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.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Hellen's Profile
Hellen's family
Hellen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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What did you spend your third transfer on?
I spent my third transfer on buying an engine for 70,000 KES for a fishing boat that I had bought using my second transfer (60,000 KES). On both occasions my husband added his savings from his previous fishing activities. He was previously employed as a fisherman in Uganda, until tension developed between the two countries and he got sacked by his employer so he came back to the village. After a while he got another job as a fisherman, but earned about 1,500 KES -2,000 KES for every fishing trip which took 3 days on average, and life was hard, our children could be sent back home for lack of school fee. Consequently, when GD enrolled me, we knew exactly how we would spend the transfers and planned well. Having invested 130,000 KES, we started the fishing business in August 2018, where my husband still fishes from Uganda waters and brings a big fish haul back, which is sold immediately to specific customers who transport it to Nairobi. Just within four months, we are seeing the fruits of our investment, and have acquired a second fishing boat for 60,000 KES, and we are already saving to buy an engine for it for more efficiency and higher return. We have employed two men who support the work. Besides, we raised 5,000 with which I personally started a small scale business (I sell charcoal, cereals and fruits) which I run while my husband manages the fishing business. In a space of 3 months, I have managed to grow my working capital to 10,000 KES. Our living standard has improved, and we plan to pursue other goals in our lives, beginning with building a bigger and better house. Thank you so very much, we welcome GD staff for a ride to Uganda in our boat, and some fish to carry back to Nairobi.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on purchasing a boat which we thought was the best way to invest a portion of the transfer because the boat will help my spouse conduct his own fishing without necessarily hiring other people's boats. I am glad that currently we can talk of something close to 4000 KES every day not as before when even raising a 1000 KES was just a nightmare. The remaining amount we spent on purchasing a television to help us learn and follow whatever thing that happens in the world.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the changed living style that the family has currently acquired. The amount generated every day from the boat has brought a lot of impact to us.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
10000 KES ($97 USD)
access_time almost 7 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on paying 5,000 KES school fee for my three children in primary school, bought a woofer speaker at 4,000 KES then used the rest of the cash on food for the house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The money came when I was so stressed because my children had been sent out of school due to lack of fee, I just felt so relieved and left with my children to school first thing in the morning to pay their fees.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 7 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship is getting school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest time of my day is when I my plans are succesful.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I'm happy to be receiving this money. I plan to build my own house as well as start a fishing business.