I embarked on a journey to the Middle East as a domestic worker, fueled by the dream of crafting a brighter future for myself and my family. With each transfer I receive and my hard-earned salary, I’m determined to save a substantial portion of my income. My vision is to save enough amount of money that will allow me to return to my homeland and launch my very own business. I dream of opening a vibrant boutique, a place where creativity meets commerce. I can already picture it: shelves filled with beautiful items, a warm atmosphere, and customers who leave with smiles on their faces. I’m committed to pouring my heart and soul into making this venture flourish, turning it into a reliable source of income that will support my family and ensure my children receive the education they deserve. Every day, I hold onto the hope that these dreams will come true, paving the way for financial stability and a life filled with opportunities for my loved ones. The journey may be challenging, but I believe that with determination and hard work, I can turn my aspirations into reality.

The transfers I received from GiveDirectly have made a profound impact on my life, especially during this challenging period marked by drought and hunger in our family. Recently, I received $102 from GiveDirectly, and I dedicated every cent to buy food for my family, as we were completely out of supplies. These funds have been a lifeline for us; without them, we would have faced the harsh reality of going hungry. I am incredibly grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has provided. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the hope and stability it brings during such difficult times. With this assistance, I can focus on caring for my family and planning for a brighter future, rather than worrying about where our next meal will come from.

I've been operating a clothing business, but at the beginning of the year, I set a new goal to expand into other fast-moving ventures, particularly starting a grocery business. I'm optimistic that this new endeavor will bring in additional income, allowing me to better provide for my family and improve our quality of life.

I'm truly grateful for the financial support provided through these transfers. With the funds, I invested $41 in farming by hiring labor and also managed to allocate some money to purchase seeds. Given that my family was running low on food supplies, I used part of the transfer to buy food for consumption. Additionally, I allocated the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children who are currently attending school. These investments and expenses have been crucial in ensuring that my family's needs are met effectively. The support from these transfers has not only enabled me to enhance our farming activities but also ensured that my children's education is not disrupted. I am deeply appreciative of this financial assistance, as it has significantly contributed to our well-being and provided us with opportunities for improvement.

I had had a goal this year of starting a business. I knew with $250 to $350 I would be able to start the business. However with all the misfortune with health complications in my family I was not able to save the $20 monthly to go towards building this goal. However since I started saving last year I have some money and hope to resume saving soon so that next year I may make this dream of starting my own boutique a reality.

I have had a number of months where I have been focusing on the health of my family members. My child has been sick since last year and is required to attend clinics regularly while also getting a monthly dose of medicine. I spent my September transfer covering fare to the hospital which is quite far at $10, we paid for consultation at the hospital at $10 and later buying medicine at $4.5. I also had my mother who was ailing, she has also been sick for as long as I can remember having issues with her kidneys and head, I spent the money paying for X-ray, as well as buying medicine and also paying the hospital for consulting with us and this cost $30. The cash I had left in September bought food at $10. In November we had a wedding back home, I left my matrimonial home and went to my parent's place which I paid $4 in fare and I also bought 25KG of rice at $30 for the wedding.

I am optimistic about the business's progress in the future. Once it gains momentum, I will consider exploring alternative businesses based on the ideas I will have thought of. Currently, I'm in the process of obtaining a medical insurance to ease the financial burden of my son's medical expenses. This will also allow us to comfortably manage my Six year old children's school fees.

My Two year old son has been ailing for while now. Due to his persistent ailment, I was then referred to a Hospital in Mombasa and scheduled for monthly check-ups. In July after receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 to cover his medical expenses. I purchased medicine at $5 and used the remaining $5 on our transport. I then put $15 in savings, leaving me with $9, which was then spent on food for my household. Earlier in that month, my husband lost his Job, so I took over the role of the main breadwinner while he tries to navigate the situation. Before, we used to share the financial responsibilities, but he's currently facing difficulties. To help the situation, I also operate a small business. Amidst these responsibilities, I've been setting aside a portion of the transfers with the intention of reviving my business. Accumulating a sum of $250, I'm now ready to launch the business in November. This upcoming project gives me excitement and joy.

