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.
Kazungu's family
access_time 2 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."
Omar's family
access_time 2 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."
Mary's family
access_time 2 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."
Jumaa's family
access_time 2 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."
Shida's family
access_time 2 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."
Sidi's family
access_time 2 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."
Tabu's family
access_time 2 months ago
Tabu received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"I grow maize, beans, and cowpeas, both for sale and to feed my family. With seven children and four still in school, I struggled to afford fees, food, and clothes on my husband's limited income. I am immensely grateful for this project, as it has allowed me to cover school fees and expand my agricultural activities. Now, I also raise chickens and goats, alongside cultivating my land. I allocated $20 to prepare my land for planting and $14 for purchasing food and clothes for my children during the Christmas festivities. Additionally, $34 went towards settling a pending school fees debt for my children, while the remaining $34 was used to purchase two chickens, soap, and cooking oil, essential items that had run out and needed replenishing. The assistance has brought me great joy since it has truly improved our quality of life and made a difference for me and my family. With our basic needs being met, I feel hopeful about our future and grateful for the positive impact this project has had on our lives."
Kasichana's family
access_time 2 months ago
Kasichana received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"In order to ensure the uninterrupted education of my children, I am focused on utilizing the transfers to cover their school fees. During school holidays, when fee payments are not required, I plan to allocate the transfers towards investments in livestock. I admit with some embarrassment that my compound currently lacks any livestock, not even a simple chicken. This leaves me vulnerable, as I lack a fallback option during emergencies and remain entirely reliant on these transfers. To rectify this situation, I am determined to acquire livestock before the year concludes. My initial goal is to procure at least a goat and a few chickens. Allocating $10 towards the purchase of chickens and setting aside approximately $30 for a goat represents a practical starting point towards achieving this objective. By diversifying my assets in this manner, I aim to establish a more resilient financial foundation for myself and my family."
Sidi's family
access_time 2 months ago
Sidi received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"Receiving my monthly transfers has significantly impacted my ability to manage various household needs and unforeseen expenses. Upon receipt of the transfers, I allocate $10 towards savings within a local group comprising six other GiveDirectly beneficiaries. The remaining funds are then distributed across essential expenditures, including food, clothing, medical expenses, school supplies, and occasional investments, such as purchasing chickens. In November, I utilized a portion of the transfer to acquire two chickens for $10, while allocating $12 towards covering my son's medical expenses. The following month, December, saw me invest $20 in purchasing new clothes for the children. As January approached, the entirety of the $34 transfer was dedicated to procuring essential school items for my son, who was transitioning to junior secondary school. Moreover, the transfers have been instrumental in addressing unexpected emergencies, such as renovating sections of our house damaged by rainfall. By leveraging the transfers, we have been able to procure necessary construction materials, including poles, thereby advancing progress towards completing this renovation project. Overall, the transfers have served as a lifeline for managing our household's financial needs, addressing emergencies, and facilitating investments in the pursuit of long-term stability and prosperity."
Narck's family
access_time 2 months ago
Narck received a $24 eighteenth payment.
"I want to save up enough to start investing in chickens. Currently, I have three chickens, and I believe with a good investment, I can go far. Investing in chickens is really a good idea because they can easily hatch and will make a lot of profit when selling them. The aim of this investment is to make money and save up for my colleagues' school fees. Becoming a contractor is my aspiration, as I believe it will greatly benefit me in the future."
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