My recent unconditional cash transfer brought a ray of hope into my life as a widow with four children. The first priority was our living conditions; my old house was on the brink of collapse. I used a substantial portion of the funds, around $300, to purchase all the necessary building materials like iron sheets, building poles, threads, and timber. For far too long, my family had endured living in a deteriorating structure, and I worried about their safety. Thanks to this financial assistance, we now have a new, safe, and pleasant home, and I can't express my gratitude enough to the organization that made it possible. I didn't stop there; I also invested in our future. I bought six chickens for $30, which I believe will multiply in number in a short time. This will provide a valuable source of income that I've never had before. Additionally, I used part of the funds to pay the school fees of $100 for my three children, two in secondary school and one in a lower grade. The constant struggle of keeping them in school had been a source of frustration for me as a parent, but now I see a brighter future ahead. With the remaining amount, I ensured that my family of four no longer goes without meals, alleviating a significant burden and bringing newfound stability to our lives.

Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has brought about the most significant change in my life. The biggest difference has been my ability to provide an education for my children. They are my greatest investment, and seeing them receive a quality education has always been my dream, especially since I never had the opportunity to go to school myself. In the past, they faced numerous challenges, often being on the verge of expulsion due to the mounting school fee arrears, which caused me constant stress. However, now, witnessing them back in the classroom fills me with immense joy. They are not only happy but also determined and focused on their studies, paving the way for a brighter and more promising future. This transformation in their lives is the greatest reward I could ever hope for, and I am profoundly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly that made it all possible.

It was around 1 PM when I was plucking vegetables in my garden, and the sun was beating down relentlessly. As I toiled, I heard my phone ringing, a sound I had rarely encountered before. Illiterate and uncertain, I handed it to my brother to read the message. His eyes widened, and a radiant smile broke across his face as he confirmed it was an Mpesa notification from GiveDirectly. The sheer disbelief and joy that coursed through me were indescribable. In that moment, a rush of hope overwhelmed me, and I knew exactly how I would use this unexpected blessing. With newfound determination, I decided to build a new house to replace the dilapidated one I had endured for years, a symbol of brighter days ahead.