I would wish in the near future to buy two dairy cows, milk them and have my wife sell the milk as her business. This would in the future allow me to provide a better life for my kids than we can currently offer.

GiveDirectly make dreams come true. The fact that they offered these funds and need nothing in return, is a testimony to just how big their hearts are. I would pray that they continue to bless countless others as they have done us

Maize and cassava farming has been my main job, with the occasional casual job on construction sites, for a while now. So you can imagine the boost that GiveDirectly gave me in achieving my goals by sending me the transfers. I started building a 3-bedroom house when I received the first transfer and completed it with the second. Food was also on the purchase list, but the majority went to school fees. I sent my child to college. Between what my wife makes selling omena and mandazi at her kibanda and what I manage to scrape together, we would have been unable to pay for the college course my 3rd child is taking hairdressing course and for which we are paying $80 a year. She lives in Munaranii, where she goes to school. We have another who just completed class 8, two in grade 3, one in grade 2, and the last born is yet to start school. Their tuitions are $10, $8 each for the two in the same grade, and $5 for the youngest in school, respectively. My first two kids are looking for jobs, meaning we would have had no one to assist us financially to cover these expenses were it not for GiveDirectly stepping in. They truly have changed our lives for the better.

It was around 8 in the morning when I was on my way to attend a seminar in the neighbouring village. Suddenly, I saw a message notification on my mobile phone. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed with happiness and knowing that I will achieve most of my goals including purchasing better beddings. even had to go back home and informed my family members of the great news.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now sleep in a cool environment. For so many years, I have been sleeping on some of the old mats with were never comfortable. Life used to be very tough during those days. This is because I was always attacked by jiggers and other harmful insects whereby I would get sick as a result. Apart from that, I could complain regularly of the back pains every morning and sometimes and sometimes I failed to perform my daily duties. Besides, there was no privacy at all because we used to share the beddings with some of my children. I had been wishing to at least purchase the mattress but this was not achievable because of my finances. I have been relying on the charcoal business which was not lucrative to fend for my family. This is evident that it would take years for me to buy the modern beddings. Am so grateful that GiveDirectly came at the right time for our rescue, because were it not for them, we would still be suffering.

I spent part of my first transfer buying a modern wooden bed at KES 9500 and a mattress at KES 8000. For over seven years j has been sleeping on the traditional beds which were made of ropes and the old mats which served as a mattress. I was not comfortable at all since I have been experiencing back pains. Also, I paid the college fees of KES 10000 for my son who was recently enrolled in a driving course. I am so happy that he will now be studying without any disturbances. Also, I am grateful because if it were not for the financial support, he would still be at home. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying food for my twelve family members and settling other minor debts.