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:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
47
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I was able to boost my livelihood by purchasing more goats. Previously, I only had few animals because I sold most of them to feed the family and educate my child. I also have a decent one-roomed house for the family. Before, I use to reside in a small, temporary grass-thatched structure which I erected after my house collapsed 2 years ago. For all those years, I had not been able to construct a new one due to the financial challenge since I am the only breadwinner because my husband can't work due to his deteriorating health conditions because of old age. I also have enough food for the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for helping the less privilege households in my village with nonrefundable cash transfer. Through this transfer, I was able to built a decent house for the family something that I would not imagine to have accomplish very easily without the transfer. I do not see anything that it does wrong.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25000 of my transfer to improve my goats rearing activities which I have been doing for over 15 years now, I purchased 5 goats at KES 5000 each. In addition, I used KES 6000 to clear the term one fee arrear for my daughter who is in secondary school. She was frequently at home due to the fee balances something that make me worried about her future. I also saved KES 10000 for any financial emergency that might arise like my daughter's educational needs. The remainng amount assist me in purchasing enough food for the family this is because we are experiencing famine in our area and sometimes we had to eat wild food for our survival.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($514 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by the loud vibration at exactly 3 AM. I was a bit surprised and anxious at the same time. Therefore without wasting time, I decided to check the content of the notification. Only to realize it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirctly, I was over excited and I could not afford to sleep till dawn.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I am now a proud owner of a spacious decent house is the biggest difference in my daily life. It has been my dream to construct a better and more spacious house but I could not afford to purchase the materials needed due to my financial status. My previous house was a small, old grass-thatched that was one of its rooms had collapsed some time back. Therefore this forced some of my family members to stay with our relatives and my properties had to stay in the open which was very insecure. However, after the completion of our house, this problem was solved. I am glad that my children can now stay comfortable and have ample space and time to study. Courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer buying some building materials such as building poles, iron sheets, timber, and ropes. This was for the construction of a new house since the previous one was in critical condition and very small. During the rainy season, it was so frustrating becasue we used to be rained on till dawn or seek shelter from our neighbors. Also, I am planning to buy goats that will serve as the living assets that I can depend on. To add to that, I saved the money for my children's school fees once they resume school. With the remaining amount, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Our house collapsed 3 years ago due to heavy rains. Since then we haven't been able to build a new one due to financial constraint. We live in a very poor structure that is risking our lives as it can be carried away anytime. Receiving this money therefore means building a better house for my family and give them a chance to enjoy their right to good shelter. In addition to this, I will start a goat rearing project to give me a reliable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Happiness comes from within and I do not have specific time when I am happy. I am a jovial person who loves interacting with others and this happens everyday of my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Not only do we depend on subsistence farming but also burn charcoal for a living. The nature of this job is cumbersome hence we are not so productive. In this regard we produce roughly 10 sacks a month that earn us around 5000 shillings. We cannot accumulate the funds because we sell on a weekly basis. Providing for 7 people is such a hustle and it's normal to skip meals and miss other needs too. All this is attributed to financial instability which is our biggest hardship.