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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:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($320 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a strong desire to expand my farming efforts, with the goal of providing for my family's needs and having extra resources to invest. By growing my farm, I hope to generate enough income to pay for my children's education and save money for the future. With a successful and thriving farm, I can nurture my crops and support my family's dreams, creating a brighter and more prosperous future for all of us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has fulfilled its promises to me by providing the exact amount of money they had pledged. They have shown no favoritism, and there are no conditions or obligations attached to the funds they provided. I am immensely grateful for their generosity and unwavering commitment. The financial support they offered has made a significant impact on my life, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity they have given me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I put the money I received from GiveDirectly to good use by investing it in my farming endeavors, which cost me $20. Additionally, I diligently took care of some outstanding fees for my children, amounting to $10. With the remaining funds, I made sure to provide nourishing meals for my family, while also setting aside a portion for future needs. By wisely allocating the funds, I not only bolstered my agricultural pursuits but also ensured a brighter future for my loved ones.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($330 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Expanding in the agricultural sector is my top priority in the upcoming years. To achieve this goal, I intend to reinvest the profits from this season. I am immensely grateful for the support received from GiveDirectly, which has been of great assistance to us. I cannot express enough gratitude for the positive impact it has had on our lives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
From my perspective, the support extended by GiveDirectly has had a remarkable and favorable effect on our standard of living, leading to a life-changing transformation. The most remarkable aspect of the program, for me, was the unrestricted nature of the transfer, which allowed us to utilize the funds as we saw fit. I have no reservations or concerns about any aspect of the program's implementation or credibility.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon learning that GiveDirectly would be providing me with funds, I knew that this would be the most beneficial investment for my family and me. Since my husband and I separated, I have been solely responsible for my three children and have relied on farming to make ends meet. Therefore, my children and I decided to prioritize agriculture by investing more money to increase yields. As a result, I allocated $180 to farming. I also renovated my old house and spent $150. Finally, I used the remaining amount on school fees and food, which were previously unattainable due to financial constraints. I am overjoyed and grateful for the assistance that remarkably elevated our living conditions within a short time frame.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($154 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was like any other day in Baringo, with a scorching sun. I was relaxing outside of my home after a strenuous day. I got a text message confirmation that I had received my share of the cash transfer. I called my kids and broke the good news to them. They were ecstatic and overjoyed to hear the news. We all knew this would greatly aid us in achieving our objectives. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of the organization that's helped improve our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My children, who are in school, can comfortably study because I was able to pay their tuition fees. It is the biggest change in my life. Our lives have been greatly impacted positively by this support since I'm no longer worried about where I'll get money. I'll eternally be grateful because this is a huge burden lifted off my back. I'm very happy with the achievements accomplished to date.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It has been my children and me since I separated from my husband. I've struggled through thick and thin to make ends meet to provide for my three children and a grandchild. I'd love them to complete school, and be successful in life and academics. Upon receipt of my initial transfer, I spent the entire amount of $200 to pay for school fees. It was a pressing need at that time. I rely on farm work as my source of income. I'm unable to meet our needs with what I make. I'm happy the support has brought me happiness and helped our lives be better than before. My children can comfortably study.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The adverse climatic changes have affected immensely food production in my area with the production being on losses. As a result, my family of 5 has been affected by hunger as we at times run short of food if I do not attend casual jobs. However, it is a sigh of relief now, for I intend to use $200 on stocking grains (beans and maize ) in my granary to last my household until the next harvesting season in August 2023. In addition, I plan on venturing into beekeeping as a lasting financial solution for my family. I will be glad that my children's education will be a success as well as my family's food security sorted.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though raising a family single-handedly is a challenge, I am glad to have pulled through it with ease. I depend on farming for a living but the harvests are nowadays unproductive. As a result, I opted to attend casual jobs such as weeding to support my family of 5. I am grateful that despite the uncertainties, my household has never lacked food and my children are always in school. This puts a smile on my face for it is an achievement as a parent.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a single mother of 3 who depends on farming for a living. With the adverse climatic changes, farming is now uncertain as the yields are low. For instance, in May 2022, I sowed maize on my 0.5-acre of land but harvested only 4 bags of maize against the usual 9 bags on a good year. It pains me that I had to sell all of the bags to cater partly for the school fees for my son in grade 11. As of now, I have to attend casual jobs such as weeding and collecting firewood so that my family of 5 can have food for the day.