As soon as I got involved with GiveDirectly, I decided that I should take this opportunity as a chance to start saving money since I am quite aged and I can barely work. I planned on saving the money so that I would avoid misuse and mismanagement. Therefore every month I saved KES 2,000 from the transfers I received and waited for it to accumulate before I decided on what to buy. So far the funds that I save have enabled me to buy two goats and three hens. Upon received the recent funds, my initiative was still the same, so I put away KES 2,000 and then used the remaining balance which was KES 1,000 and dealt with matters concerning nutrition since food was very due to lack of rain. I bought five packets of maize flour for KES 650 and used the remaining balance to buy sugar, fish and sardines.

In my opinion GiveDirectly does well in helping the needy in the society. It also does well in terms of giving us unconditional transfers. This has helped open my mind and give me the urge to invest wisely and use this opportunity to change my life around.

I have always wanted to change my life around and become financially independent. When my husband passed away everything became very hard for me and my son. I did not have any job back then depended on husband for everything. To survive the situation I decoded to engage myself in casual jobs such as working on other people’s farms and also graze livestock to earn a living. When I was enrolled into the program and received my first transfer I felt relieved and very happy. I spent KSH 2000 of the transfer to buy food. Before receiving the transfer I used to survive on just one meal per day. On good day’s two meals was the best I could afford. I also decide to save the remaining KSH 1000 so that I could use it later once I get the other transfer to buy a goat. When I received my second transfer I spent KSH 1500 to buy food. The food stock I had bought last time was almost getting finished. Together with the KSH 1000 I had saved previously and the KSH 1500 from my second transfer and some savings of my own I was able to buy a goat. I am happy that I now own a goat of my own. I am happy that through this funds some of my goals are starting to be achieved.

I gave someone to read to me. I was at home. Raha. On that particular day, I was at home just having my breakfast with my family when my child brought my phone from the other room telling me that I had received the money promised by Give directly. As I could not read, I confirmed from one of my neighbors and I immediately felt happy and relieved at the same time.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now able to provide stability and security for my family. With receiving this money I can now be able to repair my home where there have been cracks and holes. The roofing too is also none existent but I know that I will one day have a comfortable home.

This first transfer came when I least expected it. We were attending the funeral of one of my sisters and I did not have any money for contribution and was relieved to know that those who were looking up to me would not be disappointed. I spent KES.1500 on the funeral expenses and the rest of the money, KES.1500 was spent on food for my family. I decided to stock up on dry foodstuff to help the family during this drought. My life has become more bearable thanks to Give directly. Thank you so much for this opportunity.