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 > Tabu's Profile
Tabu's family
Tabu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Forestry (e.g rubber tapping)
faceAge:
66
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($465 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After putting the second transfer into the plans I had for it, I developed two extra goals which I am struggling to accomplish, and once I get some money these goals will be the priorities. I am planning to construct a house for my son and ensure that he has smooth learning by paying his school fees in time so that he can concentrate on his studies and by doing so he will perform well.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly uplifted my living standard. It empowered me to construct a house, buy cows, and also use the first transfer I paid fees for my children. If it were not for GiveDirectly I guess all these things would be a nightmare and I would be struggling in life to make ends meet. The organization did a remarkable program and we are happy about it. We would like it to come again and again if possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving and withdrawing the second transfer money, I decided to fix the roof of my house which I built using the first transfer. I cannot clearly state the actual amount used in the roofing since my son is the one who was in charge and he wrote everything it’s only that he is not around today but I would have given you the detailed information. I also bought two calves for KES 6500.00 but unfortunately, one calf died. Regarding the drought that had struck our area, I used the rest of the money in buying food for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($506 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was travelling to neighbour's home when I received the Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Being illiterate, I had to wait until l reached home for the helper to confirm the receipt of my transfer. I was filled with joy after realizing that I have received the transfer which will transform my life for the better.
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 am living a stress free life after receiving the transfer. I no longer have to worry during the rain season after constructing a decent and spacious shelter for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $370 of my transfer to construct a decent house for my family by purchasing building materials including 22 iron sheets, building poles and paying labour charges. This is because the house that I had was old, grass- thatched and leaks during the rain season. Furthermore, I bought school uniforms for my 3 children who are still in lower primary, the were wearing worn out uniforms and I was always feeling ashamed as a parent. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase sufficient food stuffs for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow who was left with 3 small children. Life has not been easy since my husband died. At night I normally experience nightmares and it has been hard for me to sleep. He was buried in my compound just next to my main door. This is according to culture. Due to this reason, I always have fresh memories in my mind because I can not avoid seeing the grave. Receiving this transfer means building a house out of the compound. I am planning to spend 80,000 shillings on the construction. This is going to make me avoid the fresh memories I have after seeing the grave. It is hard to forget him completely because he has been a great person but at least I will have comfort when I distance myself from the gravesite. Other than that, I am planning to spend the remaining transfers to clear fee balances for my kids who are still in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is my happiest part of the day. This is because I can sit and chat with my neighbors. The laughter frees me from stress .Unlike at night when I experience unpleasant dreams due to the death of my husband.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a widow and the only breadwinner in my family has been a challenge. I work as a charcoal vendor. This job is tiresome and earns me 900 shillings in a week which is not guaranteed. Due to this problem, meeting my basic needs such as school fees has been a challenge. Therefore, lack of a good source of income is my biggest hardship.