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 > Hellen's Profile
Hellen's family
Hellen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
55
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($478 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Being a dairy and chicken farmer, I have a new goal of adding more stock to my livestock. Although, I still have one project ongoing I am happy that it is almost complete. After its completion, I will be able to save all the earnings from my farm outputs towards adding more livestock.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly did well by boosting most poverty alleviated households in my village. The new facelift in my village is evident in the projects that most people did using their cash transfers. We are so happy to see great changes in our entire and nearby villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my second transfer I spent KES 55,000 on buying hundred bags of cement. This was for a house I had started constructing using both the first and part of the savings we had with my husband. We are grateful that the house is almost complete and we will move in soon. We appreciate all the support that we got from Givedirectly.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember vividly like yesterday that it was around 10 am. When I was doing my morning chores. Then I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I reluctantly check it out because I was not expecting any message from anyone. I felt do happy when I realized it was message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I knew I would be able to purchase some of the materials needed to build a better house for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased Building materials ready to build a better and spacious house for my family. I used all the money to purchase hundred bags of cement. We had bought other materials before. We have not yet started the construction work since we are not done purchasing other things needed. We live in a small house which cannoy host all the family comfortably. We had wished to build a better house but we didn't had the money. Our first priority was to educate our children. My last born now is in the university. Whenever we have visitors it's so stressful since there is no room to host them comfortably. We are so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has enabled us to purchase the cement. We are waiting for the second transfer to start the construction process. We are so grateful because we have hope that we gonna compete this and live in a better and decent house. GiveDirectly has enable us reach reach this step.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all the transfer I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing hundred bags of cement. I am in the process of purchasing building materials planning to build a spacious and a better house for my family. We live in a small house and we had planned with my spouse to build a permanent house for our retirement.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long time I have wished to own a beautiful and bigger house. My house is very old, the roofing is almost falling off on one side and the floor is damaged by insects because it was cheaply done. I have been saving up to construct a new house. So far we have bought some construction materials but the process is yet to start. The GD transfer will aid construction of the house by using about $800 for the materials and the remaining $300 I will use to revive my poultry farming business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On week days I wake up around 5 in the morning, take breakfast and head to school. I am a teacher by proffesion and this means I spend most of my day in school teaching and going through school activities. I am mostly happy when in school spending time with my students because I get to interact with them and build their future
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship we've faced as a family has been financial stability. My husband and I are fortunate enough to to earn an income at the end of month. Combined salaries amount to $400 each month, which is not enough to pay school fees for our children nor aid in construction of our dream house