In the upcoming year, I have aspirations to venture into a retail business, aiming to provide support for my family of seven. To kickstart this entrepreneurial endeavor, I am planning to use a capital of $1000. This financial investment will be strategically employed to cover initial expenses such as acquiring inventory, setting up the business, and ensuring a smooth start for the retail venture. To further support this business initiative, I am considering taking a loan from the Sacco. This additional financial assistance will not only supplement the capital but also provide the necessary resources to ensure the success and sustainability of the retail business. The goal is to establish a source of income that will contribute to the financial stability of my family. By delving into the retail sector, I aim to create opportunities for growth and prosperity. With careful planning and the right financial support, I am optimistic that this venture will prove to be a stepping stone towards a more secure and prosperous future for my family.

I have witnessed the remarkable impact that GiveDirectly has had on families, and I must say, it is truly uplifting. The unconditionality of their support is a game-changer, allowing individuals like myself to make informed decisions about where the funds are best allocated based on our specific needs. This flexibility empowers us to take charge of our circumstances. What impresses me even more is the follow-up process. The fact that they stay engaged and maintain a connection beyond the initial support shows a genuine commitment to ensuring that their assistance is effective and meaningful. This level of care and attention makes a significant difference. From my perspective, nothing should change in their approach. The unconditionality and the follow-up efforts have been crucial in bringing about positive outcomes for families like mine. The current approach is working well, and I am truly appreciative of the direct and impactful support that GiveDirectly provides.

Upon receiving the transfers, I made strategic decisions to address pressing needs and contribute to the well-being of my family of seven. Recognizing the importance of education, I allocated $300 to admit my children to grade 9, ensuring that they have access to valuable learning opportunities. I also spent $42 on purchasing maize, a food item that contributes to our daily sustenance. Further recognizing the importance of financial responsibility, the remaining funds were wisely used to repay loans. This approach aims to alleviate financial burdens and create a more stable foundation for my family's financial well-being. As a family dependent on a teaching job for our livelihood, these thoughtful allocations are designed to ensure a balance between immediate needs and long-term stability. The support from GiveDirectly has provided a means to address crucial aspects of our lives, contributing to the overall betterment of my family, which I am grateful for.

Our main goal is to set up a retail shop, aiming to enhance our financial stability and subsequently cover the upcoming school fees for our two children who will be joining form one next year. I plan to utilize my third transfer to realize this objective.

The unconditional nature of the support provided us with financial freedom, allowing us to use the funds according to our specific needs. Additionally, the field officers were approachable, providing us with ample time to ask questions and gain a thorough understanding of the program. I did not come across any issues or areas that needed correction or improvement in the organization.

Upon receiving our second transfer, my husband and I decided to prioritize establishing a business by aiming to open a retail shop. As a trained teacher awaiting government placement, my husband works as a security guard. Together, we are blessed with five children. We allocated $293 for the construction of the business house, and the remaining funds were utilized to settle some incurred debts amounting to $25. We also invested $10 in poultry. Additionally, we purchased two sacks for $86 and spent $30 on shopping for other essential foodstuffs. I am immensely grateful that we can now embark on initiating a business, a prospect that will significantly boost our financial stability, which was not possible before due to financial constraints.

The moment I received the initial transfer from GiveDirectly filled me with immense joy. Despite having only approximate dates, the uncertainty dissolved, and I was exhilarated, realizing that I could now bring to fruition many of the plans I had set in motion. The notification arrived around 3:00 p.m., and upon reading the word "segiovia," I was reassured of its authenticity and source. To confirm further, I promptly forwarded a sum to settle a food debt I had accrued at the shopping center. This instant was incredibly gratifying, marking the realization of my aspirations with the support of GiveDirectly.

The biggest difference in my daily routine stems from the newfound abundance of food, made possible by settling all the debts I had accrued at the local shopping center where I used to procure food. Prior to this, I had been heavily reliant on hard-to-come-by casual labor jobs and occasional teaching engagements at a nearby primary school to sustain myself. I am glad that after receiving the first transfer, I was able to buy more food that we are still using, which has given me enough time to save enough to buy them in the future.

Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I promptly started using it to cover the goals that I had set. On the very first day, I settled a milk debt of $42 by immediately forwarding the money to the shop owner's account. In addition, I sent $31 to my husband, who was working in Thika along with our three children, to cover their living expenses. Their joy at the arrival of the long-awaited funds after enrolling was heartening. I then allocated $27 to purchase 50kg of maize for my family of four, who were at home at the time. Furthermore, I cleared a $16 wage owed to my maid, who had been caring for my child. Recognizing the urgency of these needs, I considered these expenditures vital. About a week later, I visited my husband and two sons at his workplace in Thika, spending $20 to cover the transportation cost. After prioritizing these essentials, I saved the remaining $63, which has since been useful in replenishing our household consumables. The support from GiveDirectly has significantly assisted in managing our immediate needs and enhancing our overall well-being.