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 > Dama's Profile
Dama's family
Dama
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($526 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?
My two children had completed their primary school late last year but they could not collect their certificates upon completion. They owed the school KES 10000. Being a single mother after separation from my spouse for the last ten years, I have been selling charcoal on a small scale to meet my family's needs which would barely meet all the needs. I tried all I could to reduce the arrears but my efforts proved futile. With the transfers from GiveDirectly, I have been able to clear the remaining balance. My children have been allowed to collect their certificates. To me, reducing these arrears makes the biggest difference in my daily life because they have already enrolled in secondary school. My greatest joy is seeing my children pursuing their goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well on choosing and enrolling needy households. At least our lives are now different. The money has empowered me economically since I bought my motorcycle to provide taxi services from which I earn extra income. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I added my savings from the merry go round on to the second transfer and bought a brand new motorcycle.which has now become a source of income to us.I am happy that this motorcycle is giving us enough money to cater to our family's needs effectively.I have employed my nephew to provide the taxi services from Bamba center to Mombasa since he has proven to be more trustworthy to this business.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The transfer enabled us to own livestock precisely a cow and a bull. First, I now have a pair of oxen to aid me in my farming. In the past, I could hire oxen from my neighbors during the planting seasons but the problem with this arrangement was that I ended up preparing my farm late. Having my own pair will greatly help when the planting season comes since I will use my own to do the work. Secondly, I am now getting milk from the cow that I was able to buy through this money. I plan to sell the surplus in the nearby market to earn some cash.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember seeing a message notification on my phone early that morning. On checking to confirm what it was all about, I realized that GiveDirectly had sent my first transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy and knew in my heart that most of my goals were going to be accomplished.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I am a proud owner of livestock that I purchased using my first transfer. I had an ox but for a very long time, my plan was to buy another one so as to make up a pair. For this reason, I managed to buy one worth KES 25000. This pair will aid me in my farming. Additionally, I also bought a dairy cow at KES 26000 which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I am glad that I have started getting milk for my family's consumption. I am no longer incurring milk expenses. The other advantage is that, as this cow reproduces, I will be having more calves which I can even sell in case of emergencies. The remaining amount of money was spent on purchasing some building materials to enable me to construct a decent house.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means being able to sort out the food crisis in our family. I plan to buy oxen and ox plough to help me expand my farming to increase my yields, this will cost 40,000 shillings. I will also spend 30,000 on 10 indigenous goats to enable me meet my children's educational needs in future. The rest will be used to construct a bedroom for myself so I can have some privacy since most of my kids are all grown.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day is characterized by hard labor. I wake up early to go to the farm and later uprooting trunks for charcoal making or seeking casual jobs in Bamba town such as washing people's clothes etc. I always look forward to evening when I can rest and regain my strength.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of finances to meet my family's expenses such as food and education. 2 dollars a day for food and other needs for 10 people is quite a struggle. We are often forced to skip a meal or two and my kids are sent home frequently due to fee balances of almost 7000 shillings.