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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Hellena's Profile
Hellena's family
Hellena
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
49
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
check
 
Follow to be updated on Hellena's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($307 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years and beyond, I am considering transitioning from maize farming to cultivating green gram and peanuts. These crops are known for their resilience to drought, which has been a recurring challenge in our region. Over the past four years, my attempts at maize farming have been marred by losses due to inadequate rainfall, resulting in reduced yields. I believe that shifting to green gram and peanuts will be a more sustainable choice. These crops are better suited to our climate conditions and have the potential to yield a surplus that I can sell to secure both food for our consumption and funds for my children's education. This transition represents a hopeful step towards a more stable and prosperous future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
One of the things I truly appreciate about GD is the substantial lump sum of money they provided us with. This financial boost allowed us to accomplish things that once appeared impossible. In my case, it's remarkable to see how perceptions have shifted. People who used to mock my run-down, small house now admire the beautiful home I have. I owe this transformation to the generous transfer from GD, which has brought about a positive change in my life and the way others perceive it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The second transfer was like a ray of hope in my life, shining through the clouds of uncertainty. I used to live in a very small, old, and leaking iron-sheet house, and it became a source of mockery in the village. People would often ask me why I was not improving my living conditions. However, with the second transfer of $320, I was able to build a sturdy two-room house made of iron sheets. I am now overjoyed to have a comfortable home to live in, a place where my family can find safety, warmth, and dignity. Additionally, one of my children was enrolling in university for tertiary education, and government sponsorship was hard to come by. So, I used $100 from the transfer and added $100 from the support of his uncle to ensure he could join the university. This was a dream come true, and I could not be prouder. Without these transfers, I am certain he would not have been able to attend school at this time. The remaining amount was used to purchase food for us and the eight children at home. It is heartwarming to see their faces light up with smiles during our meals, and it is all thanks to GiveDirectly for the support that has made such a profoundly positive impact on our lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($127 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly was an immensely joyful and grateful moment for me. The support came at a critical time when we were facing severe hunger, and it also allowed us to pay for our two children's secondary school fees. The notification arrived around 3:00 p.m. while I was on my farm, and I quickly confirmed the message, filled with excitement at what I saw. Being alone at the time, I had to wait until later in the evening, when I returned home, to share the news with my husband. He was also running errands at the nearby shopping center while I was working on the farm. Together, we made plans for the funds and collected them the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since receiving the first transfer is the substantial improvement in clearing the school fees, particularly for my daughter, who is currently in her final year. I am excited that she now has uninterrupted study time without any disruptions. Previously, we depended on the county government bursary, which was difficult to obtain due to the high number of students and the possibility of receiving it only once a year. GiveDirectly's support has made a tremendous difference, and I am truly grateful for it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After enrolling in GiveDirectly's program, my family and I eagerly awaited the first transfer, and I was excited to confirm its arrival one afternoon while working on my farm. With our plans carefully set, we decided to focus on two essential priorities, given that the initial transfer was the smallest of the three. We used the money to address the food crisis in our household and clear the school fee arrears for my two children in secondary school. Upon collecting the money the following day, I spent $150 to pay off the school fees, which provided my children with ample study time, ensuring they haven't been sent home since. The remaining $30 went to purchasing food in bulk, supplementing the smaller quantities we were able to afford with the earnings from our daily errands. My husband crafts and sells hand farm tools from home, while I collect and sell firewood to community members and restaurant owners in the nearby shopping center.
 
Enrolled
access_time 10 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means the world for us. It has been hope against hope, we have had uncertainties about the future of our children. They were at the verge of dropping out of school because of lack of school fees. This transfer could not have come at a better time than this, we can now breathe a sigh of relief and at least afford to catch some sleep. The feeling of not affording school fees have been potent and undermining, it has not been hard for us not to look around as parents and think, is everyone else doing this perfectly but us?, we have been afflicted by a particular brand of fear and worry, the feeling has been haunting in knowing that somehow we have not done enough for them. We owe the school $450 in fees arrears. It is against this backdrop that we intend to use the transfers to clear the school fees and used the rest of the money to buy food and build a better house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Sometime in January, a relative assisted us to foot for school fees for our girl, Jelagat, who was joining Form 1 at Patkawanin Secondary School. She gave us $120 as a donation which cleared the entire term 1 fee. I was so elated and humbled by the good gesture extended to us since we had no means at all. The kindness and grace were unmatched, it salvaged the otherwise bad situation at the time though we are still struggling with the challenge at the moment.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are grappling with the challenge of school fees at the moment. We have a girl in University and 2 children in Patkawanin Secondary, a son and a girl in Form 4 and Form 1 respectively. Both of them have been sent home for fees and they have been at home for 4 days now, we do not have the money to pay for their school fees at the moment. It worries us a lot since we want the best for our children but our inadequacy does not allow. We are faced with a myriad of challenges, even putting food on the table is a tall order leave alone raising school fees. As parents, we try to give the best to our children but sometimes it is not possible and it breaks our hearts, we feel like we have failed in our responsibility bestowed to us by God.