My dreams for the future are filled with hope, thanks to the support I received from GiveDirectly. I aspire to venture into livestock farming, focusing on raising cows. I believe that this endeavor will not only provide a stable source of income for my family but also serve as a solid foundation for securing my children's education. Every day, I am diligently saving a little from my business to gradually build the path toward achieving this goal. The prospect of a brighter future motivates me, and I am determined to turn my aspirations into reality, ensuring a better life for my family through hard work and careful planning.

In my view, GiveDirectly is an uplifting organization that truly helps those who are less advantaged to discover and unleash their potential. I am grateful for the support they provided, which has made a positive impact on my life. The organization's vision of empowering individuals resonates with me, and I wholeheartedly support its mission to create opportunities and bring about positive change for those in need. GiveDirectly's commitment to making a difference has not only benefited me but has also inspired confidence in their ability to uplift communities and individuals facing challenges. I believe in their vision, and I am thankful for the positive impact they've had on my life.

Surviving on casual labor to feed our family of seven was a daily struggle for my husband and me. When we received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, we decided to make our festive season special by using $200 to buy a sack of maize, a sack of rice, beans, sugar, and other essential food items. The joy of having enough to eat was immense, and it brought comfort to our family. After securing our immediate needs, my husband and I discussed the future, realizing the importance of having a sustainable source of income. We decided to invest the remaining amount in starting a boutique business, selling second-hand clothes. The goal was to create an income-generating activity that would support our family even after the assistance from GiveDirectly ended. I am delighted to share that our business is thriving, bringing hope and financial stability to our household.

I was at home alone, considering burning charcoal to earn some income, when, around 3 p.m., I received an SMS notification that the transfers had come through. It was a moment that brought a rush of thoughts and plans flooding in, especially regarding my children's school fees, which had been a struggle all along. I decided to wait until my husband returned home in the evening before sharing the news with him. Managing a family of seven means every financial decision is crucial. Withdrawing a small amount, just $10, to cover our immediate food needs for the evening seemed like the best choice. I opted to wait a couple of days to withdraw the rest of the funds, ensuring I could carefully plan and allocate the money for our family's various needs. The relief of having the means to cover essential expenses, especially the school fees for my children, was immense. Waiting to discuss the transfers with my husband highlighted the importance of making financial decisions together, ensuring that our choices align with our family's overall well-being.

Before receiving transfers from GiveDirectly, providing enough food for my family of seven and managing school fees was an ongoing struggle. Back then, I had to balance cultivating my farm for food and taking up casual jobs just to make ends meet. However, since receiving the transfers, there has been a shift. The financial support has enabled me to focus more on cultivating my farm to ensure there is enough food for my family. It has been a relief not to have to juggle multiple jobs but to concentrate fully on my own farm. Now, without the pressure of having to seek additional casual jobs, I can dedicate all my time and effort to making my farm more productive. This means better yields, ensuring that we have sufficient food on our table. Moreover, the relief from worrying about how to cover school fees has been immense. I can put my energy into farming, which not only sustains us but also becomes a source of income for our family. The transfers have not only eased the immediate financial burden but have also provided the opportunity for me to focus on a more sustainable long-term solution for my family's well-being.

Receiving the transfers was a significant relief for my family of seven. The first priority was securing my children's education, so $50 went straight towards their school fees. Education is an investment in their future, and I wanted to ensure they had the opportunity to learn without interrupting their schooling for non-fee payments. With the remaining funds, I made essential purchases to improve our living conditions. Investing in comfortable beds and mattresses for the family, totaling $200, was important for our well-being. Additionally, I spent $100 on clothing for my children, ensuring they had decent attire. The bulk of the funds, $120, went towards purchasing food for the household. As my husband's construction job and my charcoal-burning business mainly provided income for food and education, it was crucial to ensure our family had enough to eat. Lastly,addressing outstanding debts with $80 was a weight off our shoulders. It is important to me to honor our financial commitments, and this allowed for some progress in that area. While our income primarily supports food and education, I am glad these transfers have allowed us to improve our living conditions and invest in a more sustainable future. The sense of security that comes from having these essentials taken care of is invaluable for our family's well-being.