My main goal is to gather more funds to support my two daughters' college education. It's been two long years since they've been stuck at home, unable to pursue their dreams due to financial constraints. Sending them to college will not only open doors to better opportunities and a brighter future for them, but it will also ease my worries about aging and depending on them. I believe education is the key to success, and by investing in their academic pursuits, I'm investing in a better tomorrow for our family. As they acquire knowledge and skills, they'll be better equipped to support themselves and contribute positively to society. While it's a significant financial commitment, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term sacrifices. My daughