I have a new goal which is to open a retail shop in my village. I have been thinking of starting this business lately because it is very profitable and the shops are in high demand in my community since they are countable. Also, it will be a relief to be from the casual jobs which are very tiring and not lucrative. I trust that once I will get empowered and achieve this goal, my life will never be the same again because I will have a reliable source of income.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly does perfectly well in my entire village because the officers visited every needy household we received the cash transfers without any biases. Also, the fact that we were taught how best we can spend money according to our desires was the best since it enlightened most of us to use money wisely. I, therefore, do not see anything that GiveDirerectly did not do well.

I spent $30 of my second cash transfer on purchasing foodstuffs for my two family members. I had to prioritise this since we have been starving for a couple of days. During those days, I could hardly do the house chores or my daily hustles. Being able to patent, was so tough and I never thought all these hiccups shall come to an end. Also with the remaining amount of money, I am planning to buy a piece of land ( one acre). I have been staying at my paternal home for so many years together with my children and I felt it was high time I needed to have my compound I can call home. Also, I believe that owning this piece of land shall restore my dignity not only to my children but you anyone in society. My children will also be in a position to build their own houses on this land once they grow up, therefore it's an asset that I trust will serve my generation as well.

It was on one morning when I heard some of the family members talking about GiveDirectly transfers. I felt curious thinking that I might have been left aside. I called my son who checked for me since I do not know how to confirm my account balance. When he informed me that I had also received the money, I ululated in happiness since this was my first time to get such an amount at once yet it was not to be paid back.

Before GiveDirectly graced our village with this amazing unconditional transfer, my life was full of struggles. I was relying on making and selling charcoal which was a hand-to-mouth business. This job was very tiresome. I appreciate the help I received from GiveDirectly because it gave me a break from the charcoal business. As of now, I am resting and things are moving on well. This could not be possible if it were not for GiveDirectly.

Upon withdrawing the money, I first bought a plowing cow because we were nearing the planting season and the cow would serve as a source of income for tilling peoples’ pieces of land. I also bought some building materials the likes of iron sheets, poles, and rafters aiming to build a house since the one I have is on the verge of collapsing. For the remaining amount, I bought some food for the family.