This year, my biggest goal is to extend my house by adding two more rooms. Right now, my children sleep in a small, grass-thatched house because the one room we have isn't enough for all of us. With more space, I can provide them with a proper place to sleep, where they’ll feel safe and secure. I’ve already started making plans and thinking about the materials I’ll need to build. I want this extension to be strong and lasting, so I’m saving every bit of the money I get from the third transfer to make it happen. I also plan to buy a water tank because the struggle to fetch water is exhausting. We have to walk long distances just to fetch water for cooking, washing, and drinking, and it takes up so much of my time. If I can get a tank, I’ll be able to harvest rainwater when it rains, which will not only save me time but also reduce the cost of buying water. I’m looking forward to the day when I can spend more time at the farm instead of trekking to fetch water. The third transfer is my hope to achieve both these dreams—a bigger house for my family and a solution to our water problem.

They took the time to explain everything clearly and treated us with dignity, which made me feel valued. The money we received was truly life-changing—it allowed my family to make decisions that were right for us. What I appreciated most was the freedom to decide for myself how to use the money; no one told me what to do with it, and that trust made a big difference. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing about the program. It’s simple, fair, and empowering, and that’s what makes it work so well.

My old house was too small for my family of six children, and we were struggling to fit. I decided to bring it down and build a bigger one. I used $450 to buy construction materials like timber, iron sheets, and cement. It felt overwhelming at first, but I reminded myself this was my chance to create something better for my children. The work wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I hired laborers to help with the demolition and construction, making sure every penny was spent wisely. Watching the new house take shape was such a fulfilling experience. Now, the house is ready, and it’s everything I hoped for. It’s a single-room house but much bigger than the old one. My children finally have more space to sleep and it has brought us comfort and dignity. I am so proud of what I’ve accomplished and grateful for the support that made this possible.

I was doing my usual casual labor when my friend started celebrating, saying they had received money from GiveDirectly. I had left my phone at home charging, so I couldn't join in without checking my status. Eager and desperate to find out, I rushed home. As soon as I got there, I went straight to my phone and turned it on. Immediately, a message from GiveDirectly popped up, informing me that I had received $180. I was so happy and quickly told my family. The first thought that came to my mind was to buy food, as we had none at home.

The biggest difference since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been in food and education. Before the transfer, my family struggled to put food on the table, but now we have enough to eat, and it lasts us for a month. Another difference is in my children's education—they can now do their homework without any difficulty. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support!

The biggest difference in my story lies in how food and the solar light impacted my family, especially my children. When I spent $70 on food, it brought immediate relief. We no longer had to worry about going hungry, and the food lasted us for a whole month. My kids became happier and healthier because they were finally eating enough. It was such a huge burden lifted off my shoulders to know they wouldn’t go to bed hungry anymore. On the other hand, the $50 I spent on the solar light made a lasting difference in their education. Before, they couldn’t study in the evenings, and completing assignments was a challenge. Now, with the light, they have extra time to focus on their schoolwork. I can see how much it has improved their ability to learn and stay on top of their studies. It has made a big impact on their confidence and school performance, giving them a better chance for success in the future. So while the food gave us immediate security, the solar light has improved my children's education in ways that will benefit them for years to come.