My aim is to delve into livestock keeping as a means to bolster my finances and elevate my business. The prospect of owning livestock represents an opportunity for me to diversify my income streams and generate more cash flow. By strategically investing in raising animals, I envision not only enhancing my current business but also establishing a more resilient financial foundation. I believe that by integrating livestock into my operations, I can tap into a new avenue of revenue that will contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of my business endeavors.

GiveDirectly has truly empowered me to transform my life through their unconditional support. The funds they provided became the catalyst for boosting my business, and the impact has been remarkable. With the financial assistance, I was able to invest wisely, expanding my business and creating a more sustainable source of income. The empowerment from GiveDirectly didn't just stop at the monetary support; it gave me the confidence and means to take control of my financial destiny. Now, I see my business flourishing, and I am not only supporting myself but also contributing positively to my community.

I utilized a portion of my recent unconditional cash transfer to completely revamp my living situation. With $300, I purchased essentials like iron sheets, poles, and timber to construct a new house. The previous one was on the verge of collapsing, and it pained me to see my family of four living in such precarious conditions. The stress and frustration were overwhelming at times, as I grappled with the feeling of failing my children by not providing them with a safe and decent home. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford, and it weighed heavily on my heart. Finally, I can offer my family the security and comfort they deserve. This transformation has not only upgraded our living conditions but has also revived my self-esteem. Moreover, I invested around $150 in bolstering my business selling vegetables, honey, and household items. This infusion of capital has brought about a significant change. Initially, I was making a meager profit of $2, but now, with the improvements I've made to the business, the profit has increased to $10. It's been a tremendous relief and boost for our household income. My spouse, who doesn't have a stable job, has been immensely supportive, contributing time and effort to help manage and operate the business. This collaboration not only strengthens our financial stability but also brings us closer as partners, working together towards a more secure future for our family.

In the coming year and beyond, I plan to open another small shop within the village to sell charcoal. Since I live along the road, I hope to tap into the travelers who visit nearby tourist attractions like lakes and sell the charcoal to them. This is because most of them buy locally produced goods, and we have been producing charcoal but not selling it to the community members who are capable of producing it too. I intend to use the profits accrued from my retail shop to start the charcoal production and selling business. This will help me to expand my income-generating activities and provide more employment opportunities for the community members

GiveDirectly has been doing well in providing unconditional cash transfers to everyone within the village boundaries, without any selective approach. This approach has given everyone a chance to receive the cash transfer and use it in diversified choices that they feel fit. Unlike other organizations that use a selective approach, GiveDirectly has been fair in its aid distribution. However, GiveDirectly could do better by expanding its programs to reach more villages and households in need. Additionally, the organization could provide more support to the recipients to ensure that they use the funds effectively and sustainably. Overall, GiveDirectly has been doing a great job in providing us with direct cash transfer, and we hope that they continue to do so in other villages

When I first enrolled in the GiveDirectly program, my family of four was living in a small cubicle house made of iron sheets on the roof and walls. I had been hoping to expand the house to provide an extra room for my children. With the first transfer, I couldn't afford construction materials due to other pressing obligations. However, with the second transfer, I was able to purchase 14 iron sheets for $147, which I plan to use for construction. Additionally, I used $300 to expand my retail shop in the nearby shopping center. Initially, my shop only offered a few items that met the needs of the immediate community. But with the additional funds, I was able to bring in packaged goods and fresh produce from the farm, including honey and vegetables. The expansion immediately picked up, with more customers visiting and asking for a wider range of products. This has been our ultimate source of income, which my husband and I run together, and we are hopeful that the business will continue to thrive.

I felt immense joy when I received the initial notification confirming the arrival of the first transfer. It happened when I was alone at my shop in the shopping center, prompting me to immediately call my husband, who was at home at the time. Knowing that I would return to town the next day, I couldn't collect the money on that same day. I went home later to discuss the details with my husband and withdrew the funds the following day when we were ready to utilize them.

The most significant change in my daily life since receiving the first transfer is the substantial improvement in my business's profitability. Previously, when my business was small, it struggled to meet our household needs. However, since the transfer, my business has flourished and created a stronger financial foundation. This growth has allowed me to expand the business further, enabling it to better serve our household requirements.

I had been running a small business, selling several household goods and foodtuffs as our primary source of income, and expanding it became a top priority. To achieve this, I spent $150 to reconstruct the stall by building an extension on the veranda. This extension served the purpose of creating shade to shield my products, including honey, utensils, and groceries, from direct sunlight. It not only enhanced the freshness of the groceries but also maintained the original appearance of the plastic products. I am pleased with the outcome, as the premises now look great and provide ample space for customer displays. During this time, I received the transfer while pregnant, and currently, I have been in the hospital for the past three days under close monitoring by my doctor. To ensure my well-being and cover medical expenses, my family of three decided to save the remaining $50 from the transfer.