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:
Other
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I currently have livestock in my homestead, which include a pair of oxen, and five goats. I didn't have any of these before I was enrolled. These area a source of finance and the pair of oxen will aid me to plough on my farm. I also managed to change the bedding that I was using for many years, I bought a new mattress and a new bed to sleep on comfortably.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in choosing the eligible needy households and giving the money. I have not heard any complains from anyone concerning GiveDirectly which means that everything was done as expected. This is where it did well. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer to buy five goats at KES 15000. These goats are assets to me. I know in case of a dire financial problem, I can sell and raise enough finances. I also took KES 15000 to buy some building materials that include building poles and iron sheets. I built an extension of a single room to accommodate my children and paid for the labour. In addition to these, I also spent KES 15000 to buy a new bedding. I purchased a new bed and a mattress. I spent the remaining amount of the transfer to buy daily foodstuffs and other basic needs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a shop from which I earn a good income. The transfer enabled me to buy adequate stock to start this small business in my village, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly because I could not have achieved this at my own cost. This is the only source that generates income for my family's sustenance because through it, I am able to meet my daily basic needs and other household expenses unlike before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message alert on my phone and on checking to confirm, it was from GiveDirectly notifying me that I had finally received my first transfer. I felt happy as I went through the message. For sure, I never anticipated that a day would come and get such a fortune in my life. I thanked GiveDirectly for financial assistance.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 28000 to buy a pair of oxen to help me in my farming. Previously during the planting season, I used to hire from neighbours which was costly to me. Having my own pair will relieve me the cost of hiring, I will no longer be hiring instead, I will be hiring to my neighbours at a fee thus earning extra cash. Furthermore, the pair will help me in ensuring that I do timely and early cultivation for better yields. In addition to the pair of oxen, the transfer has enabled me to open a shop in my village. I bought an adequate stock that would enable me to operate efficiently for a better profit. This is now my only source of income. I spent the remaining portion of the transfer to buy adequate foodstuffs for my family as well as meeting other basic necessities and household expenses.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to start a small business of selling vegetables and other food stuffs at Mushongoleni center. This dream has never materialized since I majorly depend on my husband whose job is to vend water at Mombasa.The money he earns is at most two hundred and fifty shillings in a day which can not sustain our family needs. Receiving this money will mean starting my longest desired business and also enable my husband to start a charcoal selling center at Mombasa. This shall earn us extra income to sustain our family needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I feel much exhausted in the afternoon because of the much strenuous activities of the day and taking care of the young ones. In the evening I feel relaxed when they are asleep. I therefore consider evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Considering my current situation, I am a house wife and a mother of young twins. Our area is so dry that getting safe and clean water is a big challenge. I am forced to walk at least ten kilometers to get earth water. I consider lack of clean and safe water for household consumption as the biggest hardship I have ever faced.