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:
Casual labour
faceAge:
30
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I now have a piece of land that is under my ownership. I never thought that I will one day own a piece of land like I am doing now. The piece of land that I bought has enabled me engage in other income generating activities that has helped my family a lot. It gives me much joy as well that I was able to clear school fees for my daughter in time that gave her enough time in school to study and to which she passed her form four exams and is due to join college soon. Nothing could make me any prouder than this. I will forever be indebted to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's transparency in their operations is something to be envied. Their staff was so fair in their enrollment and every deserving person was enrolled in my village. The enrollment process was not affected by any politics like it happens with many community projects in our area. I did not have any bad experience with GiveDirectly and their operations.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used my second transfer to buy land worth KES 35000 and used the remaining amount to clear school fees for my daughter who was clearing her form four studies. We were staying in a small piece of land that could hardly allow us to engage in other income generating activities. After buying land, I have been able to keep my own cow at home which I had left at the care of my neighbor since I did not have enough space to keep. My daughters results are out and she scored a strong B+ . I attribute my daughters success to the fact that she had eniugh time to do her revision in school especially after fee was paid in time. She is so happy and grateful as well to GiveDirectly organisation for supporting her education dream.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is buying a piece of land and paying school fees for my daughter who is almost clearing high school.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received the money I was very happy because I paid school fees for my kid.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 35,000 on an eighth piece of land, and KES 20,000 on school fees for my daughter.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my plan of starting a poultry unit has now materialized.I had a plan of rearing layers chicken which is I feel is a good business.I feel very excited.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I see that my children have gone to school.I feel happy when my children are busy in school.This gives me peace to go on with the day's activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is raising up my three children.Getting food to eat and school fees has been a big challenge.I remember when my daughter was in form two she had to stay at home for two weeks due to lack of school fees.I had to go to the boarding school and plead with the principal to let her go back to school as we look for school fees.She is now in form four and I am hopeful that she will now complete form four.