I am aiming to launch a retail shop, despite uncertainties about where the capital will come from. I believe that somehow, by the grace of God, the necessary resources will be provided. This endeavour holds immense significance for me, as it's not just about starting a business; it's about securing a better future for my family. With children in school, the financial strain of their education weighs heavily on me, compounded by the fact that my husband earns through casual labour, which is inconsistent. Establishing this shop will not only enable me to contribute to their education but also ensure that our household needs are met more comfortably. It's a leap of faith, but I'm determined to make it happen, believing that where there's a will, there's a way.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done exceptionally well because it empowered me with the money I needed to renovate my house into something better. Their support allowed me to transform my living space from a place of discomfort to one of safety and comfort. With their assistance, I could address a pressing need in my life, improving not only my physical surroundings but also my overall well-being. Their direct approach to assistance made a tangible difference in my life, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Navigating life's challenges as a parent of eight has been a journey marked by uncertainty and apprehension, especially concerning the state of our home. The constant fear of its collapse weighed heavily on my mind, a threat looming over the safety of my children. With neither my spouse nor I having stable employment, the prospect of renovation seemed like an unattainable dream. However, the second cash transfer presented an opportunity for transformation. By wisely investing in bags of cement, sand, and essential materials, I embarked on the journey of turning our dilapidated dwelling into a permanent house. The impending transformation of our home not only ensures physical safety but also restores a sense of pride and dignity. No longer will I carry the burden of inadequacy as a parent, haunted by the shortcomings of our dwelling. Instead, the ongoing renovation symbolizes resilience and determination, a testament to our unwavering resolve to provide a better future for our family. With each brick laid and every beam secured, I find solace in the knowledge that GiveDirectly has not only alleviated our immediate concerns but also reignited hope for a brighter tomorrow.

I was at home, enjoying a moment of relaxation with my six children when my phone buzzed. Since I can't read, I handed the phone to my daughter to check if it was a message from GiveDirectly, considering the rumors about people receiving money. To our delight, it was indeed a mobile money notification from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with joy, we hugged each other in excitement. I immediately called my husband, who works as a caretaker on someone else's farm, to share the good news. He, too, was thrilled, and together, we thanked the Lord for blessing us with such a substantial amount of money through GiveDirectly. My initial thought was to use the funds to renovate our house, reinforcing it with blocks and cement to address the termite infestation that could eventually lead to its deterioration.

Previously, providing for our six children posed a challenge, compounded by our efforts to save for the essential renovation of our termite-infested house, which was on the verge of collapsing. With the burden lifted by GiveDirectly's kind gesture of providing us with cash, we can now comfortably meet our children's needs and cover their school fees through my husband's diligent work. They can attend school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees, as we can manage to pay for their education, even if it's in installments. This brings immense joy to them, ensuring they won't miss any classes due to being sent home. Our family is overjoyed and reassured, grateful that the looming threat of homelessness arising from the potential collapse of our house has been successfully averted.

Upon receiving the funds, I allocated $420 from the transfer to purchase blocks for the much-needed renovation of my house. A persistent termite infestation posed a threat to the structural integrity, and finding the funds for repairs had been a constant worry. Despite attempts to save for the house, unforeseen challenges kept arising, leading us to dip into our savings for immediate needs, causing delays in renovating the house. With six school-going children relying on us for daily needs and school fees, saving from my husband's modest income became a challenging task.Witnessing the renovation progress brings immense relief, as if a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders, allowing me to breathe with joy. I further used $50 to settle school fees for one of my children who is in secondary school. Allocating $30, I purchased a female goat with the hope that it would multiply, providing a potential source of income through future sales. I dedicated the remaining funds to purchasing food, as our household was facing a shortage due to an ongoing drought.