I have 2 acres of land that I left unplanted this year due to financial constraints and an ongoing illness. I am planning to start renting it out to support my children, especially with their education. I wasn’t able to finish school because I lost my father, and as the firstborn, I had to drop out to support my mother in raising my siblings. The challenges I have faced without an education have been traumatizing, and I don’t want the same for my kids. As a single parent, I will do everything I can to ensure they complete their education.

GiveDirectly’s approach is one of the best. What I appreciate most is the direct cash transfers to our phones, which minimizes corruption. Additionally, the education on keeping the money safe and the emphasis on keeping your PIN secret have helped reduce theft cases. The enrollment process was free and fair, with no discrimination. All families, including separated ones like mine, were enrolled. I hope you continue this excellent approach. My only request is that you consider revisiting families who have completed their transfers. If you find anyone still struggling despite using the cash wisely, kindly consider providing additional support.

We separated some years ago, and since then, I have raised our three kids alone. Meeting our daily needs has been a challenge since I resigned from my job due to an illness I am still battling. We lived in a single room, and our sleeping arrangements were difficult. We used to share a bed, but as the kids grew older, they started sleeping on the floor. With my final transfer, I decided to build them a house, which cost $300, and now they are comfortable. Additionally, a relative pays the fees for one of my sons in high school, while I am responsible for the fees of another son. I managed to reduce his high school fees by $50, and with the remaining money, I secured food that sustained us for a while. I used to rely on crop farming to feed us, but for the past three years, I had no success due to drought. This year it rained, but I was unable to plant, leading to a food shortage. Despite these challenges, GiveDirectly's support has been a great help, and I am grateful. Thank you so much.

This year, with savings from GiveDirectly transfers my plan is to cultivate maize and beans on my 1.5-acre farm. However, the success of this endeavor hinges on the rains. We rely on irrigation from the river, but it's drying up. Cultivating these crops is vital for me as it will address our food security concerns. Any surplus harvest will be sold to generate income for school fees. It's a simple plan with significant potential to improve our lives, but it all depends on the rain.

In Endao village, located in Baringo county, GiveDirectly has brought about a remarkable change in the local economy through their transfers. People now have money, and the transformation is evident. I witness houses being constructed, and individuals are able to afford better clothing. From what I've observed, GiveDirectly hasn't made any errors that would make me recommend a change in the program. Their impact is clear, uplifting the community and improving lives in a straightforward yet powerful way.

With a generous $450 from GiveDirectly, I was able to make significant changes in my family's life. Prioritizing my sons' needs, I allocated $340 to build them a house. As a single father, seeing them happy and having their privacy fills me with joy. Education is crucial to me, so I used $70 to pay their school fees, ensuring they wouldn't be chased away. Addressing immediate hunger, $20 went towards buying food. The remaining $20 was spent on new clothes for my three children, bringing smiles to their faces. This support has truly made a positive impact on our lives, providing stability and happiness.

The day the $200 from GiveDirectly arrived, I was at home with my three kids – two boys and a girl. As a single father, the weight on my shoulders often felt heavy. When that money notification came, a wave of relief swept over me. My immediate thought was my boys' education. With $80, I managed to ease the burden of their school fees. Before, they were at risk of being sent back home, but now, they're still in school. $55 was earmarked for something equally crucial, food. We were running low, and the money came just in time. It was like a helping hand exactly when we needed it. The feeling was indescribable a mix of gratitude and reassurance. This small windfall wasn't just about money; it was about keeping my family's dreams alive and ensuring there was food on the table. The impact of that transfer was a lifeline, a reminder that even in the toughest times, there can be moments of unexpected kindness.

Since I began getting transfers from GiveDirectly, the most significant change has been in our meals. Before, finding enough food was hard work and exhausting. Now, with the regular transfers, the burden of hunger has become smaller. I don't have to struggle so much just to make sure there's enough to eat. The impact goes beyond the table. The biggest change is the happiness in my family. As a single father with three kids, it's amazing to see how the atmosphere at home has shifted. The worry about where our next meal will come from has lessened, and that brings a lot of joy. It's not just about food; it's about the comfort and security that regular support has brought to our lives. With this help, our family is now happier, and that's a change I treasure every day.

When I got $200 from GiveDirectly, it was like a helping hand right when we needed it. I have two boys in high school, and with $80, I was able to pay part of their school fees. Before, they were always sent back home because of unpaid fees, but now they can stay in school for a while. The rest of the money, $55 to be exact, went straight to buying food. We didn't have anything to eat, and that money made sure we had enough. The feeling was amazing, a mix of relief and happiness. It's not just about the money; it's about keeping my boys in school, making sure they have a chance for a better future. And it's about having food on our table, something as simple as that making a big difference in our lives. This help from GiveDirectly wasn't just money; it was hope and support when we needed it the most.