I have been running a business dealing with the sale of clothes. When the year began, I developed a goal of venturing into other fast-moving businesses. I hope to accomplish my dream of starting up a vegetable-selling business. I am hopeful that when it succeeds, I shall realize an increased source of income. That will enable me to cater to my family's needs hence bettering their lives.

My husband had been doing a contractual job but unfortunately lost his job last month. Since he lost his job, we have been having financial constraints, although we have to push on. My two-year-old son was unwell when I received my most recent transfer. Therefore, I prioritized spending $19 on his medication when he was admitted for five days. The rest $15, I spent on acquiring food for my family of four members; my husband, two children, and myself. The previous subsequent three months transfers also helped me in three main ways; paying school fees, acquiring food, and buying new clothes for my children. I am grateful for GiveDirectly's transfers.

I am quite grateful for the generosity I have received from the organization because of the positive impact it has had on my life so far. The funds that I have been receiving have enabled me to plan better for my future. That is why I have been saving a small amount with each transfer so that when I eventually have enough money I can finally open up a business where I sell clothes specifically for women. The profit I make from this business will enable me to cater for the day-to-day needs of my family. Furthermore, I also plan to use the funds to help pay for tuition fees for my daughter.

Honestly, when I received the transfer, my two-year-old infant was suffering from an indigestion condition that bloated his stomach. Though he was under medication, the disease seemed to deteriorate. At that time, the doctor had referred him for an abdominal scan but there was no money to fund the procedure. Since it was mid-month, my husband's payday was weeks away and he could not afford the cost. Besides, we had exhausted his previous salary on prior medication. This left me with the only option to use the entire transfer funds to pay for the scanning procedure. Although the test did not reflect a possible cause or complication, I was grateful that the doctor prescribed him another dosage that has lasted to date. I thank God that he is faring better and I hope for his soon recovery. Thank you Give Directly for coming through!

Schools had just recently resumed but unfortunately I had not yet cleared my debt for my daughter's tuition fee, so when I realized that the funds had been sent out I decided to go ahead and pay KES for her school fees. Apart from that there was also barely any food left in the house, so I decided to use anotherr KES 1,000 to spend on nutrition, so I went ahead and bought three packets of maize flour which was KES 600 and then the rest of the funds I used to buy groceries, sardines and cooking oil. Lastly I remained with a balance of KES 1,000 which I decided to leave in my savings account in case of a rainy day.

In my opinion, everything about Give Directly is good. They have well-trained staffs who attended to us with a lot of respect during enrollment. Later everyone received their money as promised. I have witnessed children who had dropped out of school because their parents could not afford their school enrolling back in school. Sleeping on a papyrus reed mat was the norm but currently, people have beds. All these transformations have been enabled by letting people decide on how to spend their money. There is nothing the organization is not doing well.

I have saved the second transfer as we wait for the rain so that we use it for plowing labor. Ideally, people should have planted crops at this time of the year but due to the delayed rainfall, we have not even cleared our farms. Farming is our main livelihood activity therefore, we are hoping for rain soon. It is only through it that we can solve the current food insecurity which has led to starvation.

I had gone to pay my neighborhood friend a visit that morning. While we were having fun time together, she stretched her hands and reached out to her phone. Surprisingly, she looked at me with a smile in her in face. Shocked with that look, she expressed in low tone, "I have received my transfer." When I heard of that, I became restless and just excused myself to go and confirm if I was among the lucky ones. Upon confirmation of the transfer, I felt so excited. I knew I would be able to support my husband in paying school fees for our only daughter.

I am currently relieved from the stress of raising school fee for my daughter as the schools open next term. In the previous term, I had unpaid arrears of KES 850. I am, therefore, not worried because when schools open, my daughter will not be sent be sent home. Fortunately, she will be lucky to have ample time in school. In addition, my husband's income will help us to easily acquire food and new clothes.

I am house wife and I always depend on my husband to fully take care of our family. He just do casual jobs which at times are not readily available hence he fails at times to meet all the family obligations. Last term, I had some school fee arrears for our daughter since my husband did not have constant income. With the transfer, my husband and I shall comfortably pay off our daughters fees once schools open. Paying her fees at the beginning of the term will give her ample time to concentrate on her studies.