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
53010 KES ($404 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?
I currently have the plan to cement my house. By doing this, I will be happy to stay in a welcoming, enjoyable, and attractive environment. The house is currently so dusty that my family never gets out of the flu. I have deducted $10 from the second transfer for the same to accomplish this. I'm committed to finishing the cemented floor by the end of April this year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I'm delighted GiveDirectly guaranteed us cost-free financial transfers and the ability to manage our finances independently once we joined the program. It has long been a dream of mine to own a dairy cow, and I am thrilled that it has now materialized. GiveDirectly is a faultless organization in my opinion, and I hope you will keep doing good things in the villages you have not yet visited.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I already had a budget in place for the second transfer before I even got it. When I got it I spent $300 on a dairy cow. I purchased the cow intending to produce milk for both personal use and for sale. Since a liter of milk costs $0.5, I would be able to support my family by selling milk because I anticipate getting an estimate of forty liters per day. Also, I spent $50 on wire mesh to build a house for my chickens so they could stay inside and away from wild animals while I will be away. I spent $50 buying food for my family because it was a dry season. I then saved the final $10 to remodel my house.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I recall unwinding at home on the day I got my transfer. My phone rang out of nowhere, and when I checked it, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me $550. I could not have asked for a better situation than this. Knowing that my life would change made me extremely happy. My husband was similarly appreciative and thrilled about the unconditional transfer that came our way when I told him about it. We are forever grateful for the help that improved our standard of living.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Even though I have a strong passion for rearing goats, my limited resources made it difficult for me to realize my ambition. With the help I received from the organization, my main dream is to achieve that objective. My farming has greatly benefited from GiveDirectly's support, and I will always be appreciative of it the achievement of this milestone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
A while back, I started a project to raise goats, but owing to financial limitations, I was unable to raise a sufficient number of goats. We are fortunate to have one child; my husband is a teacher and I am a farmer. After getting my transfer, I decided to spend $140 on four additional goats to supplement my existing herd. Second, I spent $80 repairing my motorcycle, which I then used to pay $90 for a bed and a mattress. Finally, I spent the remaining money on food and clothing. I am thankful for being able to do so much in such a short amount of time.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of three and we are living in a semi-permanent house with three rooms. It is spacious for the family but not durable. I will buy 20 bags of cement at $7 each. This will cost $ 140. I will also use $400 to buy other materials and labour. I want to ensure that my house is changed from muddy to a permanent one. I will also use $ 400 to buy 10 goats as an investment. I currently have 15 goats. Our climate in the community supports livestock rearing. I appreciate this program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It rained in our village two days ago. The nearest water pan collected water that will last for two weeks. I can now take bath three times a week unlike five days back. More so the water from the pan is free of charge so I can use the money set aside for buying water with other expenses. The rains brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Drought is the biggest challenge I am facing in our village. We last received rain three years ago. All the water sources dried up. Water is available at Dungicha center which is around 8km from my home. It takes me 2 hours to and from. Before the drought season, I used to get water from a water pan which was only 10 minute's walk to and from the water pan. At the water pan it was free but at Dungicha, I get one 20ltr plastic of water at $ 0.5 and I use 6 plastics per day. It costs me $ 3 every day. That is very expensive for me.