In the coming year, I hope to make the most of the piece of land I bought. My dream is to start subsistence farming so that I can provide enough food for my family. By growing our food, I can save the little money I earn from casual labor. This saved money will go towards paying school fees for my five children, ensuring they get the education they deserve. Beyond this year, I want to continue improving our lives bit by bit. My ultimate goal is to see my children succeed in school and have opportunities that I never had. I believe this piece of land is the first step towards a brighter, more secure future for all of us.

When I first heard about GiveDirectly, I was amazed by their approach of giving us money without dictating how to use it. This respect for our autonomy has been a game-changer for my family and me. I was able to prioritize our most urgent needs, like buying a piece of land. Instead of someone else deciding what was best for us, I had the freedom to choose, which made a huge difference. However, if there’s one thing that could be improved, it would be providing a little more guidance or suggestions for those who might need help planning their finances. While I appreciate the freedom to decide, sometimes a bit of advice on best practices for saving or investing could help us make even more informed decisions. Overall, GiveDirectly has done an incredible job by trusting us with the power to shape our futures, and with a bit more support, they could help us achieve even greater stability and success.

Currently, I work as a casual laborer to support my five children. My husband, who used to have a stable job, also relies on casual work since his job ended. Life has been challenging, especially because we live on family land, and my husband has three wives, all with children. When I received my most recent transfer, I saw a chance to secure a better future for my kids. I used $500 to buy a one-acre piece of land that was being sold for $650. This land will be our security, something to call our own. To cover the remaining $150 for the land, I plan to pay it off gradually through my casual jobs. With the remaining $27 from the transfer, I bought food for my family. This transfer has given us a sense of stability and hope. Knowing that we have our piece of land is a huge relief, and it has brought a sense of security for my children's future.

It was a peaceful afternoon, and I was resting in the shade near our farm after a long day of farming activities, enjoying a rare moment of quietness and the cool breeze of a neem tree. Suddenly, I heard the familiar tone of a message on my phone. Curious but tired, I asked my son to check it for me. When he read out loud that the first transfer from GiveDirectly had been deposited, my heart leaped with joy. I couldn’t believe it—$550, a sum far beyond anything I had ever received. The largest amount I’d ever held was $200 from my husband, meant for our children’s school fees. This felt like a miracle, a blessing that arrived when we needed it most. My mind raced with possibilities and gratitude as I realized how this money would transform our lives.

My life took a dramatic turn when I received a cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Before, I was barely scraping by, relying on my elderly husband who struggled to support our polygamous family of 19. I took on casual jobs just to feed my children, but dreams of improving our living conditions seemed impossible. The money from GiveDirectly changed everything. With it, I could renovate both my house and my son's house, creating a safe and secure place for us to sleep at night. Now, instead of worrying about the leaky roof or the crumbling walls, I feel a sense of peace and stability that I had never known before. This support didn't just improve our physical environment; it transformed our lives, filling our home with newfound hope and happiness.

When the rains started, I worried constantly about my house and my son's house, both barely holding up against the harsh weather. So, when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly what to do. I bought building sand and cement for $500 and renovated both houses, making them sturdy and safe. Now, every time I look at our home, I feel a sense of pride and relief, knowing my family is protected from the harsh weather conditions. With the remaining $40, I decided to invest in our future by buying a goat. Adding it to our small herd of four goats and five cows. Each animal represents a step towards a more stable and prosperous life. Thanks to GiveDirectly, not only do we have a secure home, but we also have a growing investment for the future.