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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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Tabu's Profile
Tabu's family
Tabu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
48
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Having the goats in my homestead in my compound had made to be different than how it would have been. This is becasue some have started reproducing and very soon then will multiply. I will later decide on the project I would which to start from the sale of some of the offsprings. In the meantime, in case of any emergency, I will sell matured offsprings and cater to the need. Also having renovated my house makes me happy because maybe sometime later my house could collapse. Lastly the fact that I cleared fees for my children has at least brought relief to me becasue they were always sent home to collect fees. They used to stay for weeks before they could return and as a result missing exams.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well especially after fulfilling the promise of sending the money on time appropriately. Also, the money was non-refundable and allow us to use the money according to our heart desires I do not see any part that the organization failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying several building materials which include nails, timber, iron sheets, and building poles. This was purposely forb the renovation of my initial hose because the walls were weak and almost collapsing, during the rainy seasons we sed to be rained on because of the old roof. Also, I bought a goat that currently serves as the lining investment that I am now depending on. In addition, I cleared school fees for my children who are in secondary and primary respectively. Wit the remaing amount I bought enough foodstuff for my children and some other household items such mattress and plastic chairs, and jerricans
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2 pm when we were taking lunch with my family when my mobile phone started vibrating. One of my sons decided to check who it could be. Upon checking, he confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly they had finally debited my first transfer as promised. I was overwhelmed with joy and we even stopped whatever we were doing and started celebrating and praising the Lord for the blessings.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have six goats. I have been yearning to keep them for a long but they were too expensive and I could not afford to purchase them with my own money.  I also had some other needs to cater for which include the daily meals, school fees, and many more. I am hoping very soon they will multiply since currently, some have started reproducing. My wish is then they increase in number I will start a business of buying and selling of the matured offspring and grate an income. Since this business is so lucrative in my region I believe it will pick within a short period of time and get good returns.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my forst transfer on buying some livestock which includes six goats. Also, I bought some building materials such as some pieces of iron sheets, timber, and nails. This was for the renovation of my house which has a leaky roof. Also, I cleared school fees arrears for my daughter who is in secondary school. In addition to that, I bought some stationaries and new school uniforms to replace the previous ones which were in bad condition. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a good shelter for my family. This is because my current house is damaged and its no longer safe for us. The walls are almost collapsing since the mud was eroded by rain. Besides, it is not so spacious hence cannot accommodate all of us, forcing my older children to sleep in my relative's house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Nothing makes me happier than putting food on the table for my children. This has made it a norm for me hustle everyday in order to put a smile on their faces. I am therefore happier in the evening after earning the little I could to support my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest hardship. This is attributed to inconsistent rainfall patterns yet we depend on subsistence farming for food. In a good season I get around 3 bags of maize, food that lasts us for only 4 months. This means we have to buy for the rest of the year but we do not earn enough to sustain us. It is therefore very common for my children to stay hungry for almost 3 days, something which hurts me a lot.