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
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Dama's next check-in.
 
5th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Presently, my family shelters under a temporary shed that was set up after our main house collapsed. Procedures are underway to construct a new three-bedroom brick structure but there has been inconsistent progress due to lack of funds. So when I received transfers, I purchased six bags of cement worth 3,900 KES and compensated a mason 3,200 KES to resume the building task. Having two children with overdue school fees, I committed 2,000 KES to defray the arrears. Lastly, I spent the rest of the money on food provision.
 
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used all my funds to buy 5 bags of cement because I have a construction project of my three roomed stone house.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give directly is a great help unknown to many. Not many people, not organizations will give you unconditional money to better yourself. Giving me the power to decide on how to use this money has been a wonder to my broken pride. I am now able to provide for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This money came in when I needed it the most. It has been hard on my children this year as they have been coming home frequently due to school fees balances. The teachers were tired of empty promises because I would promise to pay by a certain date but due to lack of funds, I would not be able to pay. This time not being any different, they came home to see if they could pay the balance of the fee. This time with Give directly on my side I decided to pay KES.1000 for both my children. Each going with KES.500. This would allow them to classes for some time before the next transfer. The KES.2000 was spent on food for the family. This would give them the energy to go to and study well.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home when I got the message saying that I had received the money. I was so happy I did not know how to react. I quickly bought food and my children were able to go back to school relieving all my worries all at once. This would not have been possible without this help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my day-to-day life is that now I have a sense of security where I am not worried where I will find no et for school fees for my children. I can do other things with the income I get from this program and still plan for other projects. I now have a peaceful mind I am thankful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I got myself a phone costing KES.1800 which would help me in communication with Give directly and to also receive my monthly transfers. The other KES 700 was spent on school fees as my child had been sent back home due to arrears. The other KES.500 was spent on food for my family. I have never had a stable income and due to the pandemic, I have been at home depending on my husband who is a farmer to meet our basic needs for the family. We have two children who are both in school and need to be looked after even when we have no steady income. Thanks to this program I know that my family can prosper.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I precede to be a better person upon receiving the transfers. My ambition was to join the college of hairdressing but due to financial challenges, I wasn't able to accomplish it. Currently, I do get two people in a day but I believe when acquiring more knowledge on how to make hair done, clients will increase and earn a good income. This will be the beginning of success.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Normally wakes up moody every morning. After I prepare my kids for school I decide to chats with friends, laugh, and throw jokes while in my salon the feelings of sadness vanish in the noon hours.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's been hard to get a stable source of income lately. The hairdressing skills that I depend on gives me little income compared to the last three years. I used to collect 300 KES per day. These days I manage to earn 50KES in a week, especially on Saturdays. This amount gives me a headache wondering whether to save for my college or to help my husband to pay the debt we owed. My husband plows to earn something that will sustain our family of 4. He used to earn 300KES in a day during the rainy season but due to prolonged drought no one needs his service.We have been lacking food several times in a month something that saddens and stresses me.