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:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
54
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($408 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 top priority is to get my daughter proper medical attention. Despite receiving all the required transfers, I still rely on the income of my children who work as casual laborers to care for my daughter. I currently don't have any concrete plans to complete till my daughter starts the medication. So, if I get the money, I'll use it to buy medicine for my sick daughter.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I commend Give Directly for giving me unconditional cash transfers. The money alleviated the hardships that my family was facing. This cash has transformed individuals’ lives in my community in ways that no one would have anticipated. According to me, there is nothing that the organization would improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My top priority when I got the second transfer was to buy some meals. This is because I am powerless to defend myself. I mean, I'm blind. Aside from that, my five children, who I rely on, are unable to raise food crops due to the extreme farming difficulties caused by the drought in my region. To help us buy food, do casual labor to make ends meet which has been a challenge. They occasionally need to take a break because of weariness. Sadly, as we live hand to mouth, each break results in a string of missed meals. To allow them some time to rest, I chose to spend $130 to buy two sacks of maize to ensure that we have some food at home. I also used $30 to pay school fees for my grandchild who had been sent out of school for fees. Thereafter, I bought a storage water tank of 400 liters capacity for @35. I also opted to buy some furniture since I had none. I bought a medium size table and two chairs for $25 and $15 respectively. For the remaining amount, I opted to save it for the family,s emergencies.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was relaxing under my shade out side the house after taking my drugs. For a year, I have been struggling with ears and sight problem. It was around 5 pm when I heard joyful noise from neighbors that they had receive the transfers. I gave the phone to helper who confirmed that I had received the transfer. I was delighted for receiving the transfer and thank the organization for the aid since was sure that our life would change for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the transfer is that I am living in a decent structure. Before, I was disturbed a lot about the safety of the family members due to the poor condition of my house. Similarly, I am happy that I can afford to get sufficient food without much struggle and no longer have to sleep without food. Furthermore, I am planning to purchase some livestock that would be an investment for my future life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $100 of my first transfer to renovate my house by constructing new walls. This is because it was collapsing from the inside something that made me live worried life that it might fall while inside with my 2 grandchildren. Currently, I am happy that I live in a decent house courtesy of the transfers. Additionally, I spent $100 to start a small grocery business for my daughter-in-law who is jobless. This will help her own a reliable source of income that will support her family as well as cater for the educational needs of the grandchildren. Furthermore, I bought a water barrel so as to store enough water for myself and a table since we use to place cooked food on the floor while eating and most of the time it was contaminated with sand. Lastly, I intend to spend part of the remaining amount to support the education of my grandson who is in grade 5 once the school reopens. With the other amount, I will buy 3 goats to start livestock keeping a future investment for myself.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I think of receiving this money and I think of buying land, possibly a one-acre land. My desire to practice subsistence farming plant vegetables, cassava, and corn. I am partially blind and farming is the only thing I am skilled at. I will save the first amount and when I have the $100 I will purchase the land. I would rather invest the money in something productive than spend it all on food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I make it a personal decision to be happy, I live with my two grandchildren who also give me joy and are always willing to cheer me on even when I am feeling down or unwell. It feels so good to live with children and not be left alone.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Pain has become part of me, I am talking of my ears. They have very painful sores and discharge pus but instead of going through the ears, it comes out from the mouth. You would not want to be around me when it happens because the smell that comes from it is awful. This has affected my sight making it difficult to see. My movement is limited since I have to be assisted to go too far.