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.
Chesire's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Chesire received a $322 second payment.
"We once had access to water that we would use to irrigate our crops. Unfortunately, the water was changed to benefit those who were planting Kenyan seed corn. My current goal is to rent a small plot of land where I will mostly produce food crops for my family. Since I am getting older and can no longer perform tedious work like menial tasks, this will have a positive impact on my life."
John's family
access_time over 1 year ago
John received a $322 second payment.
"I purchased ten pieces of iron sheets and some steel when I got my second transfer. I intend to construct a more opulent home for myself using these resources. This is because I don't like where my current home is located. For a very long time, I had wanted to relocate to another area of my farm but had not been able to do so because of a lack of resources. In addition to these, I bought some millet seeds and hired some individuals to help me prepare my field for planting and weeding. Since these crops are more prevalent in our region and are drought resistant, I decided to go with them. Additionally, I spent money on a water storage tank and some food items."
Symon's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Symon received a $143 initial payment.
"Both my wife and I work as teachers, and we have two children in our family. The support we received from GiveDirectly felt like a blessing from above, especially because it arrived during the planting season, precisely when we needed it most. As soon as we received the transfer, my wife and I mutually agreed to allocate the funds toward our farming endeavors. We spent $135 on land preparation and an additional $52 on purchasing seedlings. With the remaining funds, we acquired fuel for the generator, enabling us to pump water from the nearby river. Without the timely assistance we received, none of this would have been possible. I am filled with joy, knowing that soon we will have an abundant food supply to sustain our family."
Kabon's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Kabon received a $322 second payment.
"I spent $250 of my second transfer to purchase 6 goats for rearing. Before, I had only two goats after the rest were eaten by wild animals while others died because of draught. Since goats are the only ivestock that survive in this harsh weather, they are the source of our livelihood. I also bought two water tanks for $100 to help harvest the rain water and store it. I used the rest of the transfer to pay school fees for two of my grandchildren and buy food."
Sote's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Sote received a $322 second payment.
"I spent a big percangate of my second transfer to purchase a 5000 Litre water tank. For us tk access clean water we have to send someone with a motorbike to go and buy some at a water poin which is I committed a significant portion of my second transfer to the purchase of a 5000-liter water tank. To get access to clean water, we had to send someone on a motorbike to a water station to purchase some, which is expensive because I also needed to purchase for my young goats. Since I lacked the funds to buy one, my long-held desire for a water tank remained only a dream. Givedirectly's fulfillment of this dream makes me happy. Since I already collected enough rainwater for my household requirements as well as the needs of my goats, I no longer worry as much about a lack of water. as I have to buy for my young goats too. I had always yearned for a water tank but since I did not have the fisances tk purchase it, it only became a dream. I am glad that this dream has been made a reality by Givedirectly. Nlw I do not worry about lacking water as much as I already harvested some rain water, enough for my household needs and for my goats."
Mercy's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Mercy received a $322 second payment.
"Termites have infested my home by boring into the framing and poles that were used to construct it, making them weak, hence making the house insecure day to day. In order to permanently ward off termites, I intend to renovate my home by switching out the wooden frames for metal ones. As a result, I spent around $170 on renovation-related supplies, including metal bars. Due to the high price of food right now, I also spent $160 on food for my family of five. I paid a farm laborer I hired $45 that they may dig some trenches in the farm for water irrigation."
Jenifer's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jenifer received a $322 second payment.
"The only solution to the ongoing water shortage in our area is to build a water reservoir. Even before Givedirectly came to our neighborhood, I had considered buying a water tank, but a lack of money had prevented me. So, when we were told we would receive the transfer, I seized the chance to plan and buy for a $350, 5000-liter water tank. I can collect rainwater and use it for a long time, which will help me save money as I typically spend $5 each week on water. I am glad that lack of water is no longer an issue in my household. I spent the rest of the transfer, that is approximately $90 to lease a parcel of land for cultivation where I already planted some maize."
Elizabeth's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Elizabeth enrolled.
"I have great ambitions in life especially investing in farming but the main obstacle is the financial constraints. This has placed me in a difficult situation but with the help of this cash, I am so optimistic about realizing my dream. Once I receive this money, I intend to spend $500 to buy a storage water tank. This will help me to store a lot of water to facilitate me in doing small-scale farming to produce green vegetables. This project will also require me to buy barbed wire to protect my garden and it will also cost me $300. Achieving this will mean a reliable source of income to avoid relying on my children. The remaining amount will help me to finish my toilet which is at pit level. This is, therefore, what receiving this money means to me."
Dama's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Dama received a $25 tenth payment.
"My husband sells small items like water and snacks in town to support our family. However, due to the nature of his job and limited earnings, it can sometimes be challenging for him to cover all the household expenses, including food and school fees for our three children. Fortunately, with the cash transfers I have been receiving, I can actively contribute to some of our family's needs, thereby alleviating the burden on my husband's shoulders. While our two children aged 6 and 7 currently do not attend school due to financial constraints, I remain hopeful that the cash transfers will enable me to enroll them in the future. As for now, I have been allocating $14 towards the accommodation fees of our child in grade eight and boarding school. This helps ensure that he can continue his education without any disruptions. Additionally, I allocate $10 for food expenses and save the remaining $10 through a self-help group, which allows me to build a small savings fund."
Targok's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Targok received a $143 initial payment.
"Both of my farms are away from our home and are not in a place where if I wanted to grow crops and irrigate them, it may not be possible. Therefore, when Givedirectly visited and promised us that they will send us some money, I talked to and requested a village mate to lease me a portion off his farm that is closer to where there is supply of water and I am glad that he was kind enough to do so. When I received the transfer I paid for the lease when I already started cultivating it, now I do not need to worry about my crops dying because of lack of rain as I can now irrigate it with the nearby water supply!"
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