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.
Wilson's family
access_time 2 months ago
Wilson received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"As I said earlier I achieved my dream of putting up a watching place. I am lucky that now the African cup of nations games are on, I get clients in the volume of the popularity of the game or teams in play. I would want to have more services to encourage more people into coming to my place of business,I hope to save= my transfers as well my earnings so that I get a fridge which I will use to store drinks so that when its hot like now people can always come in to buy water of soda as they watch something."
Jumaa's family
access_time 2 months ago
Jumaa received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"The positive outcomes I've experienced on my farm, particularly in cultivating watermelons, potatoes, and maize, serve as a motivating force to further invest in this agricultural venture. Presently engaged in harvesting watermelon, the anticipation of a bumper yield instills confidence in the prospect of earning a substantial income upon the completion of sales. I express profound happiness and gratitude for the financial support provided through the transfers, which has facilitated my involvement in a fulfilling economic activity that generates income and aligns with my passion."
Mwanajuma's family
access_time 2 months ago
Mwanajuma received a $21 twenty-second payment.
"My primary achievement for the year is to accumulate sufficient funds from the transfers, enabling me to purchase bulls. These bulls hold significant importance in enhancing various aspects of my life. Initially, they will be utilized to plow and prepare my land, eliminating the associated costs. Additionally, I intend to generate income by offering these services to others. In times of dry weather, the bulls will prove invaluable in fetching water from locations exceeding 10 kilometers away. I express profound gratitude for the transfers, recognizing their instrumental role in helping me realize my goal and subsequently improving the quality of my life."
Caneline's family
access_time 2 months ago
Caneline received a $279 third payment.
"Receiving GiveDirectly's support of $450 marked a significant turning point in my life. Firstly, I spent $80 on maize, our staple food. It was a top priority, as securing food had become a challenging task for our family of 13. Given I have no stable job, and my daily activities range from casual labor to weaving ropes and carrying water for payment, ensuring a steady food supply was essential. My husband, whose income from selling goats is inconsistent due to fluctuating market days, also faces financial unpredictability. In addition to this, I invested $50 in a female goat, adding to the 20 we already have. This purchase was not just an addition to our livestock but also served as a living memory of GiveDirectly's generosity. These goats are crucial to our livelihood, as we occasionally sell one or two during tough times. I allocated $30 for school shoes and $14 for school sweaters for two of my children, ensuring they have their school requirements. In addition, $200 I spent on paying school fees for my son in high school. During the December holiday, a significant family event took place – the circumcision of my three sons. This cultural milestone required finances. I used $76 to cover part of the necessary items, including food for the occasion. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has brought hope and stability to my family. Their assistance has helped us through immediate challenges and provided a foundation for a more secure future."
Esther's family
access_time 2 months ago
Esther received a $21 eighteenth payment.
"Last year, my house suffered severe damage due to heavy rains, leaving it in a deteriorated state. My primary objective now is to construct a new house in a different location, away from water paths, to prevent future destruction during heavy rainfall. I express deep gratitude for the financial assistance received through the transfers, which has proven instrumental in providing education for my children despite the limited income derived from both my husband's and my casual employment."
Victor's family
access_time 2 months ago
Victor received a $277 third payment.
"Looking ahead to the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into vegetable farming as an additional source of income for my family of five. The water pump, acquired through the transfers, will play a crucial role in irrigating the crops during the dry season, ensuring a successful harvest. To initiate this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital of $100. My plan is to raise this amount through casual jobs, particularly land clearing. This approach not only provides the necessary funds for the initial investment but also aligns with my commitment to actively contribute to the success of the vegetable farming venture. I am optimistic that, with careful planning and dedication, the upcoming year will bring positive changes and increased prosperity for my family. The combination of the water pump and the additional income from vegetable farming holds the potential for a more sustainable and diversified livelihood. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new venture may bring."
Jumwa's family
access_time 2 months ago
Jumwa received a $21 twenty-second payment.
"The roofing of my residence is in dire need of repair. The aging, rusty, and perforated iron sheets allow rainwater to seep in during downpours. Upon joining the cash program, I made the decision to acquire 33 new iron sheets through a hire purchase arrangement. These new iron sheets will facilitate the comprehensive refurbishment of the entire roof, replacing the old, deteriorated ones. To cover the cost, I commit to paying $28 in monthly installments for the iron sheets, with a total of $112 already remitted. Utilizing the remaining $18, I settled the school fees for my son, who is in class six at Ikanga Primary School. Despite earning a modest income from a charcoal vending business, I am optimistic that soon, I will have a comfortable home with improved living conditions. The invaluable financial support from the transfers has been instrumental in realizing this progress, for which I am deeply grateful."
Irine's family
access_time 2 months ago
Irine received a $276 second payment.
"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly marked a turning point in my life. With this significant amount, I allocated the funds to address various pressing needs. First, I spent $117.5 on food. Securing food has always been a challenge, as we rely on casual jobs and small-scale farming. We depend on rainfed agriculture since accessing water for irrigation is difficult due to the distance from a water source. We focus on short-season crops, as these are the only ones we can grow with certainty, provided we time them right. Living on the border has its own set of challenges. Our neighboring community once stole seven cows and thirty goats, a significant blow to our livelihood. My husband and I work together in farming to support our family of 11. We have nine children, three of whom have completed higher studies, while the rest are still in school. The payment of school fees has always felt like an unattainable dream. However, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I allocated $232.5 for this purpose. The relief and gratitude I felt are indescribable. I thank God for this incredible assistance. With the festive season, I also wanted to bring some joy to my family. Therefore, I spent $100 on clothes for the Christmas holiday. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly. Their support provided immediate and instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, for which we are grateful."
Kabon's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kabon received a $276 second payment.
"I plan to invest in fruit cultivation, specifically pawpaws and mangoes. These fruits thrive remarkably well in our region and have the added advantage of requiring minimal water during their growth stages. Mangoes reach maturity in about three years, offering a long-term yield, while pawpaws are remarkably fast-growing, maturing in just three months. What makes it more appealing is the ready market for these fruits. Buyers often come directly to the farm to purchase them, simplifying the selling process. This aspect of the business will significantly enhance our farm's sustainability by diversifying our sources of income. By not relying solely on livestock and the often unpredictable returns from crop production, we can alleviate the financial stress of such uncertainties. It is crucial for our family, especially when considering the school fees for our children. This diversification ensures that we have a more balanced and resilient financial foundation. It offers us the security of knowing that even if one aspect of our farming practice faces challenges, we have other income streams to rely on."
Lydia's family
access_time 2 months ago
Lydia received a $276 third payment.
"Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I decided to use $300 of it to build a new house. Previously, I lived in a makeshift dwelling, and this investment significantly improved my living conditions. Another $100 was allocated to tapping water. Before, I used to travel 4 kilometers to fetch water, but now having it at home is a great convenience. The availability of water will serve two purposes. Firstly, it will be used for my livestock, ensuring their well-being. Secondly, I plan to utilize the water to irrigate fruits such as avocado and bananas, which thrive in our region. This not only enhances our home use but also opens up opportunities for commercial purposes. The investment in housing and water infrastructure is a significant step towards a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle for me and my family."
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