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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Newsfeed > Monica's Profile
Monica's family
Monica
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
61
workCampaign
UBI
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Monica's next check-in.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Currently, my life is different in that I now own a kitchen. Therefore I am able to cook at any time that I intend to unlike before cooking in my main house was hazardous to my family's health which forced me to cook early before the sunsets.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My new goal for the next four months is to aim higher and get to my goal of replacing my grassed thatched roof into an iron sheet one. This means I intend to be discipline with the finances I get from GiveDirectly through buying the required building materials on a monthly basis.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
Previously, I have been living in a one-room house which served as a kitchen, living, and bedroom to my family. Today, I have a different story to tell because the biggest difference in my daily life for the last four months is that I have successfully built a kitchen which I have ever dreamt of. This has been enhanced by buying building materials which included iron sheets, nails, timber and paid laborers to build it using the transfers that were sent. Thanks to GiveDirectly because the kitchen serves as a bedroom for my children at night and a cooking place as well.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months in that I shall have fixed an iron sheet roof and replace the grassed that one by buying building materials every month with the sent transfer. This is because at the moment the leaky grass-thatched roof of my house is in a deplorable condition which has made it risky for our habitation.
 
16th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life is currently different from how it was four months ago because, once I receive the money I always buy enough food that I eat and get sertisfied as compared to before when buying enough food is a challenge.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My new goal is to purchase iron sheets and put up an iron-roofed kitchen. My current one is grass thatched and to make matters worse, it is leaking. Besides, it weak and I am scared it can collapse any time which poses a risk to us given that we are still using it. I want to have a modern, nice, strong kitchen that will last longer and will not need repairs all the time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am able to pay school fees for my children at the right time. They are able to stay in school and attend to all the school’s activities and routine without being sent home for fees like it was before. I am hoping to see improved grades because most of their time now is spent at school and not home. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
My life is currently different from how it was four months ago in that I am able to put food on my table daily. Back then, skipping a meal was easy as we could not afford all the three. My children are also in school, full time. They are not sent home for school fees frequently like it was then. With these sorted, I feel I am at peace with myself as I am able to provide for my family with at least the basics.
 
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Currently, my life is different than it was four months ago because my purchasing power has increased. Despite the fact that I have been sick and unable to undertake any casual job for the last two months, I have still been able to provide for my family. There is no day we have missed a meal in the last four months despite me suffering from arthritis.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
In the next four months, my new goal is to save part of my transfers and spend them on buying some bags of cement which I shall use to plaster my house's floor. Currently, it is in a bad state since I have not smeared it with cow dung for the last two months since I fell sick. Cementing my house's flour will relieve me from the burden of smearing it every now and then.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my life in the last four months preceding the current transfer is the assurance of the monthly transfer. I had never been entitled to a monthly income all through my life and the GiveDirectly's cash transfer program has made me feel more at peace than before. In addition, I am always able to acquire my household's foodstuff so easily.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months, I expect my house' floor to be improved. For instance, once it is cemented, there will be no more specks of dust which have been affecting my household members during prolonged dry seasons. Moreover, I shall be relieved from the burden of smearing it twice a month.
 
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
The biggest difference is now I feed well and much healthier than before. As a family, we could go without food some days but now we are better off.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
In the next four months, I plan to plaster the floor of my house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference is that I can feed my family well which consists of my grandchildren whose parents are deceased. I used to struggled before the transfers were sent but now I can comfortably feed them.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six, I expect to have plastered the floor of my house and started a small business to help generate income for my family. My life will better off.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
attach_money
 
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
Currently, I do not have any new goal.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Receiving money every month from Give Directly has really reduced the pain and stress I used to go through in my life.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I would want to buy water tank for storing water since its a problem during dry seasons.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been struggling to meet my financial needs since I have been economically disabled but since I started receiving this transfer, my life has been made easier because every month I receive money.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship that I have faced in my life is the death of my two kids. I am still hurting to date because of their demise.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning when I wake up in good health everyday. People pass away in their sleep and even on road accidents, but for me waking up to see a new day makes me so happy.
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
Gold mining business
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
My proudest achievement is that I managed to save around ten thousand shillings, bought a calf that later gave birth to another calf after a few years.