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 > Hellen's Profile
Hellen's family
Hellen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
20
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($386 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My utmost priority is to acquire a larger piece of land for my beloved children. The current one we reside on has served us well, but it has become evident that it is too small to meet the needs and dreams we envision for our family's future. As a parent, it is my deepest wish to provide my children with a spacious and secure environment where they can flourish and explore their potential to the fullest. I am determined to work hard, save diligently, and explore various options to realize this dream. My heart is set on giving my children the best possible start in life, and I am committed to accomplishing this aspiration for their sake.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
With the incredible support of GiveDirectly and their unconditional money transfer, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation. I now have a spacious and comfortable house that not only provides shelter for my family but also allows me to host visitors with pride. GiveDirectly's thoughtful assistance has enabled me to build a brighter future, and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had been struggling to finish constructing my house, but the funds breathed new life into my dreams. With the money, I wasted no time and invested in essential materials like iron sheets, metal doors, and windows, transforming my humble abode into a secure and comfortable space. Adding two rooms not only ensured privacy but also improved the overall appearance of the house, making me feel a sense of pride whenever I looked at it. Gone were the days when passersby could peer inside; now we had a sense of security and comfort. Next, I fulfilled a long-standing dream of owning a sewing machine. Spending $110 on it was a decision that paid off in more ways than one. With the machine, I could now support my family by sewing clothes and earning a living on my terms without having to rely on borrowing from friends. It brought a sense of independence and dignity to my work. Additionally, I invested $45 in a comfortable bed, putting an end to the nights of restless sleep and pain. This newfound comfort has not only improved my sleep but also my overall well-being. With the rest of the money, I ensured my family's basic needs were met. I purchased food for my three family members, alleviating the financial burden on my spouse, who had been tirelessly juggling responsibilities as a welder earning a meager $6 a day. will forever be grateful for this opportunity that has lifted us from hardship and allowed us to build a better life together.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($439 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on my way travelling to Mombasa to pay a visit to my husband who works and stays there. It was around 3 pm when I received the message notifications on the phone. After reaching my spouse's room, I checked the messages and noticed that it was the transfers from GiveDirectly. I felt happy for receiving the transfer that would change our life for the better. I informed my spouse about the great news and we rejoiced and decided to withdraw the aid the next day before we could sit and discuss the projects to accomplish.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is the fact that I was able to start the construction of a private toilet for my family. This will save us from the problem of having to share one toilet with people whom we highly respect. Additionally, being able to acquire a sewing machine, which will enable me to start a dress-making shop is something that I never thought of achieving soon. I am looking forward to owning a shop, a reliable income-generating activity for myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After completing my tailoring course 3 years ago, I have not been able to start a dressmaking shop as well as purchase the required sewing machine and various types of linen. The cash transfers that I received stirred my dream. I spent $70 of my recent transfer to purchase a second-hand sewing machine that I will use to repair clothes for our neighbours. This will be my reliable source of livelihood that will help me to raise our family. Previously, I had to engage myself in a temporary casual job, washing clothes at the nearby centre to earn a living. This activity is energy-draining and is characterized by low income. Most of the time, I would earn $3 per day. In addition, I bought building materials which I will use to expand my very small shelter. Lastly, I spent the remaining amount on digging a toilet pit since we were sharing one toilet with all relatives at home. In some instances, I could collide with my father-in-law while from the toilet which was a pathetic scenario.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I want to gain my marriage a lot of respect from my maternal parents by paying some part of my dowry. My parents asked for $750 as my dowry but my husband managed to give them $150. If we pay another $350, I think it will lift the weight off my husband as we continue to raise our family. It will also increase the love and bond we have for each other. When everything at home is working well, I will focus on myself, and acquire some tailoring skills by enrolling in a tailoring course with may cost $108, and buying a machine worth $90. I long to be independent, be in a position to register in a sacco, and at least have a savings account.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been married for two years now and one thing that fulfills my heart is that my in-laws are very respectful and have created a conducive environment for marriage to thrive. My husband John is also supportive and I can not help but be joyous.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
There is a sense of contentment that comes with working or even studying, just having something to occupy one's day. I am a mother of one and apart from raising my two-year-old son, I have nothing else to do. I feel it is time for me to engage myself in other activities, (acquiring skills as a tailor) to place me in a better position to make a living. But I feel stuck because I lack the funds to do so. I need to find my purpose.