In the coming year, I have ambitious plans to expand my charcoal business, aiming to create a more stable and prosperous life for my family of seven. This expansion is a priority, and I am optimistic about its success. I plan to utilize the profits from our maize farm to fuel this venture, leveraging the synergy between our farming activities and the charcoal business. With hard work and dedication, I believe this business expansion can significantly contribute to our family's financial stability. It is a step toward securing a better future for my loved ones, ensuring that we can meet our needs and aspirations comfortably. I am excited about the potential this endeavor holds and look forward to the positive changes it can bring into our lives.

GiveDirectly's provision of unconditional cash transfers has been a transformative force, empowering individuals and families to uplift their lives. I am elated by the impact of these transfers, as they have brought about significant positive changes in my family of seven. At the moment, everything is working wonderfully, and I see no need for any changes. I am incredibly thankful for the positive influence that GiveDirectly has had on our lives and the hope it continues to bring to many in need.

My husband, who was the main breadwinner as a driver, unfortunately suffered a stroke and had to leave his job. This left me as the sole provider for our family of seven. With the support from GiveDirectly, I now feel a sense of peace in my heart, knowing that my life and my family's have been uplifted. These transfers have brought much-needed relief and hope to our family during a challenging time. I spent $300 to pay for school fees for my children in grades 12 and college. This was a vital step to re-enroll them in school after a long break, and I was determined to provide them with educational opportunities. Another $130 was used to purchase bedding, ensuring our comfort and well-being, while the rest was invested as capital for my charcoal business. My family of seven relies on both farming and the charcoal business as our primary sources of income. This diversification has been crucial for our livelihood.

It was around 4 pm when I received a message on my phone, just as I was on my way back home from a burial at our neighbor's place. Curious, I checked the message, and there it was the promised $550 that had been deposited into my account. My heart leaped with joy and overwhelming thanksgiving. It was my first time receiving such a substantial amount of money at once, and I could hardly believe it was true. The weight of financial burdens that had plagued me for so long was lifted in an instant knowing this was a turning point in my life. The support from GiveDirectly was a beacon of hope, empowering me to envision a brighter future for myself and my family.

The illness of my husband, who was our sole breadwinner, had left us in a state of despair, struggling to make ends meet. But with the support from GiveDirectly, hope was reignited within me. I took the opportunity to start a small fishmongering business, and it turned out to be a success. Now, I can say that I generate some income to provide for my family's basic needs. No longer do we suffer through days without food. The burden of uncertainty has been lifted, and we can look toward the future with renewed optimism. GiveDirectly not only restored my hope but also empowered me to build a better life for my family, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, it was like a lifeline for my family. The first thing I did was rush to the schools to pay off the outstanding fees of $280 for three of my children. My heart swelled with pride as I saw them rejoining their classmates, knowing that they wouldn't miss out on their education anymore. The relief and gratitude in their eyes were worth more than any amount of money. I also bought a new mattress for myself and my husband. Our old one had seen better days, and it was uncomfortable to sleep on. With my husband's health declining, I realized that I had to step up and provide for the family. So, I decided to invest in a fishmongering business. The money from GiveDirectly became the foundation of my new venture. I purchased fresh fish at the market and sold them in our village. With careful planning and a sense of responsibility, I save a portion of the earnings to cover our family's daily expenses and ensure that we always had some food on the table. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity GiveDirectly gave us to build a better life.