I have embarked on quite an exciting project this year - building my very own house. Right now, I have managed to acquire 7 iron sheets for the roof, but my goal for the coming year is to double that number to 16. It is a small step, but it is progress, and it brings me one step closer to having a place I can truly call my own. To make this dream a reality, I will use a portion of the transfers I receive, which have been a lifeline, and I also contribute with money earned from casual labor. It is not always easy, but I am willing to put in the effort because I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve. The main driving force behind this endeavor is my desire to start a family. I am eager to get married, and I want to provide a comfortable and spacious home for my future wife and children. This house is not just a structure; it is a symbol of the life I hope to create, and I am determined to see it through to completion in the coming year.

What stood out most was the absolute freedom they gave us in deciding how to use the funds. This level of trust was incredibly empowering. Moreover, GiveDirectly's process was exemplary. Everything was well explained, from the application to the disbursement of funds. This transparency fostered trust and made us feel genuinely supported throughout the entire process. It is not often you find an organization that not only gives without strings attached but also ensures you understand every step of the way. GiveDirectly's approach has left a lasting impact, not just in the monetary sense but in how they respect and empower the individuals they serve.

Every month, I receive this cash transfer, and I have learned to use it wisely to take care of my household needs. One of the first things I do is head to the local market to buy essential food items. It is a relief knowing that I can provide my mother and myself with nutritious meals without worrying about where to get money. With some of the money from the cash transfer, I was also able to invest in a small maize farming project. I bought maize seeds and fertilizer, and I have been working hard on our little plot of land. It is not only a source of food but also a way to generate some income. I am determined to make a better life for myself and my mother. I currently do casual labor to earn extra money to buy other household items and save for the future. My dream is to soon have a stable income, because I am hoping to marry and start a family. With the unconditional cash transfers, I feel like I am taking steps in the right direction towards a brighter future for all of us.

In the next one year and beyond I hope to accomplish a lot with help of GD transfers. I do not have another alternative source of income except for casual work which is sometimes hard to find.

In my opinion GiveDirectly does very well by giving support in form of cash. Having this transfer has ensired that we have enough cash

I used all of my recent transfer of 500 to buy food and 2400 was used to buy fertilizers and maize seeds for planting. It was a planting season and it was only right that I do this. Without GD I would have gotten money through casual work that I engage in. The money has greatly booster us at a time that we may not be having money to buy food.

Since the monthly transfer has been insufficient to purchase construction materials for my house, I intend to continue using a portion of it to improve my farming activities, which will aid in the purchase of construction materials after the harvest. I plan to build in stages, and I am currently sourcing the bricks that will be used on the walls; once all of the walls are complete, I will purchase iron sheets.

The ability to spend all of our money on whatever we want has allowed us to make many changes in our lives that would not have been possible without the support. Since we enrolled in the program, I have been grateful to GiveDirectly for their consistent support and fulfillment of their promises. We also received clear information during the enrollment period and have been in constant phone contact with the office while reporting on receipts and spending decisions. The project was flawlessly executed, and I wish GiveDirectly continued success in assisting other communities.

I live with my mother, who receives the same amount from GiveDirectly, and I have always helped her pay the majority of the household bills. Despite the fact that I intend to start building a new house, the largest portion of the funds I have received has been used to purchase food. I have been buying in small quantities due to the high cost of food. I spent $21 from the most recent transfer on maize, sugar, toiletries, and other household goods that we are still using today. I also spent $5 of the remaining funds on bean seeds and $3 on pea seeds, which I will plant after harvesting maize on our parcel of land.