My aspirations are focused on realizing a long-held dream: purchasing a piece of land where I can build rental stalls. With my background as a tailor, I plan to sell both new and used clothes, leveraging my expertise to curate a unique selection. This vision holds immense significance for me, as it promises stability and an end to the constant upheaval of moving from one area to another to provide for my children as a single parent. I've set a timeline to achieve this goal, aiming for the moment when my son graduates in two years. I believe that once I establish this business, not only will it provide a sustainable income for my family, but it will also grant us a sense of permanence and security we've longed for.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled in their approach. The staff dedicated themselves to educating us thoroughly, ensuring we fully understood the impact and potential of the unconditional cash transfer. With their guidance, we were empowered to plan for ourselves, harnessing the resources provided to create opportunities for our families. Now, I can see the tangible results of their support as I embark on projects and investments that were once beyond my reach. GiveDirectly's commitment to empowering individuals like myself has unlocked a world of possibilities, and I am grateful for the transformative impact it has had on my life.

With the weight of financial strain lifted, I could finally breathe easier knowing that my son's education was secured. The $300 from my second cash transfer went straight towards his university fees, a burden that had loomed large over our heads for years. As a single parent relying on meager earnings from selling fish and sporadic income from farming and livestock keeping, the thought of providing a quality education for my son seemed like an impossible dream. Countless times, I had resorted to taking out loans to keep him in school, each repayment adding to the heavy load on my shoulders. But now, with the timely assistance from GiveDirectly, I could witness my son continuing his journey towards a brighter future, free from the worry of financial instability. With the remaining funds, I turned my attention to our humble abode. Our two-bedroom house, whose mud walls and floors made rainy days a constant source of stress, had long been in need of repair. Now, with the means to do so, I eagerly embarked on the journey of renovation. Each stroke of paint and every repaired wall symbolized not just a physical transformation but a newfound sense of pride and dignity. As a single parent, providing a welcoming and secure home for my family of two had always been a priority, and now, with the renovations underway, I could envision a future filled with warmth and comfort.

It was around 3 pm, and I was at home, preparing a meal for some relatives who had visited us. Amid the cooking process, my phone chimed with a message tone. I checked, and there was a notification that the first GiveDirectly transfer had been sent to my account. In that moment, joy surged through me. As a single parent, life's challenges had often seemed unbearable, especially with the pressing need to pay my son's university fees. I wanted to scream with happiness, to let out a victorious ululation that could echo through the neighborhood. However, I held back, containing my emotions as a personal secret. I didn't want the visitors to notice anything, but inside, my heart danced with gratitude and relief, knowing that a brighter path had just opened up for my family's future.

Life wasn't easy when I was trying to make things work as a single mom. Sewing was my skill, but without a proper place to work, keeping customers was tough. Paying for my son's university fees felt like climbing a mountain. But then, GiveDirectly came into my life. That cash transfer was like a ray of sunshine in a stormy sky. With it, I cleared my son's fees, and he completed his exams. The relief I felt was beyond words. It was a turning point. Now, I see a brighter future ahead. The weight that was lifted off my shoulders was enormous, and I'm forever grateful to GiveDirectly for changing our lives.

My son was facing a hurdle with his education due to unpaid university fees. Without hesitation, I used $100 to clear his fee arrears, ensuring he could take his semester exams. Seeing him sitting for those exams brought immense relief and joy to my heart. With part of the remaining money, I invested $70 in two goats, seeing them as a step towards securing our future. These goats are investments that could grow and provide for us down the line. Knowing the importance of keeping my family nourished, I used $20 to buy essential food supplies for the three of us. But the biggest dream I'm working towards is setting up my own tailoring business. With careful planning, I've saved the rest of the money to buy a plot where I can build a structure for my sewing work. As a tailor without a dedicated space, this opportunity means everything to me. It's a chance to turn my skills into a sustainable business that can support my family's needs and pave the way for a better future.