This year, my plan is to grow maize on my land. Now that I have my own place, I've saved up some money to start the farming. This will be really helpful because it means I'll have food for my kids. Plus, I can sell some of the maize to help with our everyday expenses.

GiveDirectly is doing great work improving people's lives. I think they should keep doing what they're doing. I really like all their programs. I'm so happy and thankful for what they did for me and my community.

After getting $450 from GiveDirectly, I was really happy. I decided to buy a piece of land to have a home. I had been forced to move because of floods, and being a single mom with three kids was hard. Sometimes, people kicked us out of where we were staying. I used all the $450 to buy a place for us to live permanently. Now, me and my kids have a home. I'm so thankful to GiveDirectly.

Since losing my husband five years ago, I've been the sole breadwinner for my three children, relying on casual jobs for sustenance. My matrimonial family, unfortunately, hasn't been supportive during these trying times. However, I am now channeling my efforts into farming, focusing on a half-acre rented land near a river, which presents a promising opportunity for irrigation farming. My primary crop will be maize, as it's not only the staple food in our region but also holds the potential for generating income. By cultivating maize, I aim to achieve self-sufficiency in our food needs and plan to sell any surplus. This strategy will provide for our daily nutritional requirements and address other essential needs of our household. This shift towards agriculture represents more than just an economic activity; it's a step towards stability and independence. Through this, I hope to secure a prosperous future for my family.

One of the most commendable aspects of GiveDirectly's program was the thorough and respectful guidance their officers provided. During community meetings (barazas), they taught us the principles of wise spending, an invaluable skill that has influenced my financial decisions. The officers' patience and respect were evident throughout the enrollment process, ensuring I fully understood each step. The option to join the program voluntarily, without facing any discrimination, was another remarkable aspect of GiveDirectly's approach. This inclusive policy reflects their commitment to fairness and equal opportunity for all community members. The financial assistance I received has had a positive impact on my life. It has addressed immediate needs and offered a foundation for long-term stability and growth. I sincerely hope that GiveDirectly continues its noble work.

I received $450 from GiveDirectly, a much-needed relief since being the sole provider for my three children after losing my husband five years ago. Food scarcity was our immediate challenge, so I spent $50 to address this challenge. Recognizing the support of my grandmother, I stayed in her land after being displaced by floods and facing unsupportive in-laws and allocated $20 as a gesture of gratitude. Healthcare was another pressing need, as two of my children were battling the flu, and my third child had both flu and typhoid. I used $30 for their medical expenses, ensuring they received the necessary treatment. Aiming for self-sufficiency, I rented half an acre of land for $50, investing another $50 in its preparation. I am awaiting the rains to start planting maize, which promises a step towards food security. I am without a permanent home, moving between different places for shelter. However, there is a glimmer of hope. I managed to save $250 of the funds, with plans to purchase my own land. And with the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I will fulfill this plan. It will be easy to settle since I own a movable house. It is not just about acquiring land; it’s about securing peace and stability for my family.

It was around 3:00pm in evening, I had gone to the nearby shopping center, hoping to request the shop where I usually buy my essentials to lend me some food on credit. That day, I couldn't find any work to earn money, and I was stressed, unsure how to feed my three children that night. Feeling helpless, I sat on a rock near the shop, contemplating how to approach the shop owner despite having pending debts. Suddenly, I received an SMS on my phone—it was an Mpesa message confirming the arrival of the promised GD money. I was filled with overwhelming joy, jumping up from the rock and singing happily. I promptly cleared the shop debt, bought food for that day, and headed back home.

My life has greatly improved, bringing me a sense of peace that I hadn't experienced before. Despite the challenges of raising three kids alone after my spouse's passing and facing threats from my in-laws, the transfers have provided a ray of hope. Now, my children no longer have to go to bed hungry, and they can enjoy being dressed properly, a stark contrast to the difficult times when they had to wear rags. I am immensely grateful to GD for this transformative assistance.

I allocated $60 of the transfer to buy food for my family of four, ensuring they have enough to last us for a while. The thought of my children not going to bed hungry filled me with immense happiness and peace. Additionally, I invested the same amount in purchasing a bed, mattress, and bedding. This decision aimed to provide my children with a spacious and comfortable sleeping arrangement, as previously, we all squeezed onto a single bed, making nights uncomfortable. Now, we can enjoy restful sleep. I also spent $60 on buying new clothes for my children, replacing their old, torn outfits, which had made them hesitant to socialize with the neighbors' kids. With the remaining funds, I cleared my debt with the shopkeeper, finally achieving peace of mind.