My foremost goal is to initiate a business centered around selling vegetables and fruits. Currently jobless and with the responsibility of caring for my grandchildren, this venture not only offers the prospect of financial stability but also aligns with my desire to provide them with a secure and nurturing environment. As I plan and prepare for this new endeavor, I see it as not just a source of income but a means to contribute to the well-being of my family. The idea of cultivating and selling fresh produce not only resonates with my passion for agriculture but also presents an opportunity to impart valuable lessons about hard work and sustainability to my grandchildren.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled at transforming lives, mine included. With the unconditional money they provided, I've been able to embark on a journey of uplifting change. Their support empowered me to renovate my house, turning it into a secure and comfortable haven for my family. The impact on my grandchildren has been particularly profound, as I could allocate funds to cover their education expenses. GiveDirectly's approach of directly transferring funds has allowed me the autonomy to address my most pressing needs, fostering a sense of self-determination and pride.

After receiving the funds, I address a long-standing issue that plagued my humble two-room house. The floors, constantly covered in dust and mud, made life unbearable, especially during the rainy season. I invested a significant portion of the money, precisely $280, in purchasing fifteen bags of cement to lay a solid foundation for a cemented floor. The transformation was beyond my wildest dreams. Now, stepping into my house felt like entering a different world, one free from the daily struggles I had grown accustomed to. Being jobless, I relied on my son's sporadic earnings as a casual laborer, making the dream of renovating my home seem like a distant fantasy. The joy that now emanates from within me is indescribable. In addition to improving my living conditions, I used $50 to buy essential food items and new clothes for my five grandchildren, creating a festive atmosphere for Christmas that we had never experienced before. The previous Christmases were marred by the absence of food, but this time, laughter and joy echoed through our home. With the remaining amount, I prioritized the education of my four school-going grandchildren, shouldering the burden of their school fees as their guardian. This semester, I am grateful that they can pursue their studies without the constant fear of being sent home due to unpaid fees, marking a positive change that was unimaginable before the unconditional cash transfer.

It was 3:10 PM, and I was knee-deep in a pile of laundry, washing my children's clothes. The sun was beating down, and my tired hands were aching. Suddenly, the familiar message tone on my phone chimed. Since I do not know how to read, I told my daughter who was around to read and interpret the message for me. Her eyes widened as she read and jovially she said that we had received our first GiveDirectly cash transfer. At that moment, a profound sense of relief washed over me, knowing that this money was a beacon of hope amidst our financial struggles. It was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the darkest clouds, and I couldn't help but smile, tears of joy mixing with the sweat on my face.

My life transformed in ways I couldn't have imagined as a result of the cash transfer. I now have a good, firm, and secure house, where I can lay my head at night without worry. My family sleeps soundly too, knowing we're safe. But it's not just about the roof over our heads; it's also about the food on our plates. No longer do I have to skip meals or watch my children go hungry. We have enough to eat. GiveDirectly didn't just change my life; it gave me a chance to have a life worth living, and for that, I'll forever be grateful.

I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With a determined heart, I decided to make my home a fortress against the unpredictable forces of nature. I invested in its strength and durability. I purchased 10 tons of building sand for just $100, 15 bags of cement for $98, and 12 tons of hard corals for $120. To bring my vision to life, I hired a skilled contractor, whose labor charge was $98. Now, my house stands firm and unshaken, ready to weather any storm or heavy rainfall that comes our way. This newfound security is not just for me but for my whole family. Knowing that we are safe and protected brings me immense happiness. But I didn't stop there. I invested in two goats, seeing them as a long-term asset for our family. With careful planning, I also set aside the remaining amount to ensure our family's daily needs are met. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family's present and future are looking brighter and more secure than ever before.