I am deeply committed to realizing my dream of starting a poultry farming business. For far too long, I've been shouldering the responsibility of raising my kids singlehandedly, and it's been a challenging journey. However, I firmly believe that by launching this poultry business, I can not only provide for my family but also ensure a more stable and prosperous future for them. The prospect of no longer having to strain to make ends meet drives my determination, and I'm committed to making this dream come true. Poultry farming not only aligns with my passion but also holds the promise of financial security and a brighter tomorrow for my family.

The fact that I was able to get financial assistance from the organization was the best thing that ever happened to me. It provided me with the means to address pressing needs and improve my family's well-being. What truly stood out, though, was the incredible kindness and approachability of the GiveDirectly staff. They weren't just distant figures behind a bureaucratic process; they were real people who cared about my situation. Their empathy and willingness to listen made the entire experience feel personal and supportive. GiveDirectly not only provided essential financial help but also did it with a level of humanity and compassion that I deeply appreciate.

I spent $250 of my recent unconditional cash transfer on purchasing construction materials such as cement, pipes, and sand and covering all the labor charges. The reason behind this was the urgent need to build a proper pit latrine. Our previous one had collapsed, and it was nothing more than a temporary structure. The embarrassment of having to rely on my neighbors' facilities or sometimes going to the bush for such a basic necessity was overwhelming. Hygiene and sanitation are essential, so I made them a top priority. Now, with a sturdy pit latrine in place, I no longer have to worry about exposure to diseases like cholera. In addition to addressing our sanitation needs, I used part of the funds to support my two daughters. I allocated a total of $220, with one daughter pursuing a hospitality course in college. I'm proud that she will be able to sit for her exams and continue her education without financial strain. My other daughter is currently in Form Four, and with this financial assistance, she can focus on her studies without worrying about the costs. With the remaining amount, I bought food to sustain my family of eight. As a widow relying on a small business selling potatoes, where my daily profit is around $5, this unconditional cash transfer has made a significant and positive impact on our lives.

The hardest thing in life is being a widow who used to depend on their spouse for a living as a housewife. Life has not been a walk in the park since the day I laid my husband to eternal rest. As I remember the cash day vividly, I was washing clothing for my children when I heard a message tone from my phone as the sun was almost setting. I used the message as an opportunity to take a quick rest while checking my phone because I was exhausted. The information was heartening once I internalized it. When I noticed the first transfer from GiveDirectly had been transferred into my account, I leaped up and down with joy. I sobbed because I had never since birth received such a large sum of money all at once.

Before receiving the transfer, my life was full of frustrations. I had no defined source of income other than making and selling charcoal, which was unreliable. I had two children taking care of them after their dad passed on. They needed school fees, food, and clothing. Life was not easy for me. I am now happy because after I received the first transfer, I was able to fix the majority of the hurdles I was passing through. As of now, my children are happy in school and they get food at home. This could remain a nightmare if it were not for GiveDirectly.

By the time I received my second transfer, I was undergoing some frustrations of losing my spouse as well as concerning my two children's education. One of them was required to pay $100 college fees while the other one was required to pay $56 secondary school fees lest they could drop out of school. Upon receiving the transfer, I felt so happy because GiveDirectly enabled me to pay the $156 school fees immediately and my children continued with their studies. As they settled comfortably in school, my mind became at peace and I was relieved. Thereafter, since hunger is the main challenge in our area, I opted to buy some foodstuff worthy of the remaining $20 to ensure food security for my children at home. Since I wanted to invest the remaining amount in an income-generating activity, the amount wasn't enough for the project in the line. so I opted to save it to wait for the second transfer so that I start a poultry farming business. I intend to keep layers for egg production because they have a high demand in the market.