In the years to come and beyond, my biggest dream is to buy a place to call our own, a place where my three kids and I can finally settle down. As a single mother, our current home provides us with shelter, but it's not enough. I have a space to build a house, but I can't cultivate land there. With determination and the $160 I've saved from GiveDirectly, I'm working towards making this dream a reality. The thought of owning our own home fills me with happiness and hope. It's a dream that means so much to me and my family, and I can't wait to see it come true.

I'm thrilled with the work GiveDirectly has done. Their cash transfers have made a significant impact on our lives, addressing both the housing and food security issues we faced. Thanks to their programs, I now have a stable home and enough food to eat. I can't express enough how grateful I am for their support. Every aspect of their programs has been beneficial to us, and I have no complaints whatsoever. GiveDirectly's efforts have truly made a difference in our lives, bringing happiness and security to our home.

Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and it brought so much change to my life. With $100, I finally finished building a house I had started earlier. Before, my three kids and I lived in a small mud house that barely fit us all. Now, we have a comfortable home. I used $90 to buy two goats, and I'm thrilled that one of them, bought with a previous transfer, is almost ready to give birth. My plan is for them to multiply so I can use them in emergencies and to pay for my kids' school fees. $50 went towards buying food, addressing the hunger problem we used to face. Another $15 was spent on school fees for my children. They're now attending school regularly, which was difficult before because we couldn't always afford the fees. I'm hoping their grades will improve with consistent schooling. With $30, I bought new clothes for myself and my kids, bringing us joy and comfort. And I managed to save $160 towards my dream of buying land where we can live and cultivate. Being a single mother, this opportunity means the world to me and my family.

I really want to do something special this year and in the future. My plan involves a determined effort to purchase land, even if it's just a quarter-acre. Right now, I live in a small place my dad gave me. Acquiring additional land will serve as a catalyst for venturing into agriculture, offering an additional income stream. I intend to focus on cultivating maize for commercial purposes, especially given its favorable performance with irrigation. To realize this goal, I have strategized to utilize part of the third transfer to secure the land. I am also going to work harder to boost grocery sales and increase daily savings. By doing so, I aim to accumulate the necessary funds to make payments for the land acquisition. This plan means a lot to me because I see it as a step towards having better financial stability and self-sufficiency, aligning with my aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity in the coming years..

In my perspective, GD has done well, providing us with a substantial transfer. This generous support has empowered us to make significant investments, fostering positive changes within our community. The transfer has spurred agricultural activity, allowing people to engage more actively in farming. Additionally, the positive impacts extend to education, as evidenced by the fact that school-going children have returned to school. This is a significant change from previous years when many school-age youngsters were seen staying at home due to a lack of school fees. Personally, I take pride in the fact that I used this support to build a more dignified and comfortable house for my family. The tangible improvements in our living conditions are a direct result of GD's generosity, and for that, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you, GD.

I had long harboured the desire to build a better home for myself, but financial constraints had consistently stood in my way. Being a single mother responsible for three children, providing for the family has been a continuous challenge. My reliance on a grocery business, which brings in just $2 per day, barely covers our basic needs. The arrival of the transfer presented a golden opportunity to turn my dream into reality. I directed a significant portion of $390 towards constructing a two-room house made of iron sheets. The completion of this house has brought genuine happiness to my family, and we have already moved in. Compared to our previous cramped living conditions in a small grass-thatched hut, the new house offers more space and a more appealing appearance. Furthermore, the old structure now serves as a kitchen, providing the much-needed space for a kitchen and eliminating the challenges we faced during the rainy season or windy weather when cooking outdoors was impractical. I used the remaining amount to purchase a sack of dry maize for my family, ensuring a stable food supply that would last us for more than three months.

The clock struck 3 p.m. as I diligently attended to customers at my business. In that ordinary moment, an extraordinary message arrived, bearing the news of financial support. The joy that surged within me was undeniable. It wasn't just a sum in my MPESA; it was the promise of a dream fulfilled. For a while, the aspiration of owning a decent house had been a persistent companion in my thoughts. Yet, the journey had been laden with obstacles, and the fruits of my labor seemed elusive. However, in that instant, a glimmer of hope emerged. The financial assistance I received hinted at the realization of a dream that had long endured struggles and setbacks.

Currently, my home is stocked with food, and I'm laying the groundwork for the construction of a more substantial house. As a single parent navigating life post a failed marriage, the weight of responsibilities often exceeded my means. Recalling times when illness struck me or my children faced health challenges, the dependence on my family for financial support added a considerable burden, evoking a sense of despair. To address these challenges, I ventured into selling fruits at the local shopping center, trying to make ends meet. However, the financial returns were insufficient to sustain us fully. The arrival of GiveDirectly filled my heart with gratitude, ushering in a wave of positive changes. This support has manifested in tangible improvements and has catalyzed a shift in my mindset and motivation to persevere in difficulty.

In a thoughtful allocation of the received funds, I directed $30 towards securing food for my household. This seemingly simple act brought an immense sense of relief, alleviating a persistent concern that had lingered in the recesses of my mind in case I did not find a job and there would be no income. Remarkably, I managed to settle my children's school fees, a stunt achieved without the burden of arrears for the first time since I undertook the responsibility of caring for these three youngsters. This newfound financial stability infused me with a sense of encouragement, envisioning a brighter future for my household. Anticipating a secure and comfortable living space, I allocated $110 to purchase posts, a crucial step in the preparation for the construction of my home. This investment signaled a tangible step toward a better living environment and a symbolic move toward stability and permanence. Recognizing the importance of diversifying income sources, I used $20 to expand my fruit-selling venture, this strategic decision aimed to enhance our financial standing. In acknowledgment of life's uncertainties, $20 was set aside in savings, designated for emergencies such as unexpected illnesses. This foresighted approach was motivated by a desire to shield my family from the financial strains that often accompany unforeseen challenges.