In the upcoming year, my aspirations are centered around building a sustainable and resilient source of income for myself and my four grandchildren. I have a strategic plan to start with drought-resistant livestock, primarily focusing on chickens and goats. My initial investment will be in acquiring chickens, as they multiply relatively quickly. Once their numbers grow, I plan to sell some of them to generate additional funds. With the proceeds, my goal is to purchase goats, which are known for their resilience to drought conditions. The income generated from selling both chickens and goats will be crucial in meeting my daily expenses and, more importantly, providing for the well-being and needs of my four grandchildren that I live with. This venture is not just a financial strategy but a heartfelt commitment to securing a better future for my family.

I cannot express enough gratitude for the transformative impact GiveDirectly has had on my life. The staff members, who are not just professionals but embody qualities of being well-behaved, social, educative, kind, humble, and well-taught, have made this experience remarkably positive. Their genuine commitment to helping others has left a lasting impression on me. As a recipient of unconditional money, I am thrilled to say that I am afraid of nothing changing. The prime and compassionate support I've received from GiveDirectly has alleviated so many burdens, and the thoughtfulness and dedication of the staff have been instrumental in making this process smooth and empowering. I sincerely pray for the organization's continued success, expansion, and the blessings of more sponsors. May God continue to enlarge your boundaries, allowing you to touch more lives with the same grace and compassion that has made a significant difference in mine.

I recently received the second cash transfer from GiveDirectly, and I decided to allocate the funds in a way that would significantly improve the living conditions for my family. With $250, I invested in enhancing our guest house, ensuring that when my in-laws visit, they have a comfortable place to stay. Adhering to our cultural traditions, it's considered inappropriate for them to sleep in the same house. My husband, who retired 11 years ago without any retirement benefits due to casual contracts, relies on farming for our livelihood. My children contribute by providing food for their families, including my 4 grandchildren, who used to suffer in the forest during long calls after our previous toilet collapsed. I dedicated $100 to build a new toilet, sparing my family the discomfort of using the forest. I also invested $150 in starting a poultry business by purchasing six chickens. The joy on my grandchildren's faces, no longer fearing thorns in the forest, and the prospect of a sustainable poultry business filled me with gratitude for the assistance received from GiveDirectly.

It was around 4 p.m. when I had gone to see the village elder seeking advice, as I often did. She, knowing my struggles with reading and writing, asked me if I had received my first GiveDirectly transfer. I replied that I would have to ask my helper to check for me since I couldn't check myself. When I returned home, my helper checked, and there it was, the money had been deposited into my account. I couldn't contain my joy; I felt like a miracle had happened. I thanked God over and over for this incredible blessing.

I remember the day I received that unexpected cash transfer from GiveDirectly like it was yesterday. Before the transfer, I lived in constant fear, in a crumbling shelter that offered no security. Now, I have a secure house, a real home where I can sleep peacefully without fear of the weather elements or intruders. Apart from that, there were times when I had to endure hunger for at least two days a week, but that's all in the past now. With this help, I can put a meal on the table every day, something I never thought I'd have. GiveDirectly didn't just change my life; it gave me back my life. It's like I've been reborn, and I can't thank them enough for this incredible gift of security and sustenance.

My house was falling apart, and I was worried about my family's safety. With the cash transfer I received from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in renovating our home. I spent $105 to purchase 10 pieces of iron sheets, which helped repair our leaky roof. Additionally, I bought building poles and rafters for $35 to strengthen the structure. Hiring a contractor cost me $20, but it was worth it because now, I live in a safe and secure house unlike before. The peace of mind knowing my family is protected is priceless. But that's not all I did with the money. I knew we had a tough time getting enough food, so I used $60 to buy a sack of maize. This provided much-needed relief to my family, ensuring that we had enough to eat. I also took care of my children's education, paying $38 in school fees to get them back to school after they had been sent out due to non-payment. With the remaining amount, I set up an emergency fund for my family. It's reassuring to know that we have some financial security for unexpected situations now. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives have improved in so many ways, and we are filled with gratitude for this opportunity to make our lives better.