Once I have saved up enough funds, my next goal is to expand my livestock investment by purchasing a cow. With the ten goats I currently own continuously reproducing, adding a cow to the mix will not only provide milk for my family's consumption but also offer the potential to sell the offspring for additional income when necessary. This strategic move will further diversify my assets and contribute to the long-term sustainability of my household's financial security.

From the depths of my heart, I express my sincerest gratitude to GiveDirectly for the profound impact their unconditional cash assistance has had on my life. Your generosity has awarded me the invaluable freedom to address my pressing needs and tackle my unique challenges with liberation and satisfaction. I am humbled by the trust you placed in me to make the best decisions for myself. Your support isn't merely financial; it's a beacon of hope that brightens the path toward a brighter future, filled with possibilities previously unimaginable. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for empowering me.

After building a two-room mud-walled house with my first transfer, I decided to invest $140 of the second transfer on upgrading my living conditions. I purchased two modern standard beds for each room, along with a comfortable mattress for $60. Now, I sleep peacefully and comfortably, a significant improvement from the small traditional bed I used before. With security being a top priority, I allocated $150 towards a burglary door, reinforcing the main entrance of my home. Feeling safer, I no longer worry about potential threats, knowing that my house is secure. Despite these essential purchases, I still had $157 left from the transfer. Wanting to enhance both security and convenience, I plan to invest in a set of solar panels and lighting systems. Currently relying on a small traditional lamp fueled by expensive paraffin, the solar lighting will not only provide sustainable energy but also contribute to better security around my home. With these improvements, I can look forward to a brighter and safer future for myself and my home.

When GiveDirectly enrolled me in their program, it was the first time I had ever owned a phone. However, operating a phone has been challenging for me because I am illiterate. I need assistance from my helper to use it. Despite this, I was determined to know when GiveDirectly would send me the cash they had promised. One day, while I was harvesting maize on my farm, my neighbour asked me whether I had received my money. I couldn't check because I didn't understand how to use the phone. When I got home, I called my son, who checked and confirmed that my first transfer had been sent. I was extremely happy, and I couldn't hold back my emotions. I have been living in a grass-thatched hut for most of my life, which is leaking and in poor condition. With the money I received, my priority was to build a decent iron-roofed house.

I used to live in a house with a roof made of grass. However, as an elderly person, it was difficult for me to constantly replace the grass, especially after the recent rains when one side of the roof collapsed. I couldn't afford to buy any building materials to fix it up, so the situation seemed hopeless. But then GiveDirectly came into my life, and everything changed. I was able to build a new iron-roofed house, which I never thought was possible. I am so grateful for the support that has finally allowed me to live in a decent home and be safe from the rain. I no longer have to worry about replacing grass, which was taking a toll on my health. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can finally relax and enjoy my new home.

I am extremely grateful for GiveDirectly, who has made a significant impact on my life. While I have received help in the past, the unconditional transfer I received from GiveDirectly surpassed everything I've experienced before. I have always prayed for a decent shelter, as my current home is small, made of grass, and in poor condition. I was worried that it might be destroyed by heavy rainfall. Due to my age and health concerns, I spend most of my time at home and engage in subsistence farming during planting season. I have always believed that having a decent home is good for my health, especially now that I am older. GiveDirectly fulfilled this long-awaited dream. When I received my first transfer, I knew instantly that I would use it to build a new iron-roofed house. I bought enough building materials to accomplish this, including 22 iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. It would have taken me years to accumulate the resources to build this house, but with the help of GiveDirectly, it was made possible. Now, I can enjoy a decent home in my old age. My son, who operates a motorcycle and provides taxi services, has been my support system, but he also has five children to care for, so building a house was not possible for him. With the new home, I don't have to worry about heavy rainfall, and I can live in peace. I also used a portion of the money to buy new clothes for myself, foodstuffs, and to made sure that my grandchildren did not go hungry.