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.
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10 months ago
Ndoko
received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"I hope my produce will get good this season with the aim that it will help fundraise to first expand my business as I embark in college doing building and construction as I employ one to continue with the business."
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10 months ago
Johnson
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"I wish to provide a decent shelter for my family by building a 2-roomed house on which I have already started gathering materials such as iron sheets through cash transfers. I believe soon or later I will be able to achieve my dream and get the relief of achieving my main goal."
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10 months ago
Emaline
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My goal still stands I want to start vegetable farming since the rains have started, am planning that before this week comes to an end, I will go to the market and buy the seeds so that I can officially start planting them with the hope that when they mature I will sell them, make a living and at the same time be able to pay for children's school fees with less struggles."
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10 months ago
Kazungu
received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"In the future, I would like to start my garage, now that I have the skills and knowledge, am banking on monthly transfers and after I finish the project I will start a savings plan that will monthly to ensure that I create a reasonable amount to start my dream business."
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10 months ago
Jumwa
received a $27 eighteenth payment.
"My main objective for the coming year and beyond is to continue saving a portion of my monthly transfers so that I can purchase more livestock, particularly goats and chickens. Despite my advanced age, I find these animals easy to care for and maintain, and they serve as a reliable source of income when I am facing financial difficulties. At present, I own three goats and several chickens, and my goal is to breed them and increase their numbers. I can easily sell them to meet my financial needs since I do not have a steady source of income to rely on."
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10 months ago
Kadzo
received a $407 second payment.
"After building a two-room mud-walled house with my first transfer, I decided to invest $140 of the second transfer on upgrading my living conditions. I purchased two modern standard beds for each room, along with a comfortable mattress for $60. Now, I sleep peacefully and comfortably, a significant improvement from the small traditional bed I used before. With security being a top priority, I allocated $150 towards a burglary door, reinforcing the main entrance of my home. Feeling safer, I no longer worry about potential threats, knowing that my house is secure.
Despite these essential purchases, I still had $157 left from the transfer. Wanting to enhance both security and convenience, I plan to invest in a set of solar panels and lighting systems. Currently relying on a small traditional lamp fueled by expensive paraffin, the solar lighting will not only provide sustainable energy but also contribute to better security around my home. With these improvements, I can look forward to a brighter and safer future for myself and my home."
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10 months ago
Sidi
received a $423 initial payment.
"With the money I received, I made an essential decision to ensure the safety of my family. Our old house was on the brink of collapse, posing a constant threat to our well-being. Determined to provide a secure shelter, I embarked on the construction of a new two-room mud wall house. I purchased 20 pieces of iron sheets for $210 and building poles for $60, laying the foundation for a safer dwelling. Now, seeing my family nestled in our new home brings me immense relief and happiness, knowing that they are protected from the dangers of our dilapidated former house.
Moreover, I seized the opportunity to invest in my daughter Lucy's education. With $40, I settled her school fees, ensuring she could sit for her grade six examinations. Lucy had missed her exams three times due to unpaid fees, and witnessing her return to school filled me with peace and pride. I also allocated a portion of the remaining funds to purchase essential food supplies for my family, while setting aside the rest as a safety net for any unforeseen emergencies that may arise."
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10 months ago
Samson
received a $423 initial payment.
"With the money I received, I prioritized the health and comfort of my family. Firstly, I allocated $150 towards completing the construction of our pit latrine. Hygiene is crucial for a healthy household, and having a proper toilet facility ensures that we can maintain cleanliness and prevent diseases. Additionally, I invested $120 in replacing the grass-thatched roof of our house with iron sheets. This upgrade has vastly improved our living conditions, especially during the rainy season when we used to endure leaks. Hiring a contractor to install the new roof cost $45, but it was a worthwhile expense for the safety and comfort of my family.
After securing these essential improvements, I used the remaining money to address other pressing needs. With a portion of it, I purchased clothes for my family, ensuring they had decent attire. The rest went towards buying food, ensuring that we had enough to sustain us without worrying about hunger. Now, as I look around our home, I feel a deep sense of contentment knowing that we have a proper pit latrine, a well-roofed house, and the necessities to live comfortably."
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10 months ago
Eunice
received a $424 initial payment.
"Receiving monetary assistance from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. Before, I struggled to make ends meet with only occasional work, while my husband's salary from the municipal council barely covered our family's basic needs. Our home had a leaking and almost open roof that I couldn't afford to fix all at once. However, with financial support, I was finally able to purchase the necessary iron sheets to repair the roof, ensuring that my family had a safe and secure shelter. This act not only alleviated the constant worry about the roof collapsing but also brought a newfound sense of stability and security to our lives. Now, we can rest easy knowing that our home is protected from the harsh weather, and I can focus on finding more sustainable ways to support my family."
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10 months ago
Dama
received a $424 second payment.
"GiveDirectly excels in providing unconditional cash transfers, allowing recipients like me to use the money according to our most pressing needs. This flexibility is crucial because everyone's circumstances are different, and we know best what will benefit us the most. However, one area where GiveDirectly could improve is providing more guidance or resources for recipients to make informed decisions on how to invest or utilize the funds effectively. This could include financial literacy training or access to entrepreneurial resources, empowering individuals to make the most out of the assistance provided, and fostering long-term sustainability."
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