Working as a chef at a local primary school, I aspire to go back to catering college to hone my skills. By enhancing my expertise, I aim to secure a promotion and also venture into opening my own eatery, further diversifying my sources of income.

Ever since Give Directly's intervention in our village, we've witnessed considerable economic and social advancements. Every recipient was endowed with the responsibility to use the cash judiciously, irrespective of age, gender, or status. This initiative spurred innovation and empowerment within the community, as everyone was motivated to work diligently towards their financial objectives.

My second transfer arrived precisely when my children were preparing to return to school. I allocated $50 to purchase school supplies and settle their overdue fees to guarantee a hassle-free school start. Additionally, with $200, I had the thrill of securing quality bedding for my family — something we had never experienced before, marking it as a truly memorable day. To ensure my family's sustenance, I also spent $150 to stock up on enough food to last us roughly two months.

At around 3 PM, as I sat down to catch my breath from the day's relentless hustle, my daughter-in-law, who has always been my reliable helper, glanced at my phone and couldn't contain her excitement as she announced the wonderful news: I had just received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart leaped with joy and gratitude, tears welling up in my eyes. It was a moment of disbelief and pure elation as I realized that this generous gift was the stepping stone to fulfilling my long-held dream of owning a house of my own. A sense of security and independence washed over me, knowing that I could now build a safe haven for myself and my family—a place to call our own.

Previously, my old house was a constant source of discomfort and embarrassment. During rainy nights, I would get soaked as I had no proper roof to shield me from the downpour. It was humiliating not to be able to host visitors due to my inadequate living space and its dilapidated state. As a widow, I struggled to make ends meet by relying on odd jobs, leaving me with little hope of ever being able to afford a new house. However, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I can now proudly say that I have a safe and secure home, free from rain and shame. The burden of responsibilities no longer holds me back, and I am filled with gratitude for the positive impact this assistance has had on my life.

For years, I had been yearning to provide them with a safe and comfortable home, especially since my spouse's passing fifteen years ago. The house we lived in was in a sorry state and susceptible to collapse due to its location in a watery area. During the rainy season, our lives were filled with anxiety as our belongings were at risk of being destroyed. Determined to change our living conditions, I used a significant portion of the transfer, around $470, to buy new materials like iron sheets, nails, and timber to improve our home's structure. Now, my seven children no longer had to seek shelter from neighbors during harsh weather conditions, and I could see the peace of mind they deserved finally settling upon them. As a mother, it was a relief to know that my children were safe and living in a more conducive environment. Apart from that,I made sure to prioritize my children's education. With the funds, I paid fees for my four children, who were attending primary school. Education is the key to their future, and I wanted to ensure they had access to quality learning opportunities. With the remaining amount, I purchased enough food to sustain us for three weeks. As I relied on casual jobs to support my family, earning just $55 a month, the cash transfer gave us a much-needed boost in our daily struggles. It provided a ray of hope in the face of financial hardships and instilled in us a sense of resilience to overcome life's challenges.