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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Monica's Profile
Monica's family
Monica
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 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?
When my daughter sat for her exams, I knew that she would pass, my worries was how she would continue with her education, since I had no adequate resources to support that. I managed to pay School fees for her for the three academic years. With the little savings I get from my business, I believe I will be able to raise money for her college and other children's education. My life has changed from desperation to hopefulness.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has given people money and freedom of how to spend it. No body was restricted on how to use the fund. I realized that when people have resources and have freedom in financial expenditure, they are able to solve so many economic problems. GiveDirectly should have given us funds in monthly basis for proper planning and this could also give us opportunity to borrow money from credit facilities.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on school fees payment. My daughter passed final examinations last year and was to join Secondary School this year. I neither had any property to dispose for the matter nor did I had any savings since we used to live in hand to mouth basis. When I received transfer, I was happy and my first priority was school fees.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I'm now happy, relieved and settled in the mind because I have constructed the house of my dream. Previously I couldn't enjoy meals and I was always gloomy because every time I felt frustrated and had deep thoughts wondering on how to raise money for constructing a bigger house. This is not the situation anymore, I'm currently happy and I have already gained some weight because the brain is settled.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Everyone in the village seemed to be exited, people were moving in and out of the village early in the morning which was unusual and kept me wondering. Suspeciously, I decided to check the phone and to my surprise, I had received money from GiveDirectly. I couldn't believe it and I had to give my spouse the phone to check the message, and he confirmed we had received money from GD. We thanked God for the gift, I stayed calm, ensured my family had their breakfast then I left to the Mpesa agent to withdraw the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used the first transfer to construct a three bedroom house that fits my family to replace the small house I had previously. We are nine in the family and the single room couldn't fit us, so I had to take my children to the neighbor's house to seek for a sleeping place. I wasn't comfortable letting the children sleep away from me and it was risky too letting them walk at night. I bought a cow for rearing so that in future after it has given birth I'll have enough milk for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money makes me so happy. I will save it and use it when my daughter who is in class 8 will be joining Secondary school . The burden of paying school fees will therefore be reduced.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am having dinner with my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life was the loss of my parents. I was forced to drop out of school at a tender age since there was no one who could pay for my schooling.