As my younger child grows, I am preparing to return to work and join my husband in shouldering the responsibility of providing for our family. Together, we aim to save diligently, with the intention of developing the land we've acquired by constructing rental properties. This dream feels attainable now, especially as our children are still young and the financial demands of their education are manageable. We're filled with hope and determination, believing that with hard work, we can turn this dream into reality. The prospect of earning rental income to cover our children's education expenses and support our family's needs fills me with gratitude and a sense of blessing. It's a realization I never thought possible in the near future, and I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity to make it happen.

GiveDirectly deserves praise for its remarkable work, and I commend them for their unwavering commitment to their unconditional cash transfer method, which effectively addresses a wide range of needs. I hope they maintain this approach, providing steadfast support to those in need without changing their methods.

I'm a married mother with two children, one in school and the other still nursing. My husband works as a watchman in the city, bearing the financial burden to support our family, while I've been unable to work since I stopped my caregiving job because I was expectant. As we awaited our second transfer, I held onto hopes and dreams for our family's future. I therefore combined $500 of the second transfer with our first transfer to fulfill a long-held dream of purchasing land near a vigorously growing town. This investment isn't just about property, but it's about securing a better tomorrow for our children. Owning land in proximity to a thriving town has always been my greatest aspiration, knowing it will appreciate over time and provide stability for us, especially after developing it. I'm overwhelmed with joy to see my dreams taking shape, and I'm deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for giving me hope in what once felt like a dark and uncertain future.

At around 3 PM, amidst a heavy downpour, I rushed back from the shop where I had just recharged my phone after days of power outages. As I retrieved my phone, drenched but hopeful, a message notification caught my eye. With a mixture of anticipation and disbelief, I confirmed that GiveDirectly had indeed sent money my way. Overwhelmed with joy, I immediately called my spouse, who was away at the time, and shared the incredible news. The realization that we could now embark on building a new home, especially given the struggles with our current dilapidated one, intensified the joy. The previous dwelling, worn and weary, had proven especially challenging during the rainy seasons. The unconditional cash transfer became not just a financial boon but also a promise of shelter and security.

Four years into my marriage, I had only known hardship, with a dilapidated roof over our heads and a cramped living space that cast a shadow over what should have been the joyful union of marriage. The rainy seasons were particularly trying, forcing us to seek shelter from neighbors and relatives, an ordeal further compounded by the risk of theft. My husband, the sole breadwinner earning a meager $130 a month, struggled to meet our basic needs, let alone dream of a more comfortable dwelling. His responsibilities extended beyond our nuclear family, involving the financial burden of educating his siblings in high school. Therefore, our aspirations for a better life seemed like a distant mirage. Privacy was a luxury, and the anticipation of owning a decent home—a place where my growing family of three could flourish—became the beacon of hope that kept me going. The unconditional cash transfers not only alleviated the financial strain but also fueled the realization of my dream. The prospect of having a house—a sanctuary we could call our own—not only brings joy to my heart but also symbolizes the triumph over the adversities that once defined our marriage. The newfound sense of security and stability has not only transformed our living conditions but has also rekindled the optimism and happiness that every married individual yearns for, which brings the biggest difference in my life.

The first thing I did was head to the shops and purchase new outfits for my two children and myself, which cost almost $150 each. Our old clothes were worn out and tattered, affecting our self-esteem. My kids, who used to shy away from playing with friends, now embrace the joy of childhood without fear of judgment. The simple act of having new clothes brought a sense of dignity back into our lives that we hadn't realized we were missing. Also, thanks to this organization, our Christmas was different this time. We feasted on sufficient food, something we could only dream of in the past, making it a truly unique and memorable Christmas. I am also planning to invest in building materials to construct a new house. After four years of marriage, living in a small, dilapidated house with a leaking roof has been a constant source of hardship. During rainy seasons, we had to resort to seeking shelter from neighbors and relatives, exposing our belongings to theft. My husband, who works as a watchman earning $130 a month, has multiple responsibilities, including supporting and paying his siblings' high school fees. The additional financial strain has made it challenging to save for a decent home. Now, with the support from GiveDirectly, I am determined to provide my family with a comfortable and secure place to call home.