As a single mom of three, I have faced many challenges, but I am determined to create a better future for my family. This year, I did not plant anything on my acre of land because I was blessed with a beautiful daughter, and I wanted to focus on her during this precious time. Currently, I rely on casual jobs to support my children, but I know that farming has the potential to provide us with greater stability. This coming year, I am planning to return to farming, eagerly waiting for the rains to start so I can plant again. I intend to use my final transfer to meet production costs. With successful harvests, I will use the income to support my family and secure a brighter future for my children.

GiveDirectly excels in delivering unconditional cash transfers to recipients. It acknowledges the diverse needs of individuals, empowering us to plan and make decisions that best suit our circumstances. Their effective follow-up approach ensures that the cash is spent wisely, and the positive impacts of these transfers are clearly visible in our communities. I believe there are no areas for improvement; rather, I want to congratulate GiveDirectly for their outstanding work. Please continue to provide this invaluable support to those in need!

My house, roofed with only five iron sheets, was far too small for my family of four. Whenever I had visitors, they had to sleep at my neighbor's place because there simply wasn't enough space. When I received my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I seized the opportunity to construct a one-room house, both roofed and walled with iron sheets, which cost me $350. This new house provided us with much-needed space and comfort. Previously, I had only two plastic chairs, which were inadequate for us, so I bought three additional plastic chairs for $21 and a table for $85. Food has always been a challenge for us, especially since I am a single mom relying fully on casual jobs. To help with this, I purchased a bag of maize worth $27, ensuring that we had enough to eat. Unfortunately, my daughter fell ill with malaria during this time, and I had to spend $10 on her medication. We desperately needed clothes because our old ones were worn out and tattered. With the remaining money, I bought new clothes for myself and my three children, bringing them joy. Seeing their smiles was worth every sacrifice I had made.

I was at home relaxing with my baby Blessing when I heard a message notification on my phone, but I didn’t bother to check it right away. It wasn't until my neighbor came by asking if I had received the money that I rushed to check. Sure enough, there it was—the GiveDirectly transfer! I couldn’t contain my excitement and started jumping up and down in jubilation. The first thing I did was call my mother to share the good news, and she immediately reminded me to use the money wisely.

The biggest difference in my life right now is that I finally have something to call my own—two sheep that I bought with my own money. Before, I only had three sheep that were left to me by my late husband, and while they are technically mine, they never really felt like they belonged to me in the same way. But these two sheep are different. They are something I chose and purchased myself, and that gives me a sense of pride and ownership I didn’t have before. These sheep represent more than just livestock; they symbolize my independence and I cannot be grateful enough to GiveDirectly.

When I received the cash transfer, I knew I had to make decisions that would benefit my family both now and in the future. I started by buying two sheep for $111, which I see as an investment. We already had three sheep, and by adding to the flock, I believe it will help us secure a better future. I then spent $16 on half a bag of maize. Maize is our staple food, and I realized we didn't have any stock at home. It was important to me to make sure we had enough to eat, especially with the unpredictable times we've been facing. Knowing that we have maize stored gives me peace of mind, and I can now focus on other things without worrying about our next meal. With the remaining money, I bought a portable jiko and clothes for myself and my two children. The jiko is perfect for cooking at night and helps warm our house, which can get very cold. As for the clothes, I wanted to make sure we had enough, especially for the children, and to make us feel good about ourselves. Being able to provide these necessities has brought us comfort and a sense of dignity, and I am grateful for the opportunity to improve our lives in this way.