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 > Dama's Profile
Dama's family
Dama
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($360 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If I ever come across some extra cash, my top priority is to expand my goat-rearing project. Right now, I'm proud to have two goats as a starting point, but my dream is to increase the size of my herd. This isn't just about goats; it's about securing my future. With a growing herd, I'll not only have a steady source of income but also a sense of stability that money alone can't provide. Each goat represents a step closer to financial security, and I can't wait to see my little project grow into a thriving investment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is truly exceptional. It didn't just provide financial assistance; it empowered our entire community. The way it conducted its operations, was like watching a masterclass in ethics and professionalism. What struck me the most was that it was completely non-discriminatory; it treated every person with the same respect and kindness. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I not only received the help I needed but also witnessed firsthand the positive impact this organization has on so many lives. They are more than good; they are a beacon of hope for communities like mine.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have four wonderful children, and their education means the world to me. But things had become tough. The school fees had piled up over time, and my heart ached every day as my kids stayed at home, missing out on their studies. My eldest son was in secondary school, and I used $150 from the GiveDirectly cash transfer to pay his fees. For my three younger ones in primary school, I managed to pay $100 for their overdue fees. It was such a relief to see their faces light up as they headed back to school after what felt like an eternity. With the remaining amount, I decided to make a change that brought joy to my family. My eldest son had been seeking refuge at friends' places because we could not accommodate him in our small house as he was a grown-up. It was a constant worry for me, and he lacked the freedom and security he needed. So, I used the remaining money to build a small house for him. The happiness on his face when he moved in was priceless. Finally, he had a place to call his own, and our family had the peace of mind we longed for. I'm forever grateful for the support we received from GiveDirectly.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($394 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was preoccupied with my crops and did not have time to check my phone. I had no idea GiveDirectly was going to send money that day. It was not until 7 p.m., on my way home, that a neighbor asked if I had received a transfer. Because I could not understand the messages on my phone, I called my daughter, who confirmed that I had received my first transfer. I was overjoyed because my children could now stay in class because I had cleared the fee arrears.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am relieved because the transfer allowed me to clear fee arrears for my children who are currently enrolled in high school. Paying for them on time has been difficult for me, and at times, I could only pay for some while others could stay at home for an extended period of time. My husband works casual jobs in town, and I make a living by burning charcoal. This is insufficient to pay my tuition and support my family. I am grateful because I was able to clear my children's fees, giving me enough time to prepare for the next payment, and they were able to continue their studies without interruptions due to fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 40000 of my first transfer to pay high school fees for my four children. It is been extremely difficult to raise the fees for them because my primary source of income, which has been burning and selling charcoal, was insufficient to pay for them on time. My goal as their parent is to ensure that they stay in school and achieve their career goals despite the financial difficulties that I am experiencing. I am relieved now that I have cleared their fee arrears and allowed them to continue their studies. It would have taken me a long time to raise the necessary funds and clear the arrears, and they would have returned home by now. In addition, I purchased a goat for KES 3000, which I am currently keeping on my homestead. I believe it will reproduce and, hopefully, sell the offspring when I am in financial need. I intend to purchase more livestock in the near future in order to educate my children. Finally, I purchased food for my family to ensure that they did not go hungry and had three meals a day.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have four children who are schooling. One at secondary and three at primary school. The first born son is at Changamwe Secondary with a fees structure of $400 per year. He is in form one. The other three are at Mrimani primary with a fee balance of $90 collectively. My husband and I do casual jobs with an income of approximately $40 per month which caters to food only. My children have been missing classes due to a lack of fees. I will use $500 to clear the school fees for my children so that they can settle at school and improve their performance. I will also use $500 to buy ten goats as an investment. This is a reserve to help me raise school fees for my children in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband works at Mombasa as a casual laborer. On December 2022, he brought shopping and slaughtered two chickens for the family to celebrate Christmas day. The family had last taken chicken meat two years back. It was a happy day for me and my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food shortage is the challenge I am currently facing. I have a family of six members and on an ideal situation we use 3kg of maize flour per day. This is not the case now due to famine I use 2kg per day or go without food. I do casual jobs earning $30 per month which caters for food only and it is not sufficient to sustain the family for the whole month. My children have grown weak due to lack of food.