Empowerment surged through me as I resolved to secure my family's financial future. My husband's motorcycle taxi business has carried us thus far, but the weight of our financial responsibilities is becoming overwhelming. I yearn for independence, a desire that has long been my beacon. Over the next year, I will embark on a journey into extensive goat rearing, a venture that promises to provide the financial stability we crave. I will nurture our current flock, allowing it to multiply and creating a safety net for our family in times of need. I envision the peaceful pastures where our goats will thrive, the income they will generate, and the pride in knowing I can contribute to our household's well-being.

GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers empower recipients to address their specific challenges with the knowledge of their communities and the resources available. This approach respects cultural, social, and economic contexts, allowing individuals to prioritize their needs, be they food, healthcare, education, or income-generating activities. It provides flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and serves as a vital safety net in times of crisis. The unconditional nature of these transfers reflects a deep commitment to dignity and autonomy, affirming people's capacity to make choices that lead to positive outcomes and ultimately strengthening communities. It is promising to know that GiveDirectly continues to uphold these principles in its mission.

Money indeed holds the potential to address many challenges, and I have witnessed its positive impact on my family's lives. While the motorcycle taxi business we rely on does not cover all our needs, it has been a valuable source of assistance. I have always admired the concept of financial stability, and I am elated that GiveDirectly's transfers have helped turn this dream into a reality. Upon receiving the transfers, I spent $320 on goats, which I believe will become a source of income for my family as they thrive. Additionally, I used $80 of the transfers to cement the floor of my one-room house, transforming it into a dust-free and easily maintainable space. I also spent $25 on household goods , $20 on clothing and $5 on tithes, as giving back to the community remains important to me.

Now that I have successfully finished constructing my new house and completed the necessary fencing around my compound, I have set my sights on embarking on livestock farming in the upcoming year and beyond. My goal is to acquire goats and chickens, as they offer several advantages, such as a consistent demand in the market and their resilience to drought, making them an ideal choice for my region. Moreover, their relatively easy management, as they can be allowed to freely roam, further adds to their appeal as livestock options. By venturing into this endeavor, I aim to not only secure a steady source of income but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of my household.

GiveDirectly has proven to be highly effective in their efforts, particularly through the implementation of free cash transfers. This approach has truly been a game-changer for us, as it has provided us with the means to address our pressing needs and overcome various obstacles. We are genuinely content with the outcomes we have achieved, and we wholeheartedly extend our well wishes to GiveDirectly as they extend their support to other communities. However, there is always room for improvement, and we hope that as GiveDirectly expands their reach, they will continue refining their strategies and addressing the unique challenges faced by different villages. By doing so, they can maximize their impact and create lasting positive change in the lives of many more individuals and families.

Immediately after receiving the second transfer, I made several necessary purchases for my household. Firstly, I acquired 12 iron sheets for $114, which were used in constructing the walls of my new house. Additionally, I obtained five calsheet iron sheets for roofing, costing $75, along with 10-foot frames priced at $60 and posts for $30. To transport these materials back home, I incurred a $20 expense. With the help of a $50 labor charge, the construction was successfully completed, and we are now relishing the improved space provided by the new structure. To cater to the needs of my family of three, I purchased a half sack of maize for $35, ensuring an adequate supply of food. Furthermore, I allocated $46 towards procuring essential household goods, including kitchenware, toiletries, and other consumables. As part of my ongoing commitment to support my younger sister's education, I used $20 to address a portion of her outstanding arrears, with the intention of settling the remaining amount using subsequent transfers. It is worth mentioning that my husband works as a motorcycle rider while I engage in subsistence farming, and until the gracious financial support from GiveDirectly, our ability to sustain our family had been incredibly challenging.

I was filled with immense happiness when I received a message around 3:00 p.m. A notification from Segovia Technology popped up, and upon reading it, I realized it was a confirmation from GiveDirectly regarding the first payment I had received. To ensure the security of my account, I promptly changed the PIN, but when I attempted to reconfirm the balance, I encountered some difficulties. Changing the PIN was important to enhance security, especially since someone else had registered the account, and I wanted to prioritize safety measures. I reached out to the service provider, who reassured me to wait for 30 minutes before attempting to check the balance again. Following their advice, I successfully waited and tried once more. During this time, I was alone with my child and decided to call my husband, Robert, who was working on a casual job. We had diligently prepared all our plans and were eager to withdraw the funds, which we did the following day

The biggest in my daily life after receiving the first transfer was the availability of adequate food. This included the newfound ability to purchase a goat and immediately slaughter it, a decision that greatly aided in my postpartum recovery and facilitated breastfeeding. Prior to the transfer, food scarcity was a constant concern, but with the support from GiveDirectly, I could ensure that my nutritional needs were met. The provision of enough food, along with the goat's meat, made a substantial difference in my overall well-being and contributed to a healthier and more nourishing environment for myself and my newborn.

Just a week after giving birth to my firstborn baby, I received the initial transfer from GiveDirectly. Our primary concern at that time was the scarcity of food, and both my husband and I were worried as we relied on his occasional wages from casual labor. The first transfer brought immense relief, and we decided to allocate $40 to purchase a goat that we could slaughter and store its meat for several weeks, saving us from buying smaller quantities at higher costs. My goal was to tap the nutritious soup that would help in breastfeeding and also speed my recovery as I looked forward to resuming my regular duties. Additionally, we used $45 to buy a new bed, replacing the old one that was beyond repair. We stored the old bed to fix it later when we have an extra room. It's a joy to finally sleep comfortably without the creaking noises from the bed joints. I also allocated $20 for my infant's clothing and $65 for food, including maize grains, sugar, tea leaves, milk, and other household necessities. An additional $10 covered transportation to and from the shopping center. Moreover, I made a $10 advance payment to a neighbor for a yet-to-be-born young goat, planning to purchase them while they are young as they are more affordable compared to mature goats. Furthermore, I settled a $15 debt with a neighbor and provided $10 to support my sister's upkeep while she continues her studies.