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.
Shabani's family
access_time 30 days ago
Shabani received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my main objective is to focus on investing in a goat-rearing project. Goats are less costly in terms of maintenance, and if I need to sell some, there is always a ready market. I thought of this project because, once these transfers come to an end, I want to have something to rely on. Additionally, I have school-going children, and if they are sent home for fee balances, I can sell some goats to pay for their education, along with other basic necessities. In a nutshell, I plan to use them as a financial cushion for unexpected emergencies. I aim to use funds from my upcoming transfers to purchase these goats, providing my family with additional income to address future needs. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities provided by this program, as they have played a significant role in improving my life."
Anastasia's family
access_time 30 days ago
Anastasia received a $425 initial payment.
"It was at 4pm when I was washing clothes at home and my 3 year old had my phone watching cartoons and I heard a message. When I went to check the message, I was very excited on learning that it was the transfers, I immediately called my husband to relay the good news but he was unreachable. I went back to my evening chores and later called him at 6pm and he was very excited and he promised to come home that evening. The first thing that I thought of was how we were going to build our house."
Florence's family
access_time 30 days ago
Florence received a $427 initial payment.
"I can't express how grateful I am for the changes that have come into my life after receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly. One of the biggest differences is that I've been able to build a house with an iron roof. My previous house, which was roofed with palm leaves, collapsed about ten years ago, leaving me without a proper home for a long time. Since then, I had been staying with my son in his house, which was never an ideal situation for either of us. Now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I finally have a house of my own that I am about to move into. I'm eagerly awaiting the second transfer, as it will allow me to complete the construction and make the house fully livable. Once I receive that, I will be able to move in and enjoy the comfort and security of my own home. This has truly been a life-changing experience for me, and I am so thankful for it."
Changawa's family
access_time 1 month ago
Changawa received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My main objective is to enhance our farming operations by acquiring two bulls. Currently, we manage four acres of our family land, and the cost of preparing it is high, requiring us to hire a tractor at $10 per acre. This cost restricts our farming capabilities, prompting the need to invest in bulls that can increase our cultivation on unused land. Each mid-sized bull costs around $300. Initially, I plan to purchase two and expand gradually as the business grows. To achieve this goal, I save a portion of my transfer in our savings group. These bulls will not only help cultivate our land but also generate income through good harvests and sales, meeting our family's financial needs. Moreover, I will use them to plow other people's land for a fee, generating additional income to buy more bulls in the near future."
Jumwa's family
access_time 1 month ago
Jumwa received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"My goal is to save enough funds to purchase land, freeing my family from our reliance on my grandfather's hospitality. While he has provided us with land, I fear he may ask us to buy it or leave since we don't legally own it. Securing our own land will allow us to build a stable and secure home for my family. That's why I save part of my transfer every month for this purpose. Another important goal is to ensure my children can attend school without worrying about school fees. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly transfers have provided us."
Kalume's family
access_time 1 month ago
Kalume received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"As I had planned earlier to invest in watermelon farming, I couldn't proceed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Instead, I decided to focus on investing in a goat rearing business. I've begun saving part of my transfer for this project because goats multiply quickly, and I can sell some if I need money for other projects. This season, I also invested in maize farming, planting a larger area expecting a bumper harvest. Unfortunately, we didn't receive enough rain, and harsh weather conditions destroyed everything. This experience has reinforced the importance of having a backup plan, such as goat rearing."
Changawa's family
access_time 1 month ago
Changawa received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"Initially, my plan was to build a new house for my family, as the one we were living in was not in the best condition. However, due to limited resources, I had to restructure my plans and opt for a renovation instead. I am happy with the progress I have made on the house renovation, as it will provide my family with a more comfortable and durable living environment. Additionally, to secure a financially sustainable future for my family, I have decided to focus more on expanding my chicken farming business. During school breaks, when I don't have to pay school fees for that month, I plan to use some of the transfers to purchase additional chickens. My hope is that these chickens will multiply and increase in number, allowing me to eventually sell them and use the profits to cater for my family's needs and pay my children's school fees. I am grateful for the support I have received from GiveDirectly, as it has enabled me to make these important investments in my family's future."
Furaha's family
access_time 1 month ago
Furaha received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest in a goat-rearing project to create a dependable financial resource once my transfers end. Goats multiply, so in case of a financial crisis, like paying my children's fees, I can sell some to cover those costs. This project will enable me to provide basic needs for my family and serve as a reminder of the support I received from my transfers. By purchasing livestock, I can create a sustainable source of income. Ensuring my children have access to a good education will secure their future and enable them to support us in return."
Andrew's family
access_time 1 month ago
Andrew received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"As an aspiring agribusiness entrepreneur, I have a deep passion for expanding my current chicken rearing project into something bigger. My dream is to eventually venture into cattle farming as well. I know the journey ahead is not an easy one, given my limited resources. However, I am determined to achieve my goals. I plan to continue with my chicken rearing project, hoping the flock will multiply and increase in number. I will then sell some of the chickens and use the proceeds to buy goats. I am hopeful that the goat herd too will also grow in size and value as well. Once I have built up a sizable herd of goats, I intend to use the profits from selling some of them to purchase cows. The female cows will be kept for breeding and milk production for sell, while the male cows will be sold at a higher price when fully grown. This will allow me to reinvest the profits into acquiring more young cows for rearing and selling. Alongside my agribusiness plans, I will continue to use the GiveDirectly transfers to pay for my children's school fees. Once my agribusiness project has reached its peak and is generating substantial profits, I plan to use those earnings to further educate my children. I am hopeful that this dream of mine will come true, as it holds immense significance for both myself and my family. The prospect of building a successful agribusiness and securing my children's education fills me with a deep sense of determination and optimism."
Fondo's family
access_time 1 month ago
Fondo received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to continue my studies and pursue a career as a journalist, advocating for the voiceless in society. I strongly believe in doing things correctly and in the equality of all individuals. Injustice deeply troubles me, and I am committed to promoting peace. As a future journalist, I aspire to enlighten people's minds through education. I plan to study diligently and save enough to make my dream come true."