My goal for the years ahead is to buy a cow and ensure my grandson’s school fees are fully paid. Currently, I don’t own a cow, and it’s very important to me because it would provide milk for our household and a source of income. In our culture, having cows is also a sign of respect and status, so owning one would mean a great deal to me personally. Alongside this, I am determined to support my grandson’s education by making sure his school fees are paid, ensuring he can continue learning without interruptions. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I believe I’ll be able to achieve these goals, and the thought fills me with gratitude as I envision a better future and improved living standards for us.

What truly stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the approach of providing unconditional cash. Having the freedom to address my own needs in the way I think best has been incredibly empowering. This support has allowed me to buy livestock and invest in my grandson’s education, giving me the means to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. I have no specific recommendations for GiveDirectly, other than encouraging them to keep up the good work. Their support has made a real difference, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in recipients to decide what’s best for themselves.

When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I chose to invest in things I didn’t have but truly needed. With $240, I bought four sheep, as I previously had no livestock—drought had wiped out my animals. I have always loved keeping livestock because it provides a steady food supply and generates income. I’m hopeful that these sheep will grow into a larger herd, something I can rely on even after the GiveDirectly program ends. I also used $60 to pay school fees for my grandson, who lives with me. Being able to support his education has been very meaningful to me, as it’s my way of showing love and creating a brighter future for him. Education is one of the best ways I can make a lasting difference in his life. The rest of the money went toward buying food, ensuring we have enough to eat, even though floods destroyed my farm. Having food at home despite the challenges we’ve faced is something I am deeply grateful for.

I was at home that evening when my helper brought me the good news that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. It was a moment of pure joy because I knew exactly how this money would help me. My immediate thought was to use it to buy new bedding, so I could finally enjoy a comfortable sleep. The excitement I felt was overwhelming, as I had been longing for this comfort for a long time.

The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I no longer sleep on the floor. After the floods damaged my bed and mattress, I had no choice but to sleep on the floor. It was cold and uncomfortable, and I would wake up feeling tired and sick from the chill. Now, with the new bed and mattress, I was able to buy, I sleep comfortably and look forward to bedtime. It has become an enjoyable and restful experience, and it has made a significant improvement in my overall well-being.

After receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I tried to control my excitement so I could use the money wisely, just as I had planned. I live with my grandson, who is in Form Two at Abimoi Secondary School. He had some unpaid school fees, and I knew if I waited any longer, he might be sent home. I used $100 to clear the balance, and since then, he has been in school without any interruptions. This gave me a great sense of relief, as I no longer had the stress of unpaid school fees. With that taken care of, I turned my attention to something I had always wanted—a comfortable place to sleep. My old bed and mattress were torn and damaged by the floods, so I used $55 to buy a new bed and mattress. This has completely transformed my sleep quality and overall well-being. The remaining money was spent on food, which has been a constant challenge, especially after the floods that affected my village. Now, we have enough food, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible. This support has truly changed our lives, and we thank GiveDirectly.