Since my separation from my husband, I've shouldered the responsibility of caring for my six children, relying primarily on farming as our main income source. With the second transfer, my immediate focus was on improving our living conditions, particularly the leaky roof in our old house that posed challenges during the rainy season. Spending $254 for this purpose, I successfully constructed a decent and secure home for my family. Additionally, $86 went into purchasing a bed and mattress, contributing to an overall enhancement of our living conditions. Recognizing the need for asset diversification, I invested $40 in acquiring a goat. To address pressing needs, $50 was dedicated to school fees, alleviating previous financial constraints. The remaining funds were utilized to procure essential food items. The transfer has not only relieved financial burdens but has also fulfilled my long-standing dream of providing a better living environment for my family. I am truly grateful for this transformative opportunity.

The staff at GiveDirectly demonstrated a commitment to serving humanity, and their approach in our village was unprecedented. We received excellent treatment and utmost respect throughout the entire process. One aspect of the program that I appreciated the most was the unconditional transfer, enabling us to implement our plans smoothly.

My dream was to construct a house and invest in goats, and thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I've been able to achieve these aspirations in a short period. I am truly content and grateful to both God and the organization for turning these dreams into reality. At this point, I don't have any additional goals, and I appreciate the positive impact that has been made in my life through this support.

After receiving the cash, the first thing I did was ensure that my household had a sufficient food supply. Food security had long been a major challenge for me as a single parent, and it was heartwarming to see my family no longer going to bed with empty stomachs as we had done before. As I looked at my children's faces, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief, knowing that they would no longer experience the pangs of hunger. Since I was residing on my father's compound, I decided to invest in the future. I bought a one-acre piece of land for a down payment of $150, with an agreement to settle the remaining amount later. My children were growing up, and it was clear they needed privacy. My father's compound was getting crowded with his own family, so having our own space felt like a dream coming true. I also used a portion of the cash to pay the school fees for my three children, which amounted to $40, ensuring they could study without disturbances. With the remaining amount, I purchased essential building materials like poles, iron sheets, timber, and threads. My intention was to use these materials to build a new house on the land I had purchased. The thought of having our own home, a place where my family could live comfortably, filled me with a deep sense of relief and restored my self-esteem. Building a home with my own hard-earned money, especially considering the challenges I faced with my seasonal charcoal business, would have taken years.

The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the fact that I now have a place to call home—a piece of land with a house that shelters my three children and me. No longer are my precious little ones the subjects of ridicule in our village; the cramped dwelling we once shared within my father's compound has become a source of embarrassment and stress for me and my children alike. But today, as a single parent, I am overwhelmed with happiness, for I have not only provided my family with a secure and peaceful abode but also restored their sense of joy and contentment. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my children can now truly thrive, free from the burden of insecurity and humiliation that once weighed on their hearts.

It was around 3 in the evening when I was at my merry-go-round meeting, a moment when we shared dreams and aspirations, when I suddenly realized that I had an unread message on my phone. Excitement bubbled within me as I rushed home, handing the phone to my son, who could read for me. His eyes lit up as he revealed the content of the message: I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of happiness washed over me, and tears of joy welled up in my eyes. With that message, I knew my dreams were within reach; I could finally own a good house and sleep in a better environment, and my heart swelled with hope for a brighter future.