In the coming years, I plan to focus on farming, which I believe will be a strong foundation for my family's future. By dedicating myself to growing crops, I hope to earn enough income to eventually open a small shop in my village. This business would provide a steady source of income, reducing my dependence on uncertain casual jobs. With a stable shop, I could more reliably support my children’s education and cover household needs. Farming will not only provide us with food but also the extra proceeds needed to invest in this shop. I am determined to make this vision a reality, creating a sustainable future for my family.

The officers communicated with us very respectfully and took the time to explain how GiveDirectly's funds are meant to help improve our lives. They educated us well on how to use the money effectively, which was very helpful. I appreciated how they treated us with kindness and respect, making us feel valued. So far, I haven't seen anything negative in my experience with GiveDirectly; everything has been smooth and well-organized. I feel grateful for the support and guidance they’ve provided. Overall, my experience with GiveDirectly has been entirely positive.

Building a proper home has been a long-standing goal for me, especially given our difficult living conditions. Before, we lived in a small house made of mud walls and a grass roof that leaked whenever it rained. Sometimes, parts of it would even fall apart during storms, which was both stressful and unsafe. So, when I received my second cash transfer, I spent $43 on building materials to construct a two-room house made of iron sheets. Now, our family finally has a secure and sturdy home, which gives us so much peace of mind. With the remaining $20 from the transfer, I paid for school fees for my three children. Education is very important to us, but it has always been challenging to cover fees. My husband and I rely on casual jobs to support our family, but the work isn’t always steady. Often, there are days when we can't find any labor, leaving us worried about meeting our children's needs. This transfer helped ensure they can stay in school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Life was much harder before this support. At times, we felt defeated, especially when there was no work and nothing left to depend on. Now, though, our new house and the chance to keep our children in school have brought us a renewed sense of hope. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it has helped my family move forward in ways we couldn’t have managed alone.

I had accompanied my neighbor to a prayer day for his son in high school. Just as we were about to leave the school, I heard a message notification on my phone. I quickly checked it, as I had been anxiously waiting for GiveDirectly's cash. My neighbors, who had traveled with me, had received their transfers, and I was thrilled to see that I had received mine as well. The excitement was evident in our smiles. I knew that with this support, I would be able to fulfill my intended plans.

The biggest life change for me has been the ability to finally own goats, something I had always wished for but couldn't afford for years. With the GiveDirectly cash, I purchased two goats, which represents a significant step toward diversifying my income. This investment supports my long-term goal of securing a more stable financial future for my family, including covering my children's education expenses.

To earn a living, my husband and I rely on casual jobs, each earning $4 a day, though these jobs are not always guaranteed. Sometimes we also depend on charcoal production. Our focus has been strictly on basic needs like food and education for our children. With this income, saving or investing in other areas was difficult. In our area, goats thrive, and our home was almost the only one without them, so this was a key investment for diversifying our income. With my first transfer, I prioritized buying two goats worth $100. Additionally, I purchased a mattress for my children, costing $40, as the old one was so worn out that you could feel the bedboard, which was disheartening for me as a mother. I also bought two plastic chairs to add to the two we already had for $12, as it was not enough, especially when we have visitors. Furthermore, I spent $32 on food, specifically maize, which is our staple food and sustained us for some time. Thank you, GiveDirectly.