproduction rates. This strategic expansion not only secures my family's financial future but also ensures a sustainable source of income in the long run. Additionally, I aim to enhance my farming endeavors. With hopes for an abundant water supply, I plan to venture into irrigation. My goal is to engage in vegetable farming, a high-demand market item, and alternate it with maize farming. I am optimistic that this will generate a good amount of income that will be crucial to supporting my children's education."
Naomi's family
access_time 1 year ago
Naomi enrolled.
"Drought has led to food insecurity, we plan to solve this by buying food. We'll spend approximately $150, that's buying maize, beans and other household items. This will give us food security for at least 3 months. Due due long distance covered to fetch water from the bore hole which is about 7 kilometers. It's also straining walking that far. We plan to buy a 5000 liters water tank. This will help us harvest rain water or hire water suppliers during drought seasons. It will cost about $300. This will give us enough water for domestic use. Our goats will also not travel far to drink water. We also plan to buy a cow, it will provide us with more milk. We can sell and also use some at home. We will plant enough grass on a portion of our land. Grass grow well here since they need little water supply. This will cost us approximately $600, which includes planting grass."
Lilian's family
access_time 1 year ago
Lilian enrolled.
"Receiving the transfers means so much for me. I have always longed to do farming but have lacked money to purchase a generator for plumbing water into the farm. With the transfers I intend to purchase a generator which will cost me about $500 of the transfers. I also intend to purchase two long pipes which will cost me about $550 of the transfers. This will greatly transform my life since I will be do farming on season and off season."
Dama's family
access_time 1 year ago
Dama received a $354 second payment.
"Upon getting the second transfer, I used $100 to do plumbing since I wanted to have a freshwater tap at home. Getting fresh water was challenging because of the distance. Now the connection is complete. This simple change has already made a huge difference in our daily lives. No more long walks to fetch water, and no more worrying about the quality of the water we were using. It's a small change, but it has made our lives so much easier and healthier. I also paid a debt of $80 to a contractor who constructed my house using the first transfer. This was a weight off my shoulders, and it's amazing to finally have that burden lifted. My house is not just a structure; it's my family's home, and knowing that it's paid for brings a sense of security and peace of mind. After that, I bought a bed and a mattress for $131. Now, I sleep well and comfortably, unlike before when I was on old, worn-out mattresses. The quality of sleep has improved, and it is reflected in my daily life. Plus, I've saved the rest of the money aiming to do a cement floor for the house and fix some windows. With these improvements, our home will not only be more comfortable but also safer and more resilient to the weather."
Merceline's family
access_time 1 year ago
Merceline received a $301 third payment.
"My paramount objective is to achieve a seemingly modest yet life-changing goal: to acquire a water tank for rainwater harvesting. Currently, I find myself trekking long distances to fetch water, which is not only physically demanding but also time-consuming. With my own water tank, I envision the freedom to harness rainwater, thereby alleviating this daily burden and enhancing self-sufficiency. Additionally, this newfound water source will enable me to create a small garden and grow vegetables, a project I've long yearned for but couldn't pursue due to water constraints. As I set out on this journey, I am not just investing in a tank; I am investing in improved quality of life, sustainability, and the ability to nurture a thriving garden that will provide nourishment and well-being for my family"
Elizabeth's family
access_time 1 year ago
Elizabeth received a second payment.
"I was overjoyed when I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly. With $40 of the amount, I bought a water pump that now helps me irrigate my small vegetable farm, ensuring my plants get the water they need to thrive. I also spent some of the money on tomato seeds and insecticides, around $35, which protected my seedlings from pesky insects. With $50, I prepared the land, getting ready to plant my veggies. It was hard work, but I knew it would pay off. I used $125 to purchase barbed wire to fence off my farm, keeping animals away from my vegetables. This investment saved my crops from damage and gave me peace of mind. With $100, I went shopping, stocking up on food to make sure my children never go hungry. It felt wonderful to have enough food at home. I also save a little cash for the future, creating a safety net for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family's future is looking brighter, and I'm hopeful for what's to come."
Targok's family
access_time 1 year ago
Targok received a $301 second payment.
"I've decided to invest in a chain-link fence for my farm. My neighbor's animals have been causing damage and encroaching on my land. It's quite distressing. A good fence will clearly mark the boundaries and prevent further encroachments. I'm also planning to expand my livestock. It seems like a smart move for long-term stability. If managed well, livestock can be a sustainable source of income. And with a sturdy fence in place, it creates a secure environment for them to thrive. I'm not stopping there; I'm getting a water tank too. Water scarcity is an issue here, so storing water during the rainy season makes sense. It's not only for my household needs but also contributes to the overall self-sufficiency of the farm. In a nutshell, I'm strategically investing in infrastructure and livestock to build a more resilient and prosperous future for myself. It's about addressing immediate challenges and setting the stage for long-term security."
Joseph's family
access_time 1 year ago
Joseph received a $301 third payment.
"From my perspective, GiveDirectly has made a profound impact by extending assistance through their transfers. The changes brought about by their support have been nothing short of remarkable, touching the lives of many families. The positive transformations can be seen in various aspects, such as fee payments, assets acquired, and the revenue generated from water-related investments. The benefits have been substantial, and I cannot help but imagine the potential if GiveDirectly were to return for a second round of support. The investments, both financial and emotional, would undoubtedly multiply, leading to even greater positive changes. The ripple effect of their generosity would reach far and wide, ushering in a brighter future for many more individuals and communities. The impact of their assistance is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when compassion and support come together to uplift lives."
Sera's family
access_time 1 year ago
Sera received a $354 second payment.
"In the upcoming year, I have a significant goal in mind: to complete the construction of a water tank that will allow me to harvest rainwater. This precious resource will be a game-changer for our family of eight, as it will enable us to irrigate and grow fruits, bananas, pawpaws, and vegetables to generate income. Timing is everything in this endeavor, and I aim to make the most of the El Nino rains to fill our water tank. This will ensure a steady supply of water for our crops throughout the year, even during dry seasons. To finance this project, I plan to utilize the $200 I have saved, which I set aside with great care. Additionally, I intend to sell our maize harvest and tap into my husband's retirement pension. With this combined effort, I am optimistic that we can complete the construction of the water tank, creating new opportunities for our family and securing a more stable and prosperous future."
Kea's family
access_time 1 year ago
Kea received a $368 initial payment.
"I now own a decent house, all thanks to that one transfer! I feel embarrassed about the structure I used to live in before the funds. It was in a dilapidated condition, with large holes in the mud walls, and the grass-thatched roof had decayed, leaving holes that allowed water to leak in whenever it rained. Thanks to the cash transfers, I was able to spend $320 to build a new house. It is still made of mud walls, but this time with a tin roof, and to me, it represents an upgrade from the previous structure. I also spent $80 on medical bills for ear check-up. I had been struggling with hearing problems for many years, but I had never visited the hospital to have the condition checked until Give Directly provided the transfer. I am grateful because, although the condition is not fully healed, my hearing has slightly improved. Another $100 was used to repay debts from when I had borrowed to settle land disputes on my farm, which occurred even before the cash transfers. Lastly, I spent $15 to pay a deposit on a solar panel that I obtained on credit to provide lighting in my new house. I had been living with paraffin lanterns, and this solar panel has made a difference. I set aside the remaining cash, which I have been spending on buying tokens for my lighting system and purchasing food. I am more grateful because the cash transfer has reduced my dependence on my nephew."
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