My goal for the coming years is to focus on farming, especially once I receive my third transfer. Since I am getting older, charcoal burning has become too physically demanding for me. Farming feels more manageable, and with the help of my children, I believe I can make it successful. My children are now old enough to assist, so we will work together to make the most of the land. This plan gives me hope, as it will provide food and income for our family without the need for the hard labor of charcoal burning. I look forward to building a stable future for us through farming.

The officers from GiveDirectly have been very respectful, always ensuring that we fully understand the program’s details. They take the time to explain everything clearly, and if I don’t understand something, they are patient enough to repeat it. They handle things professionally, though they do not accept meals from our households during their visits, which shows their respect for boundaries. I also appreciate that they explained how the funds are sourced and how the program operates. I have not seen anything negative from GiveDirectly’s side. Overall, I feel very grateful for their support and the positive impact they bring to our community.

The floods hit us hard, washing away our entire one-acre maize crop, leaving us with nothing to feed our children or sell for their school fees. I felt completely helpless, especially since my husband, who is a farmer too, has other family responsibilities in his polygamous household. He helps when he can, but his support isn’t always consistent. With four young children relying solely on me, this cash transfer felt like a miracle, arriving just when I was at my lowest. Finally, I felt a sense of relief, a glimmer of hope that we could get back on our feet.I used $180 to buy three goats, securing something valuable and lasting for our future. These goats provide milk, a crucial addition to our children’s diet, and give me a way to save, knowing I can sell them if an emergency arises. It’s more than just livestock to me—it’s a lifeline, bringing stability I hadn’t known in a long time. Finally, I have something to depend on, a small but meaningful shield against the hardships we’ve faced. With $80, I bought a cupboard to store our utensils safely, as managing a household with four young children can be challenging without proper storage. Now, I can keep things organized, locked away from their reach, which brings peace and order to our daily life. The rest of the money went to school fees and food. With our farming income wiped out by the floods, I was able to give my children some security and consistency. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I finally feel like I have a chance to provide for my children, lifting a heavy burden from my heart.

As I was coming back from my farm after harvesting the little maize that survived the floods, I heard my phone beep around 3 p.m. I handed it to my daughter, who’s in primary school, to check the message for me since I can’t read. 'Mom, you've received money!' she told me excitedly. When she mentioned the amount, I immediately knew it was from GiveDirectly. I felt so overjoyed—it was the best news ever. At that moment, I knew my days of living in a damp house, caused by the floods, were coming to an end. Thank you, GiveDirectly!

Before receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, life was a constant struggle. The floods had left my home unlivable, forcing my youngest daughter and me to relocate to a camp. Even after returning, the house was still damp, and soon after, I fell ill with pneumonia. My daughter also got sick with a cold, and I felt helpless as a mother. However, after receiving GiveDirectly's first transfer, everything changed. My first thought was to build a new house, a safe and dry place where we could live without the fear of floods or illness. My brother generously gave me land to build on, and with my savings, GiveDirectly cash, and selling one of my goats, I was able to build a proper house. Now, life is so much better. I wake up every day feeling grateful and relieved that my daughter and I have a comfortable home.

After the recent floods, my house was submerged in water, forcing us to relocate temporarily to a camp at the nearby center across the river for one month. When I returned, hoping the water had receded, I was shocked to find the house still damp. I had no other option but to stay with my youngest daughter, who is in primary school. The situation was unbearable. A few weeks later, I got sick with pneumonia and had to go to the hospital. My daughter also caught a cold, and as a mother, it pained me deeply that I couldn't do anything to improve our situation. Then, GiveDirectly's first transfer restored my hope. After receiving it, I couldn’t think of anything else but building a new house. My brother kindly gave me a piece of land to build on without hesitation. I had some savings left after paying my children’s school fees, around $100, which I combined with the entire GiveDirectly transfer. I also sold one of my goats to top up the amount needed to build the house. Now, I am living comfortably in my new home. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.