My primary aim is to establish and maintain a thriving livestock operation. With twelve children to care for, I've come to understand the immense importance of education in securing their futures. By raising and selling livestock, I hope to generate a sustainable income that will enable me to send each of my twelve children to school. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with opportunities I never had. It's a challenging path, but my determination to see my children succeed fuels my efforts, and I'm committed to making this dream a reality through hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for my family.

I was overjoyed when I received the unconditional cash transfer, as it arrived just in time. I immediately put $35 to good use by paying the school fees for my daughter, who is in sixth grade and transitioning to junior secondary. She was on the brink of sitting for her exams, and there was this looming balance that I simply couldn't cover. The cash transfer was a godsend, ensuring that she could join her classmates in taking her exams without any worries. Seeing her determination and the smile on her face as she prepared for the test was a priceless moment for me. With the remaining amount, I decided to invest in the future of our family. I purchased iron sheets, building poles, threads, nails, timber, and a door. This was the start of a dream I'd held onto for years: building a two-bedroom house. Our previous home consisted of just two small rooms, hardly enough to accommodate my thirteen family members. Some of my children had to rely on the kindness of friends for shelter, which was not only stressful but also affected their sense of security. My husband and I both relied on odd jobs that came our way, and the thought of providing a more stable and spacious home for our family was a beacon of hope. It's a slow and challenging journey, but it's a journey worth taking for the betterment of our family's future.

Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have a house that my children can comfortably shelter in. The unconditional money they provided has been a true blessing for my family. With their support, I was able to secure a stable and safe home where my children can sleep soundly and stay protected from the elements. GiveDirectly's initiative has made a significant difference in our lives, and I'm filled with gratitude for the security and peace of mind it has given us.

I am currently responsible for my twelve children who are enrolled in school, and covering their educational expenses has been a challenging endeavor. My existing job, which involves producing and selling charcoal, does not generate sufficient income to adequately provide for the basic needs of my household, including food and shelter. There were times when my children had to stay home from school because I couldn't afford their school fees. As a parent who never had the opportunity to attend school myself, I am determined to ensure that my children do not face the same fate. To prevent them from being forced to discontinue their education, I managed to pay off $200 in outstanding school fees, thanks to the program's assistance. Additionally, I used some of the support to purchase three new mattresses for a total of $85, replacing the old bedding my children had been using. Two mattresses were allocated to my children, while one provided a comfortable sleeping arrangement for my elderly parent, who had previously lacked a proper place to rest despite her age and frailty. She now enjoys peaceful and comfortable sleep, no longer reliant on the old traditional beds and mats she had used for years. Furthermore, I also purchased 20 pieces of iron sheets to complete the construction of a house for my elderly mother. My goal is to ensure that she has a stable and comfortable dwelling in her old age, enabling her to maintain good health and well-being.

My most significant challenge has been ensuring the education of my children, considering that my sole source of income, charcoal production and sales, does not yield enough to cover their school fees. I have a total of twelve children, all of whom are enrolled in school, and due to financial constraints, there were instances when they were compelled to stay at home for extended periods. At times, it would take several months to gather the necessary funds. I am now at ease and filled with happiness, thanks to the recent transfer I received, which allowed me to clear the $200 in arrears, ensuring my children could remain in school. This has not only granted me peace of mind but also the opportunity to plan for their future educational expenses by making advance payments. Knowing that I won't need to worry about their fees for several months brings me immense relief. Without this transfer, my children's education would have been in jeopardy, and I am profoundly thankful for the support.

My phone had been switched off when the transfers were sent, and I was uncertain about the transfer dates. Following my usual routine, I woke up early in the morning and headed to the forest to inspect my charcoal, checking if it was ready for packaging and sale. While on my way to this errand, a neighbour inquired whether I had received anything from GiveDirectly, of which I had no knowledge due to my phone being offline. Anxious to verify this information, I hurried back to my phone. To my absolute astonishment, I discovered that I had received my first transfer. The happiness that flooded my heart was immeasurable. The realisation that my twelve children would be able to continue their education comfortably filled me with boundless joy. They had accumulated more than $200 in arrears and were on the brink of being forced to discontinue their studies