Moving forward, I want to transform my farming, which is why my goal for this year is to invest in a generator and essential water pipes for irrigation. With these tools, I’ll be able to water my farm reliably, giving my crops a better chance to thrive. I believe that, along with the income from livestock, this will provide enough food and money for my family. This approach will help me avoid taking loans in the future, as they can be expensive and stressful in the long run. Having a self-sustaining farm brings me hope for a stable and secure future for my family.

What I appreciate most about the GiveDirectly program is the respect and professionalism shown by their officers. They always ask for consent before proceeding, which makes the process feel considerate and trustworthy. My recommendation is for them to continue with their cash program, as it is truly transformative and doesn’t need any changes. This approach has a powerful impact on people’s lives, allowing them to make meaningful decisions for themselves.

When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I knew this was my chance to get things I hadn’t been able to afford before. At that time, I had a maize farm that had been partly affected by floods, but fortunately, I managed to save a portion of the crop. With harvest time approaching, I used $150 to cover harvesting and transportation costs, ensuring that my family now had enough food to eat. Next, I spent $140 to buy two sheep, as I had none before. I am committed to helping them grow and multiply so that they can generate income for us in the future, even after the GiveDirectly program ends. With that done, I turned my attention to a loan that had been causing me stress for the past three years. I used $65 to pay off the interest, which has relieved me of a significant mental burden, leaving me feeling stress-free. Additionally, I spent $30 on remedial classes for my child because I believe education is essential, and I want to invest in my children’s future. Lastly, I used $40 to buy essential household items like utensils, curtains, plastic chairs, and a table. These items have improved the look of my home and given me a sense of pride in owning things I didn’t have before.

I had just arrived home from church, feeling a bit tired and thirsty. My children handed me a cup of water, and as I was sipping it, my husband suddenly asked if I had seen the transfer. I was puzzled and told him I hadn’t. Before we could even finish our conversation, my phone beeped with a notification. I quickly checked it, and there it was—the transfer from GiveDirectly! The excitement in the room was undescribable. We didn’t rush into anything but took a full week to carefully plan and decide on the household items we were going to buy.

Before receiving transfers from GiveDirectly, my children used to sleep on the floor on mats, which was very risky due to crawling creatures like snakes that sometimes made their way into the house. The worst part was when water came into the house, they were the first to be affected since they were lying on the floor. But now, thanks to the support, they sleep on a bed, and I am so relieved that they are warm, safe from water, and no longer at risk from those dangerous animals. My living room is also more welcoming and spacious because I bought new cushions and the room was made bigger.

When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy a bed and a mattress for my children. With $100, I was able to give them a proper place to sleep. Before this, they had to sleep on a mat on the floor, which became unbearable especially when the floods came. On that night, water flowed right into the house, and they were the first to suffer. Now, they have a bed that keeps them safe and dry, and I feel much more at ease knowing they can sleep comfortably. Next, I used $20 to buy cushions for our seats. The ones we had were very old and had become so uncomfortable that sitting down for even a short while was painful. With the new cushions, our living space feels much more welcoming, and we can sit together as a family without discomfort. I also bought a curtain and a utensil rack for $10. These small additions have made our home feel more organized. Lastly, I spent $30 on clothes for my children since most of what they had was ruined during the floods. I used another $10 to buy household food items, ensuring that we had enough to eat for the coming days. The remaining $5 went to a mason who helped us partition the house, giving us a bit more space and privacy. Every dollar was spent with care, and each purchase has made a significant difference in our lives.