My plan for this year and the years to come is to improve my newly built house. I want to cement the floors to make them more appealing and comfortable for my family. Additionally, I plan to purchase more household items and essential furniture that we currently do not have. I will use the money from GiveDirectly to make this dream a reality. The thought of having a more comfortable and well-furnished home fills me with joy and gratitude because it will provide my family with the safety and comfort we deserve.

What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is how transparent they were during the enrollment process. They took the time to inform us about everything, ensuring we understood their program and how it works. Their openness and honesty made the entire process smooth and trustworthy. I genuinely appreciate their approach, and I have no specific recommendations for changes. GiveDirectly is doing an excellent job, and I hope they continue with their current practices.

Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I immediately directed the support toward my most urgent need, which was building a house. Currently, I live at a relative's home because I do not have my own safe and adequate house after being displaced by floods. I used the entire amount to purchase iron sheets, frames, and construction poles. The construction is underway, and I am excited about soon moving into my own house. This fills me with hope for the future, knowing I will have a safe and comfortable place for my family. I am deeply thankful for this support, as it has made a dream that once felt impossible come true.

I was at home in the evening, relaxing after a long day. Suddenly, my neighbor's son, who often comes to stay with me during the day, burst in and shouted, "Grandma, bring me your phone! I need to check if the money has arrived because people at the center said the GiveDirectly money is here!" At first, I refused and told him, “No, you’re lying; there’s no money.” But then my neighbor, who is a teacher, returned from school, and I asked her to confirm it for me. To my surprise, she said, “Yes, the money has arrived; I received mine too!” In that moment, joy flooded through me. I felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over me. The first thing I thought about was purchasing food, as my house empty with no food, and I was feeling very sick. I knew I couldn’t go out to look for casual jobs, so having the money meant I could finally take care of my basic needs. It was a moment of hope, and I couldn’t wait to make the most of it!

The biggest difference in my life after receiving the cash transfer is having enough food at home. I am very happy because I no longer have to stand in the hot sun to find casual jobs just to eat. Sometimes, I would go out to work even when I was sick because I had nothing to eat. Now, I thank God that I can enjoy my meals comfortably three times a day. Before, I only ate once a day, which made my health worse. Now that I have enough food, my health has also improved significantly.

That day brought a surge of emotions, marking a turning point in my life filled with relief and hope. For so long, I had been trapped in a cycle of pain and struggle, burdened by serious health issues, particularly chest problems stemming from an accident when a tree fell on my back. This injury left me unable to perform heavy tasks, forcing me to rely on my neighbors for help. The cash transfer felt like a lifeline, allowing me to spend $70 on medication that would help me manage my health better. Finally, I could take a step toward feeling better, lifting a heavy weight that had long burdened my heart.Furthermore, I used $20 to buy clothes and shoes, essentials I desperately needed. Without proper clothing, I often felt embarrassed, especially during vacations when I faced others who seemed to have it all together. I also spent $40 on kitchen utensils, as I barely had any left after moving to this borrowed place. Cooking had become a challenge without the right tools, but now I could prepare meals more comfortably, which brought a small sense of normalcy back to my life.Most importantly, I allocated $70 for food since my cupboards were empty. I often depended on my neighbors for meals when I couldn’t find casual jobs. Living alone after losing my husband and two children has been incredibly painful; my only surviving daughter is married and lives elsewhere. The memories of my loved ones haunt me, so I chose to stay far from our previous home to help me heal. I even borrowed a piece of land away from their graveyards, hoping to forget those painful memories. This cash transfer not only helped me meet my immediate needs but also rekindled my hope for a better future.