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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 > Dama's Profile
Dama's family
Dama
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
69
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($512 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been operating a shop that has not been doing well since it started. I was only selling some fast moving goods only. The income was not that good, however, I am now getting a good income having added stock through the money. I also built a house for my children since they were seeking shelter from the neighborhood at night. I am glad that they now have a good place to live in.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in ensuring that the poverty that had stricken us for decades has been reduced. There is nothing that GiveDirectly doesn't do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I am operating a shop in our village which has a been a source of income and I could only afford to sell fast moving goods only. When I received my second transfer, I spent a portion of it to buy some varieties of goods to stock in my kiosk. I also took a portion of the amount to pay for dowry to my in-laws since we couldn't manage to pay it on time. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that I have a new business. I opened a shop in my compound and I expect to make a profit in return. I am well known and this provides a ready market for my business. I am very happy because I will not be relying solely on burning and selling of charcoal as well as farming. I decided to do this and went against what many people have done in the village to buy livestock. We are now experiencing drought and this may force my neighbours to sell the livestock at a throwaway price and incur losses and as for me, I will be making profits.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 11:30 am in the house when I just arrived from a little walk outside. My daughter had a message alert from my phone and on looking she informed me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. We relaxed and we were very happy and grateful to Givedirectly in our heart as we pondered on how to plan for the transfer. I was excited and knew that my dreams of starting a business had come true.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have spent part of my transfer in constructing a new house, opened a new business, bought goats and a solar panel. I used to leave in a small house built of mud and old iron sheets. The roof was leaking and whenever there was rain, I felt ashamed of it. With the money I received, I bought new iron sheets and timber to construct a new one. I also opened a shop in my compound with part of the money. I stocked the shop with maize flour, wheat and cooking oil and sell to my neighbours. Initially, I was selling charcoal and doing farming and the money I got was not enough to cater for all my needs. With the new business, I will be able to relax and the profit I will get from it will help sustain my family more comfortably. I decided to go against what most people in my village have done, that is, buying cows because now we are experiencing drought and they might sell them at a throwaway price or even most of them die. That will be a loss. So I bought two goats instead. Goats are easy to rear and can survive the dry season. Once they reproduce I will sell and save the profits for future emergencies. The remaining amount I spent on purchasing a solar panel. I don't have to buy paraffin anymore and I am also able to charge my phone, torch and radio at the comfort of my home.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means i will be able to buy livestock that i can rear and sell when need arises. Being too old to work, I prefer this venture because it will not consume much of my energy. With the rest of the transfers, I will open a shop for my daughter in law in Guruguru, not very far from where I live. This will ensure enough income for my family for food and educating my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is the happiest part of my day because it is the only time when am assured of a meal. It is the only time that my grandchildren have smiles on their faces and this gives me more joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With the failing rains in our area, one can not harvest much. This makes food security a big struggle in my household. Inadequate finances makes it even harder to get food for my family from the shops and this forces us to forego certain meals mostly breakfast and supper.