In the coming year, my goal is to establish a grocery store for my wife, providing her with a fulfilling occupation. If my current business prospers, I aim to expand further by opening a food store. This dual venture not only promises increased financial success but also ensures a happier and more prosperous life for both of us.

I am incredibly appreciative of GiveDirectly for making it possible for my family to lead a comfortable life—we can now eat three meals a day, as opposed to the difficult time we had in the past only getting one meal a day. May you grow to be a large corporation and carry on aiding the underprivileged in the neighborhood. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for elevating me from the lower class to the upper table.

With my most recent transfer, I strategically invested in revitalizing my charcoal business. Allocating $290, I transitioned from hawking door-to-door to opening a dedicated shop, spending $60 on renting a nearby house for three months to facilitate easy access. This move not only streamlined my operations but also cost me $180. To ensure stability, I allocated $50 for food, eliminating the need to dip into my business profits. This strategic approach has significantly increased my profits while reducing costs. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for facilitating this positive transformation, allowing me to hire someone to manage sales while I explore additional opportunities.

It was exactly noon when I was taking my lunch when I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking, I realized it was an M-Pesa notification from GiveDirectly. My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. In that moment, I couldn't help but smile as a flood of possibilities filled my mind. With this unconditional cash transfer, I knew I could finally repair my motorcycle, which had broken down months ago. That mortocycle was more than just a mode of transportation; it was my lifeline and my means of earning a living by transporting charcoal within the town center. As I looked at the message again, I felt a sense of hope and gratitude for the opportunities this unexpected blessing would bring into my life.

The biggest transformation in my life, ever since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, has been the revival of my motorcycle. When it broke down, I was plunged into a state of despair because it was my primary source of income. However, with the support I received, I was able to repair it, and it breathed new life into my livelihood. Transporting charcoal with the motorcycle now yields profits that have made a world of difference. I can effortlessly pay for my children's education, attending to all their needs without the burden of financial strain. Gone are the days of borrowing loans from friends to fend for my eight family members. The motorcycle has not only revitalized my income but also restored hope to my life. Without the cash I received, I'd still be trapped in a cycle of suffering, unable to gather even a single coin to repair it.

As the man of the house, receiving the recent unconditional cash transfer was a moment of immense relief for me and my family. The first thing I did was allocate $290 to purchase spare parts for my motorcycle, which had broken down months ago. This motorcycle was my lifeline, as it enabled me to transport charcoal within the town, providing the main source of income for my family. During the period when it was not in a good state, I had to hire from friends, which was not only expensive but also meant I earned meager profits. This had a detrimental impact on my family's well-being. Also, I used $70 of the cash to buy a mattress for my three children. They had been sleeping on mats, enduring discomfort every night. Their peaceful and comfortable sleep became a reality, without the aches and pains they had been experiencing. Later on,I purchased new uniforms and casual clothes for my four children since their old ones had worn out. This not only prevents exposure to skin diseases but also boosts their self-esteem. Furthermore, I paid school fees of $68 for all seven of my kids, ensuring they could continue their education without interruption like before. Finally, I bought sufficient food, as this season's farm harvest was poor due to the limited size of my farm. My wife and I both work hard in the charcoal business to sustain our family, and this cash transfer has significantly improved our family's well-being and prospects for the future.