Monica

Monica*, a single mother of seven, arrived in Kenya as a refugee after fleeing Congo in November 2014. Monica was separated from her husband during the family’s flight and had to begin supporting her family financially. With two of her children experiencing serious medical conditions, Monica’s family slept hungry most nights and they feared eviction, struggling to pay the rent. RefugePoint immediately delivered essential services, including medical care and enrollment in school. With basic needs met, Monica attended a self-reliance and business skills training and received a grant, enabling her to start a “kitenge” fabric business. Monica reported that, “Before receiving the business grant from RefugePoint, I was not able to buy food, shoes, or clothes for my children, but now I can. I also now know how to save money and keep business records because of the training I received from RefugePoint. Now I know how to do business like a professional. RefugePoint helped me so much with treatment for my children. Now, my children are well.”

“The last time we met I didn’t want to talk much about my business because what was disturbing me was my children’s health. Now I can concentrate on my business because you helped them feel better and now I also feel better.” – Monica, RefugePoint Client and Business Owner

*Name changed for anonymity