Initially we were living in sad, poor conditions. Our house was old and falling apart, in fact we were vividly able to see the stars and the moon in the sky while in the house at night. Rainy seasons were like hell in our family since we were forced to seek refuge from our neighbors at night. My children slept on the floor since we could not afford to buy a bed. Our safety was not guaranteed due to the poor condition of our house. I couldn’t afford my family's basic needs, especially education. I only relied on selling firewood and some charcoal to get some meals though not on daily basis. Some days we slept without food. Thankfully, heavens opened and Give Directly came for our rescue. We were able to construct a good house that can accommodate us. Therefore at a higher percentage, our safety is guaranteed. Currently we have nice-looking clothes not as before, we still have some food and finally my four children are happy in school full time not as before when they could spent almost have of the term at home due to lack of school fees. It’s my joy that our lives have transformed for the better.

GiveDirectly has no fault. It's a positive life changing organization that has greatly impacted our lives. I recommend if something the management to revisit our areas again so that we can fully transform our lives making some investments using the 3rd phase cash if it's granted. This is because we used the two transfers in defining our living situations.

I am a mother of 4 children, 3 are in primary school and the last born is yet to be enrolled. When I received my 2nd transfer from Give Directly, I purchased some iron sheets for KES 15,000.00. These were to complete the roofing of a house I started constructing using the 1st transfer. I saw it prudent to construct the house because the one I was living in was in a bad state. One could be able to count the stars on the sky while in the house. Then I bought a cow at KES 20,000.00. I consider the cow as an investment because once it gives birth I will get some milk for sale as well as for family use. I also opted to pay some school fees for my 3 children. Paying these fees meant restoration of happiness to the children since they be full time students in their respective classes not as before. We also bought some nice-looking clothes.

It was around 9 AM preparing breakfast for my children when I heard one of my daughters calling my name from far. I suspected there was some good news since I was expecting to hear from GiveDirectly. After inquiring what the issue was, she broke the news by saying I had finally recived my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy becsue I was so sure I will achieve a lot.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I managed to construct a very decent, spacious modern house through the transfer. Initially, I used to stay in a small traditional house with weak walls and an old roof. It had even collapsed some weeks before I was enrolled. During that period I had to seek shelter from my friends and I even had to shift all my belonging. As a result, most of them got damaged and stolen as well. Also, the stay in my friend's houses was not that good at all because I was like a burden to them. The coming of GD into my life still feels like a miracle to me because it came at the time that I needed help the most. I am glad now I am sheltering under my own house with all my family members. We no longer have to worry about the rains and the insecurity issues like before.

I spent part of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow at KES 20000. This has been my long-time dream but because of financial difficulties, I couldn't accomplish it. Also, I bought beddings which include a new wooden bed and a mattress at KSH 12000. Also, I bought building materials such as building poles, iron sheets, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house becasue the previous one had collapsed and I had been seeking shelter in friends' houses. Later on, I cleared school fees for my two children who were about to sit for their exams. With the little amount that had remained I bought enough food.