While I was at my farm, away from home, my daughter called me around 3 PM while I was irrigating the crops. She excitedly told me, "Dad, the money from GiveDirectly has arrived!" I immediately instructed her to keep it safe until I returned in the evening so I could check it myself. Since she had my phone, I couldn’t see the amount right away. As I continued working, my mind was filled with thoughts about my daughter's school fees. I had been struggling to pay them, and she had been in and out of school because the arrears were too much for her teachers to tolerate. The news of the money gave me a glimmer of hope as I imagined how I could finally settle her fees.

Before receiving the transfer, my life was filled with worry and struggle. I had been working hard for many years to ensure my children could go to school, often selling my livestock to pay their fees. Farming used to help, but now I am old and not as productive, and the floods had destroyed my crops, so I didn’t harvest anything. However, when the money came, I felt a huge wave of happiness. I could finally pay my children's school fees, and they can study like other children. Now my family is much happier, and I feel relieved knowing my children have the chance for a better future.

Receiving the cash transfer felt like a lifeline for my family and me. I quickly used $70 to pay my daughter’s school fees, which had been a huge source of stress for me. It was difficult to keep up with her expenses, and I was worried about her education. I used to do casual jobs while also managing my own farming to cover these school fee expenses. Furthermore, I paid off $72 in debt to the local shop where I had been borrowing food supplies. My wife occasionally helps by providing groceries from her business in town, but managing all our needs was still challenging.I also gave my wife $58 to help her buy more stock for her grocery business. This investment will help her serve our community better and provide for our family’s needs. I have three children, and supporting them requires careful budgeting and planning.Thanks to GiveDirectly, I could address these essential needs without feeling overwhelmed. This financial support not only relieved my burden but also gave my wife the opportunity to grow her business. Now, I feel more hopeful about our future, knowing that we can meet our children’s educational needs and manage our daily expenses with greater ease. I am truly grateful for the help that has made such a significant difference in our lives.