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 > Saumu's Profile
Saumu's family
Saumu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
30
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($412 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal was to have a better house. The house that I had was in a dilapidated state and it was my wish and hope to build a better one to accommodate my family, but getting the money to start the construction had not been that easy. With GiveDirectly transfers, I managed to start the construction and now it is at 80% completion. I can now afford a smile like my neighbors. I also want to start a livestock rearing project, therefore, I bought a goat and I believe that it will give birth to more offspring and increase the population.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing a great job in terms of alleviating poverty within the communities. I have been struggling financially for the longest time to an extent of not being able to even have a better house, but GiveDirectly came to my rescue and finally, I have managed to afford a smile. In addition, it does everything to perfection and there is nothing to improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had been so grateful for the transfers that I have been receiving from GiveDirectly. For the longest time, I have been facing a lot of financial challenges because getting money had been a challenge for my husband and I owing to the fact that we no longer have reliable sources of income. The house that we have been living in had been in a bad condition and whenever it rained, we were rained on, but the transfers that I have been receiving had been of great help and with the recent one of $550, I spent $390 in completing the remaining part of the house. Food was also another challenge for my family, and since the stock that I had was almost depleted, I decided to buy a sack of maize worth $60. I also spent $40 on paying school fees for 2 of my children and bought a goat worth $40 believing that it would be of great help in the future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I recall being at home relaxing after a long day of hard work when I received my transfer. My phone abruptly began to ring. After double-checking. I discovered that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. I was so happy that I forgot about how stressful the day had been. I was confident that I would be able to complete my objectives successfully. I then went ahead and told my husband, who was overjoyed and grateful. This was the happiest day of our lives, and we were delighted.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Building a two-room house and a veranda is a dream come true. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be able to pull off such a lovely home for my family; I feel happy and fulfilled as a mother. I am grateful for the financial assistance that has brought us so much joy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My top priority was to construct a decent home for my family. This was because our previous home was small and old. Due to financial constraints, I was unable to construct a suitable one. My husband is a shamba boy in the neighbourhood, and I am a farmer. I used my $300 transfer to build a house after receiving it. Following that, I used the remainder of the food. I am grateful and relieved that I was able to realize this dream in such a short period. Our children will have a safe place to sleep, which makes me happy and fulfilled.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My family size has now grown to seven this year and we are all living in a one-room house with a grass roof. The roof leaks whenever it rains and also allows wind. One of my children has suffered pneumonia as a result of that. Also during rain season I spend sleepless nights die to the leakage of the roof. The house is not spacious for the family and lacks privacy. I will buy 30 pieces of iron sheets at a cost of $100 each, buy 200 poles for making the walls at a cost of $15 each, use $ 200 to pay labor and buy other building materials to build a three-room house. Currently, I do not want visitors due to a lack of accommodation space. I will also use $ 300 to pay school fees for my three children who are schooling at primary level. Each has school fees balance of $100. I am happy for the program because soon my respect will be restored.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family has been growing big time to time. This year in May I was happy to receive a baby girl adding the family size to seven from six. What Gives me happiness is the manner in which I received the baby. Used to have complications whenever giving but but to this one, I did not have any complications and I delivered the baby while I was alone at home. My mother-in-law came some hours later and found me with the baby already. I really felt happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a family of seven and we all depend on my husband for survival. He works as a gardener at Malindi earning $50 per month. The family requires 60 bales of maize flour per month for us to have three meals per day. This cost $120 and the husband's income is only $50. I am just a housewife doing domestic chores. I normally budget with have I have thus the family takes one meal per day only and sometimes goes without food the whole day. My children have grown weak and this has health implications. Lack of food is the challenge I am facing in life.