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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 labour
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($510 USD)
access_time 4 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 from how it was in that, I stay in a decent house unlike before where I had a grassed thatched house which could leak during the rainy seasons. We also sleep well on a mattress and bed that we bought using the transfer. From then on, we have never experienced backaches that we used to have when using traditional beds.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, this organization did a wonderful work by sending us unconditional cash transfer that enabled us to meet our goals. We are not desperate and unfocused as we used to be. Most of us have been able to achieve their long term goals which will help them in the future. On the other hand, I do not see anything that this Organisation did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
As a widow, meeting most of my needs had been difficult and so when I heard that this organization was coming into our village I was very happy. The processes were over and finally, I received my last transfer. My first priority was to buy livestock which went well. I bought a dairy cow and goats. Having livestock is a reward that I got from this organization since I did not have any before. I also bought hens. I am glad that I have started benefiting from them. Additionally, I bought a bed and mattress. Nowadays I sleep soundly unlike before where I was using a traditional bed which was uncomfortable. The remaining amount was spent on food that we enjoy as a family up to this moment.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The fact that I now own some livestock, the goats and the chickens have totally changed my entire life. It has been my desire to keep them in my compound but because of my low financial status, I could not afford it. The little I was earning from the casual jobs was not enough, being a widow and a breadwinner it was not easy. I am now hopeful ad happier because some of the goats have started reproducing and this is assuring me of becoming wealthier in a short period of time. The goats normally reproduce twice a year and this was the main why I settled in buying them. With the chickens, I will start a poultry farm once they increase in number. These assets will be of great help to me especially in sending my children to school and when an emergency occurs I will be able to settle it unlike before when I used to strain hard.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 am when I was doing my casual jobs as usual then I heard my ringing. Because I was busy I ignored the message, but then I became nervous. I decided to check what the message was all about. After checking, I realized it was from GiveDirectly. They had debited my first transfer. I was very happy and I decided to go home and started planning on how I will spend the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, timber, and a wooden door. My first thoughts were to construct a new house because my previous one was very small and it could not accommodate us all. My children used to seek shelter from neighbors which were okay. I then cleared the huge school fees for my children who are still I primary school. I then bought some goats and some chickens. These have been the well thoughtful assets that will help me just in case any emergency arises. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my children because they have been taking a single meal or even go without.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to expand my house so my children can have a place to sleep rather than borrowing shelter at the neighbors' houses every night. I prefer them close to me for security purposes especially now that it is festive season and there are many night discos. With the balance, I will invest in livestock, 2 indigenous cows @20000 shillings each and 5 goats @2000 each.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evenings are the best because I get to relax after a long day's work doing casual jobs such as ploughing people's farms to earn income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances has been my biggest struggle ever since my husband died. On market days (Wednesday), I go to Bamba town to do casual work at hotels such as cleaning so I can get some income for food. My eldest son, Riziki, dropped out in grade 4 to help me look after his siblings. He is the one who pays part of their fees in school though we still have a huge debt of about 6000 shillings to clear.