My goal for this year and the years to come is to start a sustainable source of income by opening and running a kiosk shop. I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to make this dream a reality. With the shop, I can generate income and comfortably meet my household's needs. Achieving this fills me with happiness and gratitude because it will elevate my life to a level I never thought possible without this help. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity, and I am determined to make the most of it for a better future.

What stands out for me about GiveDirectly is their transparency, which I truly admire. They ensure that everything they do is clear and fair by always asking for consent before taking any action. This approach makes recipients feel respected and valued. I highly recommend that GiveDirectly expand its program to other areas that have not yet been enrolled. By doing so, more people will have the opportunity to transform their lives, just as I have. Their work is truly impactful, and I believe it can benefit even more communities.

I was overjoyed when I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I am truly grateful for their support. Recently, my family and I were affected by devastating floods, which forced us to rethink how we live and where we stay. Thankfully, I had used my first transfer to start a seasonal business selling maize. This business generated income that allowed me to purchase land in a safer location, far from the future risks of flooding. When I received the $450, I invested the entire amount in buying construction materials to build a new house on this safer land. The house is now spacious and comfortable enough for my family. I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly because, without their help, we would still be vulnerable to the dangers of future floods. Now, my family and I are safer and more secure, and this peace of mind is something I will always cherish.

I was out on the farm weeding my beans when I heard my phone beep with a message notification, but I was too focused on my work to check it right away. After finishing up, I finally reached for my phone, and to my surprise and excitement, it was a message from GiveDirectly confirming that the cash transfer had come through. My heart leapt with joy. Immediately, my mind started racing with ideas, and I thought that it was a perfect opportunity to start the business I've always dreamed of. It felt like a turning point in my life, a real chance to change things for the better.

Since I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've seen is in the stability it has brought to my life. So far, since I started my small business, I’ve made a profit of $500, which allowed my family and me to buy a small piece of land, 50 by 100 feet, in a raised area that's safe from floods. This was such a relief, knowing we now have a secure place to live. I'm also expecting a baby in December, and by then, I plan to use the second transfer to build a new house on the land we bought, so my family can have a safe and comfortable home. This support has completely changed our future for the better.

As a businesswoman who buys and sells maize, I was fortunate enough to receive an unconditional cash transfer at just the right time. Maize prices were low, so I used $160 to buy seven bags of maize to sell. This decision brought me a profit of around $14, which, while modest, helped me keep the business running. I've always had a passion for doing business, and alongside selling maize, I sometimes sell vegetables and fruits depending on the season. With some of the transfer, I also took care of my family’s needs. I spent $20 on clothes for my daughter, my husband, and myself. We hadn’t bought new clothes in a while, and I believe it’s important to look good and present ourselves well, even during hard times. It felt good to finally address that need, which we had been putting off for some time.