I have one and a half acres of land where I farm maize for commercial purposes to raise money for my four children's school fees: one in college, one in secondary school, and two in primary school. My plan for the coming year and beyond is to ensure proper farming practices, timely farm activities, and on-time procurement of farm inputs to maximize production. By doing this, I aim to generate more income to cover their education expenses promptly, giving them the uninterrupted time they need to study. Seeing my children excel in school brings me immense happiness, knowing that their education will shape their future lives. It is my greatest joy to support their academic journeys and provide them with the opportunities they need to succeed.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done an excellent job providing us with Mpesa safety information. This has been incredibly informative, helping us keep our money safe—not just the funds from GiveDirectly, but all our financial transactions. The knowledge they have shared is valuable and has practical applications in our everyday lives, ensuring we manage and protect our finances more effectively.

I received the third transfer when I was deeply distressed and overwhelmed with thoughts about how to send my daughter back to school. She had been at home since November, unable to take her first semester exams at Machakos Teachers Training College because I could not afford to pay her college fees. It was heartbreaking to see her cry, feeling left behind while her classmates continued their studies. She was worried that she might not be able to finish her education. When I received the transfer, I immediately gave her $300: $250 for her school fees and $50 for transport and personal items. The joy and relief on her face were indescribable. Her hopes were rekindled as she prepared to go back to school, and seeing her so happy warmed my heart. I also used $30 to buy 10 hens to replace the five I had sold in January to pay part of my other daughter's secondary school fees. This poultry is crucial to supporting my family, and I plan to rear them for additional income. I spent $20 to buy clothes for myself, ensuring I have decent attire for functions and when attending my children’s education events. I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family of six, ensuring we had enough to eat. This stability allows me to concentrate on my farm without the stress of seeking casual work to buy food.

We plan to cultivate mangoes on our one-acre land in the upcoming years. Mangoes thrive and are relatively unaffected by drought conditions. This strategic move aims to reduce our heavy reliance on casual jobs, my husband's motorcycle riding job and our small flock of chickens and goats to sustain our family of six. This venture promises to reinforce our long-term sustainability significantly. The resilience of mango trees against drought will serve as a shield, buffering us from the uncertainties of weather and job fluctuations. By diversifying our sources of income, we aim to create a more reliable and sustainable future for our family. Where we can achieve greater stability and independence.

In my view, GiveDirectly has significantly transformed lives within our community. Their impact has been transformative, sparking numerous positive changes. The landscape has shifted significantly, evident in the emergence of new homes, thriving businesses, enhanced sanitation practices, and increased enrollment of our children in schools. These are just a few among the many transformations witnessed. If you were to compare our community before and after the intervention of GiveDirectly, the difference is striking. The tangible improvements are evident, painting a picture of progress and upliftment. From my point of view, I couldn't ask for anything more. What GiveDirectly has initiated is already beyond expectations. Their ongoing efforts are exemplary and have made an indelible mark on our lives. I firmly believe that continuing in the same is the best course of action.

Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, my husband and I faced the challenge of sustaining our family of six through sporadic casual jobs. Daily meals were uncertain, and we relied on our small flock of chickens and goats to fill the gaps. We dedicated $80 to securing essential food supplies. This was a priority given the unpredictability of our income. We invested in a sofa set worth $150. Until then, seating for visitors was limited to three plastic chairs, while my husband and I made do with old, broken jerricans. Our children graciously sat on the floor. The addition of comfortable seating transformed our home and brought immense joy.Understanding the importance of clothing, we allocated $100 to provide new clothes for our children, who had long worn worn-out garments. Their gratitude and appreciation for this gesture were heartwarming.Looking ahead, we channeled $60 into our farm—$40 for plowing and $20 for bean seeds, awaiting the much-needed rains to begin planting. This investment aimed to secure a more stable source of sustenance for our family, fostering hope for a better tomorrow. Lastly, we wisely set aside the remaining $60 as a safety net for unforeseen needs. Thank you GiveDirectly for your life-changing support.

As I was diligently drying my maize in the fields, completely absorbed in the task, I was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a message notification. Curious, I checked my phone and to my delight, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. A wave of joy washed over me because I knew that this financial assistance would enable me to pay my children's school fees. They had been sent home to collect the fees, and I had been worried because we lacked the necessary funds at that moment. Our primary income source, farming, had not yet yielded its harvest. This support brought immense happiness to my family, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

The biggest difference in my daily routine has been the ability to send my children back to school promptly. They were initially sent home due to unpaid school fees, which I couldn't afford at the time. I am also filled with hope that I will be able to start cultivating tomatoes once I receive my second transfer, which promises to be more profitable. It brings me immense joy to know that my life is finally poised for a positive transformation.

My husband and I depend on farming to sustain our family, which includes four children. Managing the financial responsibilities of school fees has been a significant challenge for us, given that all of our children are currently enrolled in school. As soon as we received our transfer, my husband and I made a conscious decision to allocate the funds toward clearing the outstanding school fees for our children, both in high school and college. We dedicated $150 of the transfer for this purpose. The remaining amount was used to purchase essential food items like sugar, cooking oil, and other necessities. Previously, this was a daunting task due to our limited income from farming, which couldn't cover the substantial school fees. We are deeply grateful for the support that has had a profound impact on our lives.