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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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Serem's Profile
Serem's family
Serem
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
30
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($457 USD)
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?
My desire is for me to be able to start a charity organisation or a foundation that would help the needy and orphans in our locality. Though the major challenge currently is the finances.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Most of the residents of my community were living in absolute poverty. GiveDirectly rescued us from sinking and dying of frustration. We are forever grateful for the tremendous support that opened new doors and opportunities in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a teacher by profession and a graduate still waiting for government placement. I am married and blessed with three children. When I received money from GiveDirectly I thought of starting a goat-rearing project where I used KES 15,000. This is because they are easy to manage in a semi-arid area. Additionally, I paid school fees for my children where I spent KES 17,000 respectively. I am so happy for the support that amazingly lifted our living standards.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4pm while finishing up my laundry when I heard my phone ring. On checking, it was KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and even forgot to cook four o'clock tea for my kids from school.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received this transfers is relief from fetching water in the river. This is because the water tank I bought is big enough to store 5000 litres of water for a longer period. Nowadays, I no longer go to the river and instead I have more time to spent working for my farm. My kids have also grown healthier and happier because I bought adequate food and latest clothing fashion for them. The bean seeds I also bought using GiveDirectly transfers have grown healthier and can't be happier.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 33000 on a 5000 litres water tank because the nearest water source is a kilometer and involves carrying water on my back. This was quite cumbersome because the river water is sometimes not fit for consumption and I have been carrying water on my back for the past seven years. I spent KES6000 on reduction of my kids school fees arrears, KES4000 on latest clothing fashion, KES1500 on a sack of bean seeds and the rest on food and household items.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In an effort to boost my source of livelihood and to enhance my disposable income, my plan is to purchase another dairy cow to add on the two that I have at the moment.Dairy keeping does well in our area, it is our main economic activity.The cost of milk has gone up , it is selling at a gate price of KES 38 per liter. My target is to produce at least 15 litres a day. I intend to use the rest of the money to expand my poultry project.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We are having a merry-go-round arrangement of pooling resources together in our village.It is made approximately 90 people each contributing KES 200 per week.It was my turn in July and I got KES 18000 which I used to pay the school fees for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge we are facing at the moment is raising school fees for my three children who are schooling in the nearby Feima academy, a private primary school. we struggle a lot to pay the school fees. It pains us a great deal when our children are sent home for school fees because of the failure to pay in time.