I am planning to open a kiosk because, as a farmer, I realize that farming is seasonal, and there are times when I remain idle, waiting for the next planting season. To empower myself as a woman and have a continuous income, I need an alternative source of livelihood during these off-seasons. Although my husband and I plant separately, we both contribute to our family's needs, so this kiosk will help me add to that support. Currently, I have planted beans on an acre of land and black nightshade on half an acre, and the market for these crops is readily available. I anticipate earning about $400 from the beans and $300 from the black nightshade, which I plan to invest in starting my kiosk while continuing with my crop farming activities for a more stable income.

GiveDirectly has truly made a remarkable impact by providing unconditional cash to the needy, which is a rare opportunity for people in our community. It's not often that you receive such a substantial amount without the obligation of paying it back. The fact that the enrollment process was free and fair, without any influence from community leaders, demonstrates the organization's commitment to transparency and equality. The officers handled everything independently, which ensured that everyone who was truly in need got the support they deserved. GiveDirectly is doing an incredible job, and their approach is effective, and there is no area of improvement that I would recommend. May God bless their efforts as they continue to uplift more communities.

When I received my unconditional cash transfer, I decided to prioritize my children's education and the well-being of my family. My son is currently in junior secondary school, and I enrolled him in boarding, which cost me $105. His school recommended boarding due to the long distance and the dangers of crossing the river, especially after the recent flood incident. Additionally, I have a daughter in high school who had accumulated $200 in unpaid school fees. I had no idea how I would settle her fees, but with this transfer, I was able to clear the arrears, which brought me peace of mind. As a crop farmer, I used $50 for land preparation, intending to plant maize on my one-acre farm. The proceeds from this harvest will help sustain us in the future. To create a lasting memory of the support I received from GiveDirectly, I bought a goat worth $60, which will also help us in the long run. With the remaining funds, I purchased food items like beans and maize to keep us going as we wait for the crops in the field to mature. This cash transfer has truly relieved a great burden and allowed me to plan for our needs with confidence.

It was a Sunday evening when my neighbors began receiving notifications from GiveDirectly about their money transfers. I kept checking my phone, hoping for a message. Late in the evening, I finally received a notification confirming that I had been sent $200 from GiveDirectly. I was thrilled and grateful. I shared the good news with my entire family, and we celebrated with a joyful supper filled with laughter and gratitude. Knowing that this money would help cover my child's school fees, which was the most urgent concern, brought me immense relief and satisfaction.

The biggest change in my life since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly is the immense sense of relief I’ve felt knowing that my daughter’s school fees have been paid. This was made possible entirely because of GiveDirectly. Without their support, my child would have fallen behind in her studies, as I had no other funds available at that moment. This assistance has been crucial in ensuring her continued education and has greatly alleviated my worries. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for this timely support.

When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I was deeply thankful to God because I knew it would help me address one of my most urgent needs. Just a few days earlier, my daughter, who is in secondary school, called to tell me that she was about to be sent home for not paying school fees. I didn't want this to happen because I want her to stay in school and not fall behind. I used the entire $200 to clear her fee balance, allowing her to continue her education without interruption. This brought me a huge sense of relief. All I can say is thank you to GiveDirectly for their support.