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 labor
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 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 how it would have been becasue the money empowered me to purchase a dairy cow which I am now keeping in my compound. Also, through the cow, I am now getting plenty litres of milk for free that is for my children's consumption and planning to sell the other litres to my neighbours. From its business, I will be able to generate an income whereby I will no longer strain in sustaining my family's needs. Also, the tree cutting machine has changed our lives in general because we at least earn a living g through it. I am so grateful for now because there's no much struggling especially in meeting the family's needs,
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in my entire village becasue, the money was sent directly to our mobile phones. I was also allowed to plan on how I would wish to spend the money without misusing it. Also after every transfer, the officers used to make a follow-up on if the money was well recived and how we utilized it. I do not see any part GD failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a special machine used for cutting down trees and transform them into timber worthy of KES 29000. This was specifically for my spouse since he had an experience on the same. To add to that, I cleared fees for my son who had finished his primary school education. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough food, and decent clothes for my children to replace the old ones
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was from preparing sipper for my children then I decided to switch on my phone. A notification message came in, on checking its content, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and decided to plan on how best I could spend the cash. It is one of the best moments of my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having the pair of oxen has made my life totally different. As a farmer, I have been yearning to keep them but I could not afford them due to financial difficulties. I am a happy farmer because the pair take a few days to plough an acre compared to when I used to do the exercise by myself. Back in the days, I used to hire from my friends and most of the times I could not afford it. I had no alternative other than using my own hands which was tiring. It is now a relief to me because the bulls will not only be a great help in my farming but also hire them for my neighbors and generate an income. I will save the money that I will be earning and start some other projects that will lift my stands of living as well. Also, though that, I will not have to strain much especially in meeting my daily needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a pair of oxen at a total of KES 36000. Also, I bought some building materials which include building poles, nails and timber, and a few pieces of iron sheets. This was for the construction of a new house for my children because we have been sheltering under the same house which was quite small. I also bought two mattresses to replace the old one which had worn out. I later paid school fees for my children who are in primary school and they are now studying without any disturbances. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to expand my small shop so that I can attract more customer and reduce their burden of moving far to buy their commodities. When I receive the money I will expanding my business by using 80,000 Kenya shilling to add to my capital. To me this means higher profits that in turn use it to improve my family living standards. I will use the remaining amount to pay school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because this is the time I return home and spend more time with my family as we share our meals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I majorly depend on a small shop for a living. The income I get every month is 8,000 Kenya shillings which is not enough to cater for my family's needs as well as expanding the shop. Lack of enough capital is therefore the biggest hardship in my life.