In the coming years, I am determined to establish a steady business, selling both clothes and groceries, as I’ve always been passionate about business. Although I tried before and it didn’t succeed, I am more focused now and ready to make it work. Running this business will provide a reliable income for my family, which is especially important as a single mother without a husband to share the responsibilities. I know that supporting my children solely on casual jobs is challenging, so having a stable source of income will bring us security. With this business, I’ll be able to provide for their needs consistently. My goal is to create a brighter future where I can raise my children comfortably and confidently.

GiveDirectly has shown us great care by following up to ensure we use the money wisely. I appreciate how they talk to us nicely and treat us with respect. Their support makes us feel valued and included in the program. I have not noticed anything bad from GiveDirectly; all my experiences with them have been positive. However, I think they could improve by offering more workshops or training sessions to help us manage our finances better. This extra support would empower us to make the most of the funds we receive.

Purchasing sheep has been an important step for me, as I used $120 to buy two. With young children who need a solid education, I see these sheep as a stable future investments once they multiply, I can sell some to cover school fees and other expenses. Owning livestock gives me peace of mind, knowing that I have a resource to rely on for my children's future. Furthermore, I made a $100 down payment to buy a plot of land. This decision came after facing the stress of living on borrowed land, where the owners were pushing me to leave. Securing my own land will finally give us stability and remove the constant worry of being forced to relocate.In addition, I spent $30 to buy a mattress for my children. Though they already had a bed, they were lying directly on wooden planks covered only with sacks, so getting a proper mattress was essential for their comfort. I also used $30 to buy clothes for my family, as we had very few and couldn’t afford new ones with the little I earned from casual jobs. Being able to provide basic needs like clothing has lifted my spirits and helped me feel more secure in caring for my children. Finally, the remaining money went toward purchasing food for my family, as we had none at home. The timing was perfect, as the cash transfer arrived when I had a newborn who needs my attention, making it difficult to go out in search of casual work. With three children to care for and having separated from my husband one year ago, working alone is challenging. Now, my family and I enjoy having plenty of food at home, and I am truly grateful for this support. It has made a huge difference in our lives and has allowed me to focus on building a better future for my children.

My day started with blessings that morning, and I had no idea another blessing was waiting to close the day. I had just given birth to my baby boy in the morning, and later that day, I received a transfer from GiveDirectly. As I was watching my baby sleep, a message came in confirming that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed; it was truly a special day for me. Shortly after, I received some calls from home asking if I had received the transfer, and I happily said yes. Knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about food upon discharge was a huge relief.

I had been doing casual jobs to provide for my kids, but as I approached the delivery of my baby, I couldn’t work. After giving birth, I also couldn’t work, yet my children solely relied on me to put food on the table. The money from GiveDirectly came at a crucial time and has been a lifeline for us, providing the food we needed to sustain ourselves. Thanks, GiveDirectly, for your support.

With my first transfer, I decided to buy two sheep, each costing $60. Compared to goats, sheep are easier to manage because they are calm and require less care, especially since many people in the area have invested in crop farming, which limits grazing fields. This purchase also serves as a future investment for me. Additionally, I bought a bed and mattress for my two children, totaling $56. We had been sharing a bed, but with the arrival of my newborn, there wasn't enough space for all of us. Consequently, the children had to sleep on the floor, which was unsafe given the cold season. As a new mom, food was essential, so I used the remaining funds to buy a variety of food. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their timely support.