Before this year comes to an end, my biggest dream is to either begin building or even finish constructing my own home. It's not just about having a roof over my head; it's about having a place where I can call mine, a sanctuary where I can create lasting memories with loved ones. With every penny saved, I'm one step closer to making this dream a reality, and I can't wait for the day I unlock the door to a world entirely my own.

Receiving help from GiveDirectly has been a real game-changer for me. Those unconditional transfers they gave us have been like a lifeline. With that financial assistance, my family and I have been able to afford essentials like food, healthcare, and education for our children. It's not just about surviving anymore; it's about truly living. We're no longer drowning in uncertainty; we've got hope for a brighter future. I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for this opportunity to rebuild our lives and start dreaming again.

My grandchild had been longing to go back to school, but we couldn't afford the fees which had accumulated to $280, and thus stayed at home for months. But with the money I received, I rushed to the school, my heart pounding with hope. I paid off all the fees, and the joy in my grandchild's eyes was priceless. Education is the key to a brighter future, and thanks to GiveDirectly, my grandchild was back in school, learning and dreaming once again. But that wasn't all. With the remaining $232, I bought construction materials that is iron sheets and building poles. I had a piece of land, and it was time to build a house of my own. Currently, I was staying at my son-in-law's place, and while he was kind, it just didn't feel like home. The idea of having my place, a little sanctuary where I could find comfort and peace, was a dream come true. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I wasn't just paying school fees; I was building a brighter future for my family, one brick at a time.

While relaxing at my home in the afternoon, my grandchild came running and panting after hearing neighbors received their first transfers. He immediately took my phone to confirm. Luckily, he saw a transaction message stating that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I was filled with happiness for receiving such a huge amount of money at once, and for the first time in my life. Getting such a sum of money at my age was not even in my dreams or wishes. I allulated in happiness since I knew that challenging issues like hunger were going to be settled.

Before receiving the transfer, I used to struggle to make ends meet. Getting a meal was a huge achievement. Going without food was not something new at my home. I used to go for at least two days a week without getting some food. As of now, I am grateful for the support that I got from GiveDirectly because I am now getting food and other basic needs than before. I have also taken a rest from the charcoal and firewood business. This is because of GiveDirectly who came to our rescue.

Since I had no defined source of income apart from burning charcoals, I opted to buy a motorbike for business. The motorbike is used for ferrying people from one destination to the other. In purchasing the motorbike, I bought it in hire-purchase because the amount could not allow me to buy it in cash. Therefore, I paid a deposit of $200 and I am paying a weekly installment of $5 for two years. I am very happy that I now have an income-generating activity. Thereafter, I bought two chairs for $85 since I did not have any chairs at my house. For the remaining amount, I opted to use it in buying some food since that was the main challenge I was passing through.