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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Thabu's Profile
Thabu's family
Thabu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
40
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($354 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, I am filled with optimism as I plan to venture into extensive green grain farming as a source of income. Alongside this, I have another ambitious goal: to open a grocery business. These endeavors are not just personal aspirations; they are vital steps towards providing for my family of four. To make this a reality, I intend to utilize the proceeds from our maize farm, which I hope will flourish through careful cultivation and hard work. Additionally, I have plans to capitalize on the growth of our goat herd. Once they breed, I will sell some of the goats, contributing to the funds needed to kickstart the grocery business. The combination of these income streams presents a pathway to a more stable and prosperous future for my family. I look forward to embracing the opportunities that the coming year holds and working towards achieving these goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been a transformative force in my life, and I am profoundly grateful for the changes it has brought. With their assistance, I have been able to acquire valuable assets and now have a farm to cultivate. These changes have provided a foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for me and my family. As of now, I am elated with the positive impact of GiveDirectly, and I believe that their approach is effective and meaningful. There is no immediate need for change, as the support I have received has had a profound and lasting influence on my well-being and that of others in my community. It is a testament to the power of assistance and the hope it can bring into the lives of those in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our livelihood revolves around farming, and despite the setbacks and challenges we have faced, I never lost hope. I encountered a painful experience when I was robbed of my property that I purchased with the transfers, but that did not deter me from pursuing my dreams and providing a better life for my family. To avoid further conflicts, I made the difficult decision to leave my matrimonial home. My aim was to escape from the persistent wrangles and work towards constructing a house for my family. This move was a significant step towards securing a stable and peaceful future for my loved ones. Therefore, receiving the much-anticipated transfers was a turning point in my journey. With a clear vision in mind, I spent $163 to acquire goats, recognizing the potential they held as assets for my family's future. The remaining funds were dedicated to purchasing essential food supplies, ensuring that my family of four would not go hungry. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the assistance.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($384 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At approximately 4 pm, a soft chime from my phone broke the stillness of the afternoon. Since I'm unable to read, I turned to my trusted helper, passing him the device in anticipation. As he deciphered the message, his face lit up, confirming the incredible news about the first transfer from GiveDirectly had been deposited into my account. My heart swelled with joy, relief, and gratitude flooded through me in an overwhelming rush. This was the tangible beginning of my journey with GiveDirectly, a journey that held the promise of a better life for my family and me. Unable to contain my elation, I let out ululations of happiness, a spontaneous expression of disbelief and amazement that such an unexpected stroke of luck could find its way to someone like me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a lifeline that transformed my world in ways I could only dream of. The weight of a year's worth of unpaid school fees for my children was finally lifted off my shoulders, and with it came a profound sense of peace and relief. No longer burdened by debt, I could focus on securing a brighter future. The prospect of owning a house, something I never thought possible, became a tangible reality as I purchased all the necessary materials and eagerly awaited the arrival of the contractor. The days of relying on my brother's kindness for shelter, after my own house had collapsed, were soon to be a distant memory. GiveDirectly didn't just provide me with financial assistance; they handed me the key to independence and a fresh start.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
By the time I received the first transfer, I had already planned on building a house because the one I had collapsed and I was living in my brother's house. Therefore, I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets, ridges, roofing nails, and some building poles. The cost of these materials was $250. I also bought a mattress for $30 because I was sleeping on empty sacks. Apart from that, I paid $60 in school fees for my two primary children. Currently, I am a happy woman because I know very soon my house will be ready. As of now, I sleep in my brother's house though it is always uncomfortable to be in someone's house. You lack confidence and authority in the house. I also bought some food using the remaining amount. Hunger was a challenging factor since we have been without rain for the last three farming seasons.
 
Enrolled
access_time 11 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am in a polygamous kind of marriage. The husband lives with the second wife at Malindi he rarely comes home and also he does not support me in anything. I have two children and I do casual jobs buy food for the family and pay school fees. My house collapsed due to the last year's heavy rains and I was given a room to accommodate my family by sister in-law. My casual work gives me approximately $50 per month which caters for food and school fees for my two sons at Mirihini primary school. What I earn is not enough to enable me build a house for the family. I will use $600 to build a two room house for the family . I will also use $300 to buy six goats as an investment. This will help me raise school fees for my sons once they join secondary school. The remaining money will help me buy food for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family has been going without food for sometimes. This is due to lack of reliable job. On March this year, We received rain in our community . I did farming in my two acre piece of land and the rains are doing well. This gives me happiness because soon I will harvest alot of maize for the family to have food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband has two wives I being the first one. He lives at Malindi with the second wife . I live here with my two sons and bring them alone. I do casual job and some times go without any job. This makes my family go without food. I depend on neighbors sometimes. Lack of reliable job is the challenge I am currently facing in life.