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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Completed
Newsfeed > Hellen's Profile
Hellen's family
Hellen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Hellen's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($349 USD)
access_time 25 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am planning to continue with farming because I want my children to keep going to school. Their education is very important to me, and farming is what helps me support them. I also hope to buy a small plot of land, just a 50 by 100. To raise the money to buy this land, I will keep farming maize and beans, and I'll sell them to earn what I need. We really need to move because, every time it rains, our place floods. Having that new plot would mean a safer, better place for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
When I received the money from GiveDirectly, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. The best part was that they trusted me to know what was best for my family. Instead, they left that decision to me, which allowed me to focus on what we needed most. That freedom was powerful because it showed they respected my judgment and knew that we each have unique needs. Everything about the program was clearly explained from the start. I understood what to expect, and the information was shared in a way that left me with no questions or confusion. It gave me confidence to use the money wisely. GiveDirectly don’t need to change a thing about their approach. By giving us the money directly and letting us decide, they showed they really understand what people like us need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was pay $200 in school fees for my two children who are in secondary school. Education is very important to me, and I wanted to make sure they could stay in school without any disruptions. It was a relief to know that, at least for this term, their fees were covered, and they could focus on their studies without worry. With the remaining $250, I invested in ploughing four acres of land and bought maize and bean seeds. It’s planting season, so I knew that putting the money into our land would eventually bring us more returns. Both maize and beans are staple crops here, and I’m hopeful that the harvest will be bountiful and profitable. Now, I’m happy to see that the seeds have germinated and the plants are growing well. Watching those first green shoots come up feels like seeing hope come to life. This cash transfer has truly given me a path forward.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in a church meeting when I received a message notification, but I didn't bother to check it. A few minutes later, I received a call from my neighbor, informing me that others in our community had received money from GiveDirectly and that I should have received it too. At that moment, my pastor assisted me in confirming, and it was true I received $200 from GiveDirectly. It was hard to believe. The first thought that came to my mind was to send my son back to school since he had been sent home due to unpaid fees. I was filled with happiness and immense gratitude. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for this incredible support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is how they helped me recover from the shock of the floods. During that time, I was just coming back from the Eldume camp where I had sought refuge. At home, all my household items had been swept away. I had no place to sleep, no mattress or bed, no food, and one of my kids in secondary school couldn't attend because of unpaid fees. Receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly allowed me to address these urgent needs. I bought a bed and mattress, which gave us a place to sleep. I paid the school fees and sent my child back to school. I also bought food to alleviate the hunger crisis we were facing. This support made a huge difference, helping me recover and get back to the life I had before the floods happened. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their assistance. Their help has been a lifeline for me and my family, allowing us to rebuild and move forward.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving $200 from GiveDirectly, I was able to address several urgent needs for my family. I have two children whose school fees I pay, and one of them was at home because of a fee balance. I decided to use $50 to send this child back to school. It was a huge relief seeing them return to their education. The floods had hit us hard, sweeping away all our household items, including our bed, utensils, mattress, and many other belongings. I spent $56 to buy a bed and mattress, so now my family and I can sleep in comfort. During the floods, we stayed in a camp and depended on humanitarian assistance for food. After returning home, we had nothing to eat. This money arrived at a time of deep hunger for my family, so I used $13 to buy food for us. I am immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for their help. This support has made a significant difference in our lives, helping us rebuild and regain some normalcy.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
One month ago, flash floods devastated my 0.5-acre tomato farm, washing away produce that was nearly ready for harvest. As a family of eight, we rely heavily on farming for our livelihood, and these floods have caused significant losses. This farm was our sole source of income, which I used to pay for my children's school fees. Currently, my daughter is at home due to $400 in unpaid school fees, and I am deeply worried because I do not have the means to pay this amount.Restarting our farming operations requires capital, which I currently lack. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I feel a sense of relief and hope. I plan to spend $100 towards my children's school fees for grades 10 and 11. Additionally, I intend to spend $300 on cultivating my farm and planting maize. This support will help ensure my family's financial stability and food security.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Eight years ago, my elder sister Margaret, left our village to seek better opportunities in Naivasha. Unfortunately, she never returned, and we lost all contact with her. Over time, I lost track of her whereabouts and had nearly forgotten her. However, two months ago, she unexpectedly relocated back to our village. Seeing her again filled me with immense joy, reminding me that family bonds are truly strong and enduring.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
One month ago, my village Murda, was struck by severe flash floods that greatly affected my family of eight. Our primary source of income has been farming, but the floods destroyed the tomatoes I had planted on 0.5 acres of land and the maize on my 1-acre plot. This farming venture was our sole source of income, and with the crops destroyed, I now have to rely on casual jobs, such as weeding and charcoal burning, to support my family.I had invested $300 in the tomato crops and took a loan from Kenya Seed Company to plant the maize. Now, without any produce to sell, I am at a loss on how to repay the loan later this year. The destruction of our crops has left me in a difficult financial situation, and I am uncertain how to recover and meet my financial obligations.