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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.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Saumu's Profile
Saumu's family
Saumu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($415 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?
Looking ahead to the next year, my main objective is to initiate a cow project and expand my goat herd. By doing so, I aim to generate additional income through the sale of goats once they multiply. This opportunity for increased financial stability is something I've longed for, and I'm determined to make it a reality. Previously, I didn't have any goats at my home, making such endeavors impossible. However, with the funds from my transfer, I was able to acquire goats and lay the foundation for this venture. I'm excited about the prospect of building a sustainable source of income for myself and my family, and I'm eager to see how this initiative unfolds in the coming year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support extended by GiveDirectly has truly transformed our lives, granting us the invaluable gift of financial autonomy. GiveDirectly allowed us the liberty to allocate the transfer in a manner best suited to our individual circumstances. In my assessment, GiveDirectly's program has been flawlessly executed, leaving me with unwavering confidence in its efficacy. The transparent and efficient manner in which the assistance was provided instilled trust and assurance in me, eliminating any doubts or concerns that may have arisen. I am immensely grateful for the impact GiveDirectly has had on our lives, and I remain optimistic about the future it holds for our family and community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a farmer with six children and a husband who works as a mason, our financial state has always been tough because of the little money that we make out of it. When I got my second transfer, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it to improve our lives. I decided to spent $200 towards building a decent home for my family, something we couldn't afford before because of the urgent needs like school fees and other essentials. Moreover, I used $290 towards my children's education, ensuring that my son and daughter could start Form One without facing any financial barriers. Seeing my children get an education and having a stable home has made a huge difference in my life. I feel a great sense of relief and gratitude knowing that despite the challenges we've endured, we're now moving towards a better future, one filled with opportunities for both my children and our family as a whole.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($343 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3 pm, and I was busy cultivating in the garden, tending to the crops under the warm sun. Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a message, and curiosity got the best of me. As I checked, my eyes widened with disbelief and joy! There it was, a transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly. The sheer happiness and gratitude that flooded through me were indescribable. In that moment, the weight of financial worries lifted, and a newfound sense of security embraced me. It was more than just money; it was a ray of hope that illuminated my future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly changed my life in ways I never thought possible. As a subsistence farmer with a husband working as a casual laborer, building a house seemed like an impossible dream for our family of eight. The pressure intensified with two of our children about to join high school, and we were stuck, unsure of how to make ends meet. However, with the help of the cash transfer, I was able to fulfill a dream I had long set aside; building a house for my family. The relief and hope that came with the financial support were immeasurable, providing not just shelter but a newfound optimism for a better future for my six children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to prioritize building a new, safe house for myself. With $132, I purchased 12 pieces of iron sheets and building poles. The heavy rain had caused my previous house to collapse, and I was determined to create a sturdy and secure shelter. Now, I'm relieved and happy to have a house that can withstand the challenges of weather, providing me with a sense of safety and stability. In addition to securing my living situation, I used $300 to address immediate needs. I went shopping to buy essential items as well as to pay school fees for my two children who were starting high school. The joy and relief I felt when they reported to school smoothly and settled well was immeasurable. With the remaining amount, I made sure to purchase enough food to further improve our daily lives. The support from GiveDirectly has not only helped me rebuild my home but has also positively impacted my children's education and our overall well-being.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of eight members and I do subsistence farming while the husband does casual jobs earning approximately $50 per month . The money caters mostly for food and school fees. Two of my six children did there final primary examination this year and they are suppose to join secondary school next year. I have struggling getting some funds to enable them join school next year in vain. I will use $800 to do shopping and pay school fees for the children to join secondary school next year. I will also use $200 to buy five goats as an investment. This will help me has a sustainable source of income in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do subsistence farming as my work but the community has been under drought for the past five years. That made me struggle with life together with my family. However, in May this year we received rain hand planted maize on my two acre piece of land and harvested approximately 3 bags of maize each 90kg. The maize sustained the family for almost four months. The harvest brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Housing is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am living in a one room house with grass roof and weak muddy wall. The house cannot accommodate all the seven members I have. My children seek shelter from neighbors and this is very risk for a girl child to seek shelter from neighbors. It really affects me psychological.