I have got big plans for the goat I am planning to buy and rear. It is going to keep me busy, and I am counting on it to multiply so I can sell them in the future. That will come in handy when my grandchildren need help with school fees or other expenses. As an elderly woman, I cannot work, so these goats and my chili farming are my main hopes. Even though my chili nursery did not produce any sprouts this year, I am not giving up. I still have hopes in the next year when I prepare another nursery and I am happy that my life is now getting a good direction

GiveDirectly is simply amazing. I cannot express enough gratitude for everything it has done for me. I would not change a thing about it. It has been an incredible lifeline for me, and I am immensely thankful.

As an elderly woman, I live with my two grandchildren and two daughters-in-law in a house made of mud that's slowly deteriorating. When it rains, the walls are eroded, and the structure feels like it's on the brink of collapse. Without a job, my main source of income is chili farming, where I sell about 5 kilograms a week for $2.5. This income barely covers our expenses, let alone house repairs. Watching my home deteriorate weighs heavily on my heart, leaving me feeling lost. Desperate to save my home, GiveDirectly came to my rescue with the unconditional transfer and I have invested almost all of it into buying building materials for the house repairs. The renovation is ongoing, but the total cost for the house remains uncertain as I am not sure of what the labor will cost and if I may be needed additional items. If there's any money left over, I plan to invest in a female goat. Rearing it with the aim of it multiplying could provide a source of income in the future which will help to support my family. Despite the challenges, I hold onto hope. I am happy and grateful to see progress on my home, and I look forward to the day when my family and I can move in our completed renovated house and live in a safer, warm and more secure environment.

It was a sunny afternoon, and I was out in the fields, tending to my maize harvest. My granddaughter, who is also my helper, had taken my phone to call her mother. As she fiddled with the phone, she saw a message. Her eyes widened as she read it stating that the first transfer from GiveDirectly had been sent to my account. She couldn't contain her excitement as she rushed to tell me the news. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I realized that help had arrived when I needed it most. That moment, under the warm sun, with my granddaughter's joyful smile, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope for the future.

I'm so grateful for GiveDirectly because it completely turned my life around. Before, I lived in constant fear in my fragile home. Whenever it rained heavily, I would worry that my house might collapse. However, after receiving the cash transfer, I was able to renovate it. Now, it stands strong and safe, and I no longer have to lie awake at night fearing for my family's safety. This simple act of kindness has given us not just shelter but peace of mind, and for that, I'll forever be thankful.

My mud-walled house was in real trouble because of the heavy rain this season. I was scared that it might collapse. So, when I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to spend it on making my house safe and secure. First, I bought hard corals and a few bags of cement for $400. Then, I hired a skilled contractor who charged me $100. Together, we worked hard to reinforce my house. We built strong pillars in the corners and put a strong skirting all around. It was a lot of work, but when it was finished, I couldn't believe the transformation. My house is now stable, and I no longer worry about it collapsing. I feel a deep sense of relief and happiness knowing that my home is a safe place to live in. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the cash transfer improved my living conditions.