In future, my aspirations are powered by a desire to provide a secure and comfortable life for my family. One of my main goals is to build a 3-roomed house and a proper toilet on our new shamba, ensuring a decent shelter for my loved ones. Am banking on farming as a means to secure both sufficient food for my family and savings that would otherwise be spent on purchasing food. This shift in focus reflects my commitment to a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle. Despite the unpredictability of charcoal prices in my burning charcoal venture, I am optimistic that through diligent farming and well advised financial management, I can achieve these goals and create a positive change in our lives. The prospect of providing my family with a stable home and ensuring their well-being through self-sustaining practices fills me with hope and determination for the future.

GiveDirectly has been a means of survival for me, and what sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to providing support without dictating how the funds should be utilized. The beauty of the unconditional cash transfer lies in its flexibility – it acknowledges that individuals know their needs best. There's a profound sense of empowerment in being able to address immediate needs without external interference. Everything about the process has been smooth, and the freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has been instrumental in transforming my circumstances. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about the approach.

The cash transfer I received from GiveDirectly was a game changer .On receiving the second transfer, I used $300 to clear the debt of a shamba that I had already started using the first transfer in Shtaki, securing one acre of land where my father's shamba is located. This new plot is a ray of hope for my son's future, as I plan to build a home for him there. Being the sole breadwinner after my husband left in search of better opportunities and never returned, my previous income of $12 a week was barely enough for food, but now, I invest in burning charcoal for a living. I allocated $180 to buy construction materials for our new home, addressing the need for a stable living space. Recognizing the unreliable water supply, I also purchased a tank to ensure a consistent water flow. Additionally, a portion of the money went towards circumcising my son, something I couldn't afford before. The remaining funds were joyfully spent on celebrating Christmas, bringing warmth and festivity to our lives in a way we hadn't experienced in a long time.

One day, after a tiring day of working on the farm, I was resting outside my house when I received a text message. Initially, I dismissed it, assuming it was a routine message from my service provider. However, my nephew later checked my phone and informed me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. My joy knew no bounds, and a wide smile adorned my face. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I knelt down and offered a prayer of thanks to the Lord.

The most profound change in my life since receiving the transfers is the realization of my long-term dream of owning land. I am now one step closer to achieving this dream after making the initial payment. The happiness I feel is immeasurable, and I extend my sincere gratitude to GiveDirectly for their noble act of assisting the less fortunate members of our society.

Currently, I reside on land that does not belong to me. Due to our cultural customs, as a female child, I am not entitled to inherit land. However, it has always been my cherished aspiration to own land, and in order to fulfill this dream, I had to take matters into my own hands and purchase it myself. With my initial transfer, I allocated $500 towards acquiring a one-acre plot of land, which had a total cost of $850. I am filled with happiness and optimism, knowing that I am now on the path to becoming the full owner of this land, where I can cultivate and eventually build a house for myself. The remaining amount was utilized to purchase food. The financial support I have received has played a significant role in enabling me to achieve my long-term dream, and I am incredibly grateful.