My goal for this year, and for the years ahead, is to continue investing in farming. Before this transfer, I had already planted maize, but now I plan to add tomatoes since they fetch good prices in the market. With this income, I’ll have enough money to keep my daughter in school and meet my family’s daily needs. The thought of this fills my heart with gratitude and satisfaction, as I know my daughter will be happy and able to attend her classes without interruptions. This support has given me hope and confidence for our future.

What stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the professionalism of their officers and the flexibility of their unconditional cash support. This approach gives someone like me the freedom to use the money in ways that directly address my personal needs and challenges. I am incredibly grateful for this support, but I would also suggest that GiveDirectly consider expanding their programs to help people affected by floods, especially by assisting with building safer housing for them. This would further help people in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives.

When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, it came at the perfect time. My youngest daughter had been accepted to join Maseno University, which filled us with joy. However, even though she was government-sponsored, I still had to cover part of her tuition, and I didn’t have the money. With $350 of the transfer, I paid her fees, allowing her to start her studies. Seeing her happiness and dedication to education meant everything to me, as I know this is an investment not only in her future but in our entire family. To support her education continuously, I decided to start farming. I spent $120 to buy two sheep, which I plan to raise and allow to multiply over time. As they grow, they’ll serve as a source of income and security for emergencies. This is a new income-generating venture that I am optimistic about. With the remaining funds, I bought food to ensure my family had enough. As a single mother, providing for my children’s basic needs, especially during challenging times, is always a priority. GiveDirectly’s support has truly helped me provide for my family and allow my daughter to follow her dreams.

On Sunday afternoon, as I was lying outside my house, feeling very sick and ill, I received a message on my phone. I didn’t bother to check it at first, but when I woke up around 5 PM, I went to my neighbor's house to ask her to read the message for me, as I am illiterate and cannot read. When I got there, she confirmed that it was from GiveDirectly. I became very happy and returned home to prepare my good clothes, so I could go to the hospital for treatment the following morning.

Previously, before I received money from GiveDirectly, I was sick for an entire month without going to the hospital because I couldn't even afford the transport to a government facility. However, as soon as I received the cash, I went to the hospital, and now I am feeling much better. Without GiveDirectly's support, I might not have survived, so I am truly grateful for the help. I am hopeful for even more improvement in my life when I receive the second transfer.

I am a widow; my husband passed away nearly 50 years ago when my three children were very young, but I struggled to make ends meet. Now, all of my children are grown and married, but they left me with grandchildren. One is at Maseno University, and the other is in secondary school. When I received the cash, I used $100 to pay for their fees to help their mother, who had been covering the costs.When the floods came, water entered my house and stayed for a very long time, leaving it wet and cold. I had to sleep in that damp house, and the coldness caused me to suffer from pneumonia, leading to constant coughing. I allocated $5 to seek medication at Marigat District Hospital because it is more affordable compared to private hospitals.Additionally, I spent $50 on purchasing food to ensure I had enough stock at home. Previously, I relied on casual jobs, working on other people's farms to harvest tomatoes. With the remaining money, I allocated $30 to buy chairs and a sofa set, as I didn’t have any furniture before. I also spent $15 on a solar panel because I had no lights in the house and was using my phone's light, which I had to charge at my neighbor's home. That was causing me a lot of stress.