My main goal is to expand my small business of making dumplings by adding more stock. This expansion will not only increase my income but also enhance my financial independence. With a larger inventory, I can cater to more customers and potentially reach new markets, securing a more stable future for myself and my family. Additionally, I aim to continue investing in my son's education, ensuring that he has the resources he needs to excel academically and achieve his dreams. Overall, I hope to build on the foundation laid by the support I received from GiveDirectly and create a brighter, more prosperous future for us all.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly excels in being straightforward and fair in its operations. The organization's transparency and direct approach to providing monetary assistance make it easy for people like me to understand and access the support we need.

With $300 of the second transfer, I was able to finally complete the construction of my house. It had been a long-standing dream of mine, and now, thanks to the support, I have a comfortable and safe shelter for my family. Additionally, I decided to invest $70 in purchasing a standard bed. Previously, I had been using a small traditional bed that was not conducive to a good night's sleep. Now, I can rest peacefully and wake up refreshed, ready to tackle the day ahead. Education is paramount to me, so I allocated $20 of the assistance towards paying off my son's school fees. He was facing fee arrears, and I couldn't bear the thought of his learning being interrupted. Now, he can continue his education without any worries. Furthermore, I used $15 to weed my crops, as they had been overrun by grasses. This investment ensures a healthier yield and secures a source of food for my family. Lastly, with the remaining amount, I reinvested in my small business of making dumplings, adding more stock, and ensuring its continued growth. Additionally, I bought some essential food items to sustain my family of five.

At around 3 PM, I was peacefully dozing off, finally unwinding from the relentless daily chores, when the unmistakable buzz of a message woke me. Groggy yet curious, I reached for my phone, and my heart leaped with joy as I read the words before me. It was the notification I had been eagerly anticipating—an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly had arrived. In that very moment, a profound sense of relief and hope washed over me. I knew that with this unexpected blessing, I would soon be able to provide my children with a new, sturdy home, replacing the cramped thatched house they had called home for so long. The prospect of seeing them sleep in comfort and security filled me with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.

For over fourteen years since my spouse passed away, life has been incredibly tough. I found myself solely responsible for four children, and I struggled to make ends meet through small businesses, often feeling the strain of it all. However, the most pressing issue was our living situation. My children used to sleep in a cramped, grass-thatched house, especially my two teenage sons. Every winter brought the risk of them getting soaked in the rain, and they never had the privacy they needed, which took a toll on their self-esteem. Finally, thanks to the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, I was able to realize my long-time dream of providing them with a proper house. The joy and contentment I see in their faces now in this good house make an immeasurable difference in my daily life as a mother. I had once thought this dream was out of reach, given my reliance on small businesses, but I can't express my gratitude enough for the support. May those who made this possible continue to be blessed as they extend their help to others in different villages.

Spending nearly $250 on building materials like poles, iron sheets, timber, and labor charges was a momentous decision for me. It meant the construction of a new house for my two sons, who had endured years of sleeping in a grass-thatched shelter that leaked every winter. As a widow of four, I solely rely on a small business selling chapatis in the village, which brings in meager profits. The stress of seeing my sons endure harsh conditions was overwhelming. However, with the recent unconditional cash transfer, I finally had the means to provide them with a proper home. I later used part of the funds to pay the $10 in arrears for my son's junior secondary school fees. He had been in and out of school due to the unpaid fees, and now I have hope to see him succeed in the future as he returns to his studies. Additionally, I purchased a new bed and a comfortable mattress for $120. This was a significant upgrade from the traditional bed I used to sleep on, which often left me in pain and unable to work some mornings. The relief and comfort of sleeping on a modern bed and mattress cannot be understated. It's something I had never experienced before, and I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity. With the remaining funds, I've been able to ensure my family of four has three meals a day, a significant improvement from the days when hunger was a constant companion.