In the coming year, I hope to expand my grocery business so that I can change the narrative of poverty at my home. With the funds I received from GiveDirectly, I was able to stock my small shop with more goods, attracting more customers and increasing my income. My plan is to save a portion of my earnings each month and use the rest in buying more stock. By the end of the year, I aim to have a well-stocked grocery store that meets the needs of my community. This business expansion will not only lift us out of poverty but also enable us to build a stable and prosperous future.

GiveDirectly did an excellent job in every aspect of its operations. From the very beginning, they ensured that everything was clear and transparent. They organized meetings where we were all informed about the process and what to expect. This transparency helped build trust within the community. Furthermore, during these meetings, we were given numerous opportunities to voice our opinions and concerns, which made us feel valued and respected. The staff was always approachable and willing to listen, ensuring everyone’s views were considered. This inclusive approach not only made the process smooth but also fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility.

Life was tough before since both my husband and I are aged. I do a small grocery business while my spouse cannot work due to old age. Upon getting the second transfer of $550, I first thought of an income-generating activity. Therefore, I bought a second-hand motorbike for $300. This motorbike is under my son's watch, who provides light transport services, carrying people from one destination to another and transporting small luggage for a fee. This new venture has brought in much-needed extra income for our family, helping us to manage our daily expenses. I also used $130 to pay off a debt. My house was built on credit, and upon receiving the second transfer, I cleared the contractor's debt. This gave me peace of mind and security for my family. Additionally, I paid $70 in school fees for my three grandchildren, ensuring they can continue their education without interruption. With $26, I bought food for the family to ensure we had enough to eat. Finally, I invested $17 to start a grocery business, which supports the motorbike income and helps us sustain ourselves better. These transfers have truly transformed our lives, giving us stability and new growth opportunities.

We are a household of six members, comprising me, my husband, two children, and three grandchildren. My husband, now literally like a child due to the surgery he had some time back, is unable to do anything to support our family. One of my children has been facing mental challenges for years and is in need of special care, while the other separated from her husband and returned home with her three children. We are one household but we sleep in three different houses. My house, in the worst state made of grass, cannot withstand heavy rains, and I have long dreamed of a better dwelling. Building a house for myself has not been easy because I do not have a job but rely on my small vegetable business to support my family, with the help of my daughter who is also jobless. On this morning, as I relaxed at home with my family, my daughter called out to me, asking if I had received my transfers, having heard from our neighbors who had received money a day earlier. I handed her my phone to check, and we were surprised to find that we had indeed received $550 from GiveDirectly. We were all excited and overwhelmed with happiness as this was a true blessing. My first thought was to build a better home for myself so that my husband and I could sleep in warmth and comfort.

I sleep in a small grass house, and my deepest desire has always been to secure a better home. However, the financial constraints resulting from joblessness have stood as great barriers. With GiveDirectly stepping in, our lives have taken a better turn. We have initiated the construction of a 2 bedroom house with the transfers. Witnessing the gradual progress of our new home fills me with immense joy, as it symbolizes a step closer to our long-held dream. A sense of joy now fills our household, and happiness has become plenty. The bonds of love within our family have strengthened, and my husband and I find ourselves rekindling the passion of our early days together, we are now like newlyweds. Additionally, my great wish to provide the best medical care for my son's mental illness has long been hindered by financial constraints. Now, with the assistance of the transfers, I can finally afford to take him to the hospital for the quality treatment he deserves. I am filled with hope that this will mark the beginning of his journey toward healing.

Living in a small house made of grass, and with the rainy season ahead, my wish has always been to have a better house so that my husband and I can live in a better place with warmth. My husband is not strong enough to do any work to support our family of six members because of a surgery he underwent some time back. We all, therefore, depend on my small vegetable-selling business, and my daughter, who separated from her husband and came back home with her children, to support our family. With the financial limitations beholding us, I was unable to build a house for myself. On receiving the money, I, therefore, spent $350 to build a house so that I can have a better sleep. I am happy that my house is now progressing well, and very soon, I will move in with my husband. I then used $40 to lease a piece of land along a river where there is a throughout supply of water for farming maize and vegetables for food and sell. I then used $40 and helped my daughter to pay school fees for my grandchildren as they had a school fees balance which was yet to be cleared. Finally, I plan to use the balance of the transfer to take my child who has a mental illness to a good hospital where he can get good medical attention as I could not do this before because of financial constraints. My child's medication has always been challenging because we did not have enough money to take him to hospital, but right now, I have great hopes that he will be better.