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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Saumu's Profile
Saumu's family
Saumu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received these transfers in that, I have managed to build a decent spacious house that accommodates my family comfortably.Before, I was living in a grass thatched house which was not comfortable and it wasn't going to last long since the frequent rains made it degrade even more hence its likelihood to collapse was very high. Thanks to GiveDirectly for helping me achieve my most desired need which was a shelter.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well through offering us assistance to alleviate the high levels of poverty which we were languishing in. To us having three meals in a day is an honors since to most of us was a luxury that we are greatful of.I do not see anything that the organization did not do wrong.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to build a new decent spacious house. I feel my life is better of after acquiring this stable shelter unlike before when I had to stay in an old degraded grass thatched house which was almost collapsing which I feared for the safety of my family members while we were in it but unfortunately I had no choice. I bought a goat and two chicken with the remaining amount .
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I was previously living in a small grass-thatched hut, which was not in a good state. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support. I managed to acquire building materials which include Iron sheets and building poles for the construction of a new spacious iron-roofed house. Being able to achieve all this is the biggest difference in my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message alert on my phone. On checking to confirm who the sender was, it was from GiveDirectcly. I was greatly filled happiness when I realised that I had received money in my Mpesa account.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying building materials which include building poles and iron sheets to construct a new house. The house that I was previously living in was grass thatched and was in a bad state and not spacious. I am now in the process of building the new house through financial support from GiveDirectly. I addition to this, I also bought two goats to rear in my homestead. To me, having these goats are assets that I can readily depend on in case of financial difficulties. I am expecting them to reproduce and increase in number. I spent the remaining amount to do the shopping for my family. I purchased adequate foodstuffs and paying for some other household expenses.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since my husband and I are still both young and vibrant, we have decided to enrol in driving and tailoring colleges respectively and equip ourselves with skills that will help us generate income for our family. The income will go towards food, medication, savings for our children's education and other basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My best part of the day is in the afternoon when my children take a nap, am able to concentrate on my work and ensure I earn some income for the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to limited financial resources I had to drop out of school at grade five and got married a year later hoping things will be greener on that side. Sadly, nothing has improved and infact the struggles have multiplied because now I have 3 more mouths to feed. I am unemployed and only rely on casual jobs such as charcoal burning to make ends meet.