The moment the money arrived was unexpected and significant for me. I was at a burial in Sintaan when I received the message around 3 PM. Although I checked my phone and saw the money had come, I couldn't show my happiness because everyone around me was mourning. I kept my excitement to myself, feeling the weight of the situation. However, as soon as I saw the amount, my thoughts quickly turned to purchasing iron sheets to build a proper house for my children. It has been a shame for us to sleep under the same roof in such cramped conditions, and now I finally have the chance to change that.

Before receiving the transfer, I lived in a small one-room house that was too cramped for my family. My children were growing up, and we had no privacy as parents. I always dreamed of having a proper house where my children could have their own space. However, I struggled to gather enough materials to make this dream a reality. After receiving support from GiveDirectly, I now have some materials for construction, which gives me hope. I may not have finished the house yet, but I can see a future where my family can live comfortably and happily. Thank you so much Givedirectly for such a great support.

The day I received my unconditional cash transfer felt like a blessing for my family. With nine children, our old house was too small to accommodate all of us comfortably. Therefore, I decided to buy iron sheets for $50 to construct a new home where my children can live safely and happily. This investment was not just about shelter; it was about creating a better future for my family, where we could grow without feeling cramped. Furthermore, I used another $50 to purchase a sheep, which is an important investment for our livelihood. Since we didn’t own any livestock, having a sheep would help improve our situation over time. I believe that as it grows and multiplies, it will provide us with additional resources and income. This decision brought me hope and excitement about what our future could hold. Additionally, I spent $40 on clothes for my family. We had no decent clothes for vacations, and I wanted my children to feel proud when we went out together. Lastly, I allocated $40 for food supplies, which we desperately needed since our farming efforts were disrupted by floods that destroyed our two acres of maize. My husband and I had to rely on casual jobs and charcoal burning, but this cash transfer allowed us to meet our basic needs and feel a sense of security again.