In the future I hope to bank in agriculture, and at the forefront of this aspiration is the desire to buy a cow. I believe that owning a cow will not only provide a steady source of fresh milk for the family, contributing to our health and well-being, but also open up avenues for additional income. My plan is to sell the excess milk, tapping into the local market and creating a sustainable source of revenue. By settling into agriculture and incorporating livestock into our homestead, I hope to not only achieve financial stability but also foster a more self-sufficient and fulfilling lifestyle for my family and myself.

GiveDirectly does well especially on the transparency and efficiency on how they offer their service and am confident to say there is nothing I feel they should change but keep up the good spirit.

In the past month, I faced an unexpected turn of events that led me to make a significant decision with the unconditional monthly cash transfer I received. Having spent $550, I managed to secure a plot that would have otherwise been out of my financial reach, valued at $1500. Fortunately, my brother stepped in and contributed the remaining amount, allowing me to acquire the property. The urgency to invest in this plot arose when I learned that the place I had been residing in, which I thought was a stable environment, was unexpectedly sold by the owner. Left with no alternative place to go, I decided to use the monthly cash transfer to secure the plot, providing a sense of stability for myself and my family. As a businesswoman, I specialize in selling dry fish and vegetables. This venture has become a lifeline for me and my children, as I find myself in the challenging position of being the sole provider. My husband has abandoned us, leaving me with the responsibility of meeting the financial needs of our family. The income generated from my small business not only sustains us on a day-to-day basis but also plays a crucial role in paying the school fees for my children. Despite the hardships, I am determined to persevere and create a better future for my family through the opportunities that arise from this recently acquired plot and the ongoing efforts in my business.

As I returned from my friend's place around 3 PM, where I had gone to charge my phone due to its dead battery, a rush of excitement coursed through me as I unlocked my device. To my sheer delight, there it was—the long-awaited notification confirming that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that this support would be the key to transforming my life. With tears of joy, I envisioned a future where I could finally afford a fresh water tap, ensuring clean and accessible water for my family, and a spacious new house to replace the cramped one we had endured for years.

The most profound transformation in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the remarkable growth of my small fish business. Previously, I could only manage to earn a modest $4, but now, with the support of these transfers, my earnings have soared to $15. This substantial increase in income has been a lifeline, especially since my husband's debilitating illness prevented him from working. It has enabled me to provide for my six children without the constant struggle we endured before. I can now easily cover their school fees, paving the way for a brighter future for them and future generations. The days of being a laughing stock due to our financial struggles are behind us, replaced by a newfound sense of dignity and hope for what lies ahead.

Being a mother and the sole provider for my family has never been easy, especially as I've grown older. Therefore, the first thing I did after receiving the cash was install a fresh water tap right in our compound. For years, I had been trekking long distances to fetch water from friends' homes and distant dams. With approximately $70 of the cash transfer, I finally had the means to make this long-awaited dream come true. Now, every time I turn on that tap and water flows freely, I feel an immense sense of relief. On top of that, I invested in a 400-liter water tank, which has been a lifesaver during times of water shortage. This has brought much-needed convenience to our daily lives. Additionally, I decided to boost my small fish-selling business with $30 from the transfer. This investment paid off, as my daily profit increased from $4 to $15. It's not just about the money; it's about securing a better future for my family. I also managed to pay off the school fees for my three children in the lower classes. They had been facing on-and-off attendance due to accumulated arrears, but now they can focus on their studies without interruption. Lastly, I purchased the materials needed to build a new, larger house. The old one was getting cramped for our family of seven, especially since my spouse fell ill and could no longer work. This improvement gives me hope for a brighter future, despite the challenges we faced.