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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Completed
Newsfeed > Talai's Profile
Talai's family
Talai
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
75
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to buy a water tank. Fetching water from the available wells has become increasingly challenging with my current age, and with the assistance of my daughter, we've resorted to ordering water through motorbikes, which can be costly. Additionally, I prioritize monitoring my health and regularly visit the hospital for check-ups. To support these efforts, I engage in robe-making and use the proceeds to purchase water, as having a convenient and reliable water source is essential for my well-being and daily life. This is what I hope to accomplish in the near future to improve my living conditions.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has had a significant positive impact on our lives, and we are truly grateful for their help. We could see the organization's commitment to assisting people through their thorough approach of visiting every household in our village and providing equal attention and support to each member. The provision of unconditional cash support was an exceptional approach that other organizations should consider adopting. This approach enabled us to make informed decisions about our spending and appreciate the outcomes we achieve despite the challenges we encounter, as they result from our choices.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the last transfer, I had already constructed my house, and the only remaining task was to complete the floors, which I had planned with the help of my daughter, Jeniffer, using part of the final transfer. I allocated $79 to purchase cement and sand and pay for the water used during the floor furnishing. I am delighted that the house is now complete, and it's easy to clean, especially at my old age when I might have needed to hire someone to clean. I spent $69 on the transportation of construction materials and labor charges. Another $124 went into buying two sacks of dry maize grains for food, ensuring that my grandchild does not go hungry while at home. I also used $100 to pay school fees for my grandchild, who is currently in secondary school. With the remaining $80, I bought two goats to add to the two I am currently rearing, alongside my daughter's herd. This not only provides financial security but also gives me hope of selling them in the future to buy food and pay school fees for my grandchildren.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($322 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After their father passed away, their mother remarried, leaving my four grandchildren in my care. In addition to my daughter helping me when she can, I have been doing my best to satisfy all of their needs. I intend to continue helping these children as much as I can and to give them any resources they need to continue with their education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The excellent officials at Givedirectly take the time to talk to you and make sure you understand everything; they are so kind to us. This is what I appreciate about them. I'm also appreciative that they provided assistance in our region because we are so in need. However, there is one thing I can ask for: please keep providing assistance to us as we still require it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Building myself a separate house to serve as a kitchen took up a significant portion of the initial transfer. We have always cooked outside because my family of five, which includes four grandchildren, only has one house where we can all sleep. We frequently had to wait until the rain stopped during the rainy season for us to cook because it is impossible when it is raining. Because of this, I made the decision to build a kitchen which cost $320. The remaining of the transfer was used to till my land after I also paid $57 towards the school fees for my grandchildren, who are currently enrolled in various stages of education, with the eldest being in form three.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($134 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Upon receiving the first transfer, I was in the company of my daughter and helper, Jennifer, who provided assistance in reading the message and verifying the reception of the money from the mobile money service. The news of the receipt of the transfer was exciting, and my daughter, who serves as both my helper and daughter, was equally overjoyed, knowing that the support I received would ease her burden in providing for me. Following the withdrawal process, my daughter gave me a portion of the money as I had previously provided her with a list outlining all that I intended to accomplish.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since the passing of my grandson's father and the departure of his mother to marry another man, I have been responsible for his upbringing. Despite my lack of resources, I have always remained optimistic about his education. However, the most significant impact on my daily life has been the generous and unconditional support provided by GiveDirectly, which allowed me to pay for my grandson's entire school term fees. I am grateful for this support, which has relieved me of the constant worry about his education and provided him with the opportunity to continue his studies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Five years ago, my grandson's father passed away, and his mother left him with me to pursue a new relationship. Since then, I have been taking care of him as my own. Upon receiving the first transfer, I felt a strong need to secure my grandson's education by paying his school fees, which amounted to $80. I wanted him to have ample time to learn and thrive, and seeing his joy at the news was a heartwarming experience. Additionally, I spent $2 on a simple chair and $7 on three pairs of my second-hand dresses. I also bought two water cans for $3 and spent $60 on foodstuff that has been sustaining us ever since. As I eagerly await the second transfer, I plan to buy more food to ensure our continued well-being. i saved the remaining $30 for future purchases of household goods. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for the support that has made a significant difference in my life and that of my grandson.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When my husband passed on ten years ago, I was devastated since he was our breadwinner. I sold all the livestock we had to take my last-born daughter to school and until now I have not acquired any as old age has caught up with me. I depend on my children to provide for me and my wish is to be financially independent. This transfer will enable me to achieve that because I will use the first transfer to buy ten goats and from the second transfer add ten chickens to my other five. The rest of the money will go into ensuring we have enough food that can last us several months. Give directly transfers is a prayer answered as I will be financially independent in a few months to come lifting off the burden from my children. I am thankful to God and excited to live the rest of my years happy again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The joy of every parent is to see their children and grandchildren excelling in life. I was elated when my granddaughter passed her primary school exams a month ago. She will join a prestigious secondary school and later on build her dream future as she aspires to be a doctor.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We live in a semi-arid area, it hardly rains, and even if it does it is not enough for farming. In my old age, I solely depend on my children to provide food for me and my two orphaned grandchildren. I feel we are so much of a burden to them since they also have their own families to raise. If I had fertile land, I would grow my food and rear livestock but that's not the case. We take two meals in a day and sometimes once. Lack of proper nutrition has weakened me and made me susceptible to diseases.