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 > Pamela's Profile
Pamela's family
Pamela
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Tailoring
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Pamela'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?
I currently run a tailoring business which helps me meet my daily needs. Upon receiving my transfer, I bought zips, lining materials and sewing threads, all at a cost of KSH 500 to add to my business. I then spent KSH 800 to buy 5 packets of maize flour, 1 packet of porridge flour, some fruits and vegetables for my son. My son fell ill few days after receiving the money and I spent KSH 300 to buy some medicine from the pharmacy for him to get well. His health condition has really improved and getting better each day. Being a believer in Christianity, I always spend 10% of the transfer, which is KSH 300, as a tithe to the church. Besides the tithe, I also sent KSH 100 as offerings during the Sunday service. I saved the remaining KSH 1000 in a chama to earn interest and expanding my business in the future.
 
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 am a tailor by profession and have a small shop where I design and sew people's clothing, especially females. I have come to realize that children's clothing is more marketable hence I am already venturing into it. When I received my third I spent KES 1000 on school uniform materials for sewing boy's clothes. I was targeting those who were going back to schools since the schools were almost reopening at that time. Am glad I was able to sell all the uniforms I made. It was unfortunate that my child fell sick during that period. I then spent KES 500 on his medication. KES 1000 I spent on both 2 chickens for rearing and foodstuff for the family.
 
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?
The option of giving us unconditional money is what makes me proud of Give directly. This is because not a lot of aid groups will give us this condition. Giving us the option of how to spend our money is so wholesome.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a baby who has just started eating cooked meals and I had been stressed about how I was going to feed the baby. Luckily this money, came in when it did. The first thing I did was to take KES.1000 and go buy foods such as rice vegetables and even porridge flour. The second KES.1500 I was able to buy food now for the family. I decided to buy separately to ensure that the baby would not go without the food for a month. The last KES.500, was used to pay for my younger sibling's school fees as she had been sent home due to school fees and at the time my parents had no money to pay. Thanks to Give directly this would not have been possible.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 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 busy cooking for my son when I got the message confirming I had received the money. I was very happy as it had lifted a burden from my family being a single parent with no income.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have to care for my baby by myself. Being the only provider for my family has been stressful. Thanks to this program I do not need to worry.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This first transfer came as a big surprise to me. I had no real expectations but when it finally came, I felt a huge boulder had been finally lifted. I am a single parent of one child who is still young. My husband had left me during this pandemic and I had to fend for myself. I am a tailor who is will going to vocational training and I still sew at home. With this money, I was able to buy some materials required for school which coated me KES.2000. I plan to go back to school in December and finish in two months. The other KES.1000 I saved for emergencies in the future. The little money I get from the business caters to our day-to-day needs. I am grateful for this opportunity.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a dream-achieved. Financial constraints discontinued me from pursuing a tailoring course. I have always longed to re-enroll. Will use 10000 KES to finish up the course. After my studies(which will take one year), I will rent a business room at the market center. Dressmaking can give ap approximately 6000 KES per month.This cash is enough to take of my child and I.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Getting even a single customer for cloth repair brings a smile for my day. This normal happen in morning hours.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My whole life changed after conceiving out of wedlock. I had to return home when my pregnancy was a term. My alleged husband (working as a casual laborer in house construction)could not afford to take care of me. Surprisingly, he only knew naming my child, after which he blocked my number and we have not been able to talk since. I have been relying on my sewing machine for my upkeep and of the child. Since am not a fully qualified tailor, I fail to get more customers.