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.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My objective is to accumulate sufficient funds from forthcoming transfers to expand my livestock holdings. This strategy aims to generate wealth through the multiplication of the animals. Presently, I've invested in eight goats using funds from the transfers. As the herd increases in size, I anticipate the opportunity to sell them, ensuring ongoing financial stability beyond the duration of the support. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance provided by the transfers, which has proven instrumental in pursuing my aspirations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I invested $38 in acquiring a goat, recognizing its potential as a strategic asset for the future, particularly upon giving birth. The offspring will serve as a source of income when sold, providing financial flexibility. Additionally, I allocated $10 towards acquiring two ducks, supplementing my existing flock. In December, a festive month, $20 was spent on ensuring a plentiful feast for my family, fostering joyful celebrations. A further $9 was dedicated to purchasing a new set of clothes and shoes, enhancing my appearance and replacing worn-out attire. I set aside $15 within a savings group, earmarking it for future investment in livestock. The remaining $14 proved invaluable for purchasing detergent and other personal essentials. I am profoundly grateful for the financial support received, which enabled me to transition away from the labor-intensive and low-paying charcoal selling business, significantly improving my financial well-being.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For many years, my primary means of making a living was through the production and sale of charcoal. However, this livelihood was far from dependable. It demanded considerable physical strength, which, given my age, I am no longer capable of sustaining. Now, faced with the absence of a reliable source of income, I have a plan to secure my financial future: I intend to invest in more goats, raise them, and capitalize on their reproduction to generate income. Currently, I am the proud owner of ten goats and a few cows that I am diligently caring for. These animals provide me with a financial safety net, ready to assist in times of urgent financial need. Additionally, even when the program concludes, I will possess valuable assets to fall back on. To achieve this financial stability and transformation in my life, I am committed to saving a portion of the monthly transfers I receive. This strategy will help me work toward my goal of buying more goats and securing a brighter future for myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly's support has truly transformed my life, and I am immensely grateful for the positive changes it has brought. It has propelled me to heights I could never have imagined. For years, the simple luxury of a comfortable night's sleep had eluded me, as I had been using tattered rags, sacks, and mats as makeshift bedding. When my traditional bed broke, I was forced to rest on the dusty ground, exposing myself to respiratory infections. My dream had always been to replace my worn-out bedding with something new, but financial constraints kept it just that—a dream. However, when I began receiving transfers from GiveDirectly, I decided to save $20 in our local savings group. Over the months, my savings grew to nearly $110. I am delighted that I recently used these funds to purchase a new wooden bed and a comfortable mattress, finally bidding farewell to my old bedding. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I can now enjoy restful nights in my new bed. Furthermore, I invested $10 in acquiring poultry with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining project that can generate income. The returns from this venture will not only meet my needs but also elevate my overall living standards. Lastly, I had incurred a debt for food that I was unable to repay on time. Thanks to the financial assistance I received, I was able to clear this debt, bringing peace and relief from the burden of overdue payments.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 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?
I am determined to acquire a comfortable and suitable sleeping space to replace my broken bed. This includes obtaining a good bed and mattress that will enhance the quality of my sleep. Additionally, I aspire to venture into goat rearing. By investing in this livestock, I aim to build a sustainable source of income and wealth that can support my family's needs in the long term. Furthermore, I wish to start a sardine-selling business in my locality. The demand for sardines is high in my region, and I believe that establishing a business focused on selling this popular product could be financially rewarding. 
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I managed to save $20 from the recent transfer. My intention is to continue saving to afford the essential items I need, especially a new bed. Currently, my bed is broken, and I am experiencing poor sleeping conditions. I plan to purchase a new bed and mattress, which will cost approximately $95. Additionally, I aim to acquire goats, which are priced at $35 each. By the time the cash aid ends, I hope to have accumulated around 30 goats, which will provide ongoing support for my needs. Also, the day before the transfer, my household had run out of food, which caused me a lot of stress. Luckily, with the cash, I spent $14 on purchasing food. This relieved some of the pressure, and I am even able to afford tea for breakfast. Overall, the cash transfers have had a positive impact on my ability to meet essential needs. In fact, since I started receiving the cash aid I have stopped engaging in charcoal burning as a means of income generation. 
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The aim of investing in goats is that they are cheap to maintain and they have read markets since they are affordable and thus can be converted to monetary value anytime the need arises. Based on that, I came up with a saving plan where I will be buying a goat in every two transfers. This plan will enable me to have at least six goats by the end of the year apart from the ones which will be born in between.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The time the organization was sending out the transfers was around christmas holiday and therefore my biggest priority was definitely concerned with nourishment. For that reason I ended up spending KES 2,900 out of the funds that had received by buying three packets of wheat flour, nine packets of maize flour, two kilograms of sugar and beans, three litres of cooking oil, tea leaves and salt. I remained with a balance of KES 500 which I deposited into my savings account. Meanwhile in November I ended up spending my funds on buying three hens and then the rest of the money I used it on nutrition. Apart from that, I also used my money in October to purchase I have a goat and saved a small amount.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a good organization because it gives us money. The money they give makes us happy and I get a sense of peace because at the back of my mind I have something to expect at the end of the month. My friends are happy as well because of the unconditional transfers we get. GiveDirectly thank you for your good work and I pray you continue with that amazing heart.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received my transfers, the only thing that was ringing in my head was the fact that I really needed to purchase a goat. My husband has his own goats and I only have one goat. I want to use the money GiveDirectly gives me to purchase things that are tangible and physical so that after five years I would have things to be proud of. The money I got from GiveDirectly I was able to go purchase a goat that cost 3000 Kenya Shillings. I was so happy and I can't even find a better word to express how I felt. I am really grateful to GiveDirectly because at least now, I have two goats and am aiming to better my life and my family's.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very a sudden surge of joy the minute I noticed the arrival of the finances especially because I had highly anticipated for the funds the instant I got enrolled because it meant I could cater for my needs and that of my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I can now manage to save up some money has left me very excited and this is due to the fact that through the savings I will finally manage to grow my farm by investing in a couple of farm animals and it also means that eventually I will have enough money to finally buy bed unlike now where I sleep on the ground.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As soon as I noticed that the money had arrived I decided to take away KES 700 and deposit it in my savings committee because I had planned to let the money accumulate so that I could eventually buy a couple of farm animals like goats and then buy a bed as well. Afterwards I remained with KES 500 which I decided use it in catering for nutrition so I purchased one and a half kilogram of rice, a half a kilogram of beans and sugar and cooking oil.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband and I pass our nights on a mat. It is so uncomfortable. A good bed and mattress would cost us KES 10,000. I would not mind saving my first four transfers toward buying this. It would make me very happy to spend nights in a bed for the first time in my life. Later, I can think of buying livestock to rear so that way, I am occupied. I'm so excited at these thoughts.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even with all the stress surrounding us, I am happy that I have a family and that we love each other unconditionally. Having children and grandchildren is a blessing.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money and work for my children. They are struggling to take care of their families. As a parent, I am afraid that they may give up on themselves or start feeling unworthy. May God open doors for them.