My aspirations center around launching a new business venture, specializing in selling charcoal in a dedicated stall. This shift represents a strategic move from my previous method of selling door-to-door. The vision is to create a more stable and efficient business model where customers can easily find and access the charcoal they need. I anticipate that this change will not only streamline my operations but also attract a broader customer base. By establishing a fixed location, I aim to build stronger connections within the community and offer a consistent, reliable source of quality charcoal. This transition signifies a step towards growth and sustainability, marking a new chapter in my entrepreneurial journey.

In my view, the most commendable aspect of GiveDirectly is the autonomy it grants recipients. They handed me the means to uplift my life, allowing me to decide where the money would have the most significant impact. With that financial boost, I now stand in front of a house—a tangible testament to their impactful approach. The empowerment to make decisions about my own needs has not only given me shelter but also a renewed sense of control over my life. GiveDirectly's commitment to placing power directly in the hands of those in need has indeed made a lasting difference for me and countless others who now have a place to call home.

Receiving the unconditional cash transfer felt like a lifeline to me, a breath of fresh air amid financial struggles. With the $500, I made a strategic decision to invest in a pair of oxen. These bulls weren't just a purchase; they were the foundation of a new business venture. My plan was to offer their ploughing services to my friends' farms at a reasonable rate of $25 per acre. This not only provided me with a steady income but also allowed me to cultivate my own five acres efficiently, a task that was once daunting when done by hand. The oxen became more than just a source of income; they became partners in transforming my small piece of land into a productive asset. The remaining amount from the cash transfer was wisely utilized to buy new school uniforms for my seven children, all in lower grades. Juggling the responsibilities of a charcoal business that barely made ends meet, it had been a struggle to ensure timely payments for their education, as my husband lacked a permanent job. With the new uniforms, I felt a sense of relief knowing that my children would not only attend school comfortably but also with a renewed sense of dignity. The oxen and the school uniforms became symbols of hope, representing a shift from the constant financial strain to a future where my family could thrive with both sustenance and education.

I was deep in the woods, gathering firewood to cook our evening meal when my phone buzzed. I wiped my hands on my dress and reached for it. My heart raced as I read the message since it was the day I'd been eagerly waiting for, the day GiveDirectly would send the first cash transfer into my account. I couldn't believe it when I saw the notification confirming the deposit. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that for the first time in my life, I had a significant sum of money in my name. The weight of financial worry that had burdened my family for so long lifted at that moment, and a profound sense of gratitude and hope washed over me. With this newfound opportunity, I knew I could change our lives for the better.

I used to live in constant fear and worry since my children were forced to sleep at our neighbor's house because our own house was too small to accommodate them. It was a never-ending nightmare, not knowing if they were alright. But then, a ray of hope shone through my life when I became a recipient of GiveDirectly. With that cash transfer, I built a three-room mud-walled house for them right beside me. Now, I can sleep peacefully at night, knowing my children are under the same roof, and I can watch over them. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has transformed from one of fear to one of security and love, and I'll be forever grateful for this life-changing support.

I'm a mother of seven children, and life has always been a struggle. I used to gather firewood and sell it just to put food on the table and provide for my family. We lived in a cramped, one-room mud-walled house, and my children had to seek shelter from friends and relatives, which always left me worried. But then, I received the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, and I decided to use that money to change our lives. First, I used $266 to buy 28 pieces of iron sheets, and I hired a contractor who took $97 to build us a three-room mud-walled house. Now, my children have their own space, and it brings me so much peace to see them right here with me. With the remaining money, I paid $40 in school fees for my primary school children, ensuring they had the opportunity for a brighter future. I also invested in our family's future by buying two goats for $70. Finally, I used the rest of the cash to buy essential household items that we've long needed. Thanks to GiveDirectly for transforming our lives.