As a pastor, my monthly income is limited to just $70, which poses a challenge in providing for my large family of nine, especially with my husband also unemployed. I spent $200 on purchasing food for the family, ensuring that they had an adequate supply that could sustain them for a long time. My profession also requires effective communication, mainly with my congregation. To enhance this aspect, I recognized the need to acquire a phone that would allow me to access platforms like WhatsApp, which serves as a vital channel for church information. I bought the phone on a higher purchase, utilizing $35 from the transfer for the initial payment. Moreover, I spent $125 on two plastic tables and new utensils, a decision that not only elevates our household standards but also aligns with the expectations of my profession, as this eliminates the discomfort of receiving guests with worn-out items, contributing to a more welcoming environment. Additionally, I directed $60 towards settling a food debt loan, to fulfill my commitment and foster positive relations with the shop owner. Lastly, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase a 1000-litre water storage tank, addressing the challenge of water scarcity in our area due to rationing. This strategic investment ensures a reliable supply of water for our household needs, considering that tap water is only available on a limited basis.

What I loved most about the organisation is its transparency and the fairness in enrollment process. It's commendable that people were enrolled without discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. The direct transfer of cash to our accounts, bypassing local leaders, is another aspect I admire. This approach guarantees that the entire amount reaches the intended recipients, without any intermediaries

In the coming years and beyond, my focus will be on enhancing the living conditions of my children by improving the structure of their house. Currently constructed with muddy walls, this setup presents challenges such as dust accumulation, leading to respiratory issues, and the need for regular maintenance through smearing. To address these concerns, I am planning to replace the existing muddy walls with iron sheets and to cement the floor. This transformation not only aims to create a healthier living environment but also seeks to alleviate the time-consuming and strenuous task of frequent smearing.

The financial support we received from GiveDirectly was undeniably a blessing, providing us with the perfect opportunity to utilize the funds wisely. Both my husband and I work as farmers, and I am also a pastor. We are blessed with 5 children. We understood the urgent need to invest significantly in our farming activities, as they serve as our primary source of income. Therefore, I decided to allocate $100 towards improving our farming endeavors. Additionally, I used $128 to upgrade our house by plastering the floor, which was a much-needed improvement. Lastly, I allocated $40 to cover our children's school fees, an expense that was previously difficult to manage due to financial constraints. These endeavors were beyond our reach before receiving assistance from GiveDirectly. The support we received not only elevated our living standards but also granted us a newfound sense of financial independence. We will forever cherish and remain grateful for the transformative support that has been provided to us.

Throughout our entire journey, from the moment we enrolled until we successfully completed the process, the organization demonstrated flawless execution in its operations. We were relieved to know that the funding we received was unconditional, relieving us from any repayment obligations. From the very beginning, we were treated as valuable individuals, and the level of service we experienced was truly exceptional. I cannot express enough gratitude for the support we received during our most challenging period.

In the upcoming year and beyond, my main priority will be to construct a decent house for my children, as their current living space is small. To make this vision a reality, I am counting on receiving my third transfer. I am filled with optimism and determination to achieve this goal. I am grateful for the progress I have already made, and I eagerly anticipate the future with a sense of gratitude and excitement.

When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Without hesitation, I used the funds to purchase a sack of dry maize grains for my family of seven for $63. It had been a difficult time for us as we were solely reliant on small-scale farming, which was severely affected by the ongoing drought. We had been buying food at a very high cost, and it had been straining our finances. I also headed to the nearby shop and cleared a $50 debt that had been accumulating from our previous purchases. It was a relief to have it off our backs. Additionally, I put $40 towards my son's secondary school tuition fees, and I also sent him $7 for his upkeep. I spent the remaining amount on other household goods. As a full-time pastor at two nearby churches, I am grateful for the monthly service pay as an expression of appreciation by the church leadership, which has been a great help in providing for my family.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the peace of mind I now have. This comes after being able to shop for enough food, clear the shameful debt I owed at the nearby shop, and pay my son's school fees. It had been a difficult task juggling these responsibilities with the small income I earned from my pastoral job, coupled with the inconsistent farming activities. Being the sole breadwinner in the family, with my husband jobless, had added to the financial strain. However, with the assistance of GiveDirectly, I am now able to manage these tasks with less worry, allowing me to focus on other important aspects of my life.

When I received the initial transfer, I was very grateful. Upon viewing the notification, my intention and hope was to pay off my debt at the nearby store. The money arrived at approximately 4:00 pm while I was in church with fellow members in another village. Despite the fact that the transfer came under a different name - Segovia - the sum of money was sufficient to verify the sender. While travelling back home later that evening, I bought some items that I took back to my family.