This year, I am determined to finish setting up my tailoring business. I bought a sewing machine, which was a crucial first step. Now, I plan to use my savings to open a shop. My goal is to grow and market this new business effectively. Achieving this fills me with joy and satisfaction because it will significantly improve my standard of living and that of my family. I am excited about the future and the positive changes this business will bring to our lives.

GiveDirectly has done a great job improving living standards and alleviating poverty in my village. What stood out to me the most was the calmness, integrity, and positive attitude of the GiveDirectly officers. They were so nice to us, which made a big difference. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to stick to what they are currently doing. I believe they will change many lives if they continue with the same approach.

Upon receiving $530 from GiveDirectly, I decided to allocate the funds carefully to improve my family's living conditions and start my own business. As a trained tailor, I struggled to earn a decent living because I didn't own a sewing machine. I used to either borrow one or work for someone else who had one. So, with $250, I bought my own sewing machine. This was a game-changer for me, as it meant I could now run my own tailoring business. I project to make around $4 a day, which will help cover my daily food needs and contribute to stabilizing and growing my business. Additionally, my house had a roof with torn iron sheets that leaked during the rainy season, causing a lot of discomfort for my family, especially for my five children. I spent $180 to renovate the roof, ensuring that we are no longer at risk and can enjoy much more comfort. I also spent $25 on school fees, ensuring my children can continue their education. The remaining money went towards buying food, which had been a real struggle to afford before receiving this support. Now, my family has enough food to eat, which has made a significant difference in our daily lives. GiveDirectly has provided me with a solid foundation to build upon, and for that, I am forever grateful.

It was just a regular day at home, busy plaiting a customer's hair. Suddenly, I heard the familiar beep of a message notification on my phone. Curious, I checked it and saw it was from GiveDirectly. My heart skipped a beat with excitement. I couldn't wait for my husband to come home to share the news. When he finally arrived, his eyes lit up with joy as I told him about the cash transfer. We both knew immediately what we would do with it—buy beds for our children and repair our house. It was a moment filled with hope and gratitude, knowing that this unexpected blessing would help improve our lives in ways we had only dreamed of.

One of the biggest differences is that my children can now sleep on beds. It might sound simple, but it's made all the difference. Before, they were sleeping on the hard floor, and those tiny ants, they'd bite them relentlessly, causing such pain. But now, with beds in place, they can finally rest comfortably without any worries. Next week, I'm hoping to get a mason to come repair our roof. It's been leaking for a while now, but with everyone in the village receiving those transfers, finding a mason has become quite the challenge. It seems like everyone's trying to improve their homes, which is wonderful in its own way, but it does make it tough to secure the services we need. Still, I'm determined to make it happen. With the help of GiveDirectly, we're gradually turning our dreams into reality.

When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I had several things in mind that I needed to do. With a leaking tin roof over our heads, I decided to prioritize fixing the roof. I bought 22 iron sheets to replace the ones that were causing the leaks. It was a relief to know that my family would be protected from the rain and other elements. Next, I turned my attention to providing better sleeping arrangements for my children. With six children and them sleeping on the floor, space is always tight. So, I purchased two beds—one sized 6*6 and the other 4.5*6. It's important to me that my children have a comfortable place to rest after a long day. As a hairdresser and tailor,I bought new equipment and supplies to enhance my services and attract more clients. It's fulfilling to see my businesses thriving and contributing to our household income. Additionally, I purchased a bundle of maize flour to ensure that we have enough food to sustain us. My husband, who works as a motorcycle rider, also contributes to the support of our family. Together, we make a great team, striving to provide the best possible life for our children. Overall, the unconditional cash transfer has been a lifeline for us. It has allowed us to address urgent needs, improve our living conditions, and invest in our future. We are grateful for the support and look forward to better days ahead.