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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Newsfeed > Pamela's Profile
Pamela's family
Pamela
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workCampaign
Kenya RCT Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Pamela's next check-in.
 
68th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($19 USD)
access_time 1 month ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I intend to erect a fence around my homestead to prevent my neighbours' cattle from damaging my farm produce when I'm away, a situation that often leads to conflicts between us. I aim to fund this project, estimated to cost approximately $200, using my savings from our merry-go-round group.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by effectively contributing to our well-being by providing unconditional cash support, which has had a significant economic influence on our daily lives. The organization fosters peaceful coexistence among beneficiaries by ensuring equal transfers for everyone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This year, my oldest son was scheduled to join secondary school, and $90 for the first term's school fees was required on the reporting day. I combined the $70 I had saved in our merry-go-round group with an additional $20 from my latest transfer to cover the school fees. I utilized the remaining $9 to buy him stationery like exercise books. Receiving the transfer at this critical time prevented me from accumulating additional debts, preserving my peace of mind.
 
64th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($20 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?
In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to secure my home by raising enough money to build a sturdy fence around it. Currently, I have six sheep, and I want to ensure they do not stray onto my neighbors' properties when I am not around, which could lead to unnecessary conflicts. To achieve this, I have devised a plan to utilize the $200 I am expecting to receive from our merry-go-round group. These savings will be a significant contribution towards my fencing project. I believe that by taking this step, I will not only protect my sheep but also maintain a harmonious relationship with my neighbors, ensuring that my home remains a peaceful and trouble-free place for years to come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate GiveDirectly for the financial support they give us; it's been a lifeline that helps us meet our basic needs. What truly sets this organization apart is its commitment to equality—giving everyone equal transfers. This approach has fostered a sense of unity and peaceful coexistence among us, the beneficiaries. Instead of breeding jealousy or competition, it's created a supportive community where we all look out for each other.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was overjoyed when I received my unconditional monthly cash transfer. It was a lifeline that eased the weight of my financial struggles. With a clear plan, I decided to make the most of this support. First, I contributed $20 to our merry-go-round group, which consisted of ten members, each chipping in $20 per month. This decision was not only an investment in my future but also a commitment to community solidarity. My goal was to accumulate enough funds to purchase a cow valued at $190. This cow would not only provide milk for my family but also serve as an investment for a brighter tomorrow. The remaining $9 from the cash transfer was reserved for a more immediate need: my son's school fees. He had been sent home because we could not afford to pay for his upcoming examinations. Thanks to the unconditional monthly cash transfer, I could now settle his fees and ensure he stayed in school. It was a tremendous relief to know that this financial support was helping me tackle both long-term goals and urgent needs.
 
60th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My husband died two years ago before he could pay the dowry, and as our culture requires, this must be completed; failing to do so will make it impossible for our children to commence dowry payments when they are older and ready for marriage life. As a result, I intend to make amends for him according to our tradition to strengthen my self-esteem at home and pave the way for my children when the right time comes for marriage. My budget for this course is $180, which I plan to fund using money from the merry-go-round group.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my perspective, GiveDirectly does well by keeping its promise to its beneficiaries. Some organizations made similar promises but never followed through. Furthermore, you provide everyone with equal transfers, which makes us feel treated fairly and allows us to coexist well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a widow with five children has taught me to be a strong lady because I always have to work hard to provide for my kids. To make ends meet with less struggle, I operate a grocery business. I am a member of a merry-go-round group of ten people that we formed when we started benefiting from GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers. Each of us pays $20 per month in savings for our future financial empowerment. My most recent transfer, therefore, enabled me to pay my subscription to the group on time, giving me great peace of mind. I spent $5 from the transfer to register my son for the upcoming national examinations in his final grade at the primary school level and used the remaining $4 on food to keep us from going hungry.
 
55th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My husband passed on before he could pay my dowry, and being that it is our culture, I intend to continue saving in the merry-go-round group to raise enough money for this mission. I will then use it to buy a cow worth $200 for paying the dowry to pave way for my sons shall their time of doing the same come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I can say the transfers have immensely changed my life because I am not the way I was some years back. The transfers have enabled me to build a house (a semi-permanent house with thirty pieces of iron sheets) - and now I have a place I call my home. While other organizations do give false promises, GiveDirectly promised us financial support and delivered it. I always feel happy when you survey us on the phone because it shows that you are concerned and want the best for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am in a merry-go-round group consisting of ten members and each one of us contributes $20 per month for saving purposes. I, therefore, used a portion of my most recent transfer to subscribe to the group as a way of increasing my saving. I spent the remaining $9 to purchase food (for stock) which I still have to date. This saved me from struggling during this tough economic period where affording three meals a day has always been a nightmare.
 
52nd Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($24 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
48th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($25 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
44th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
40th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
34th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
32nd Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
 
28th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($21 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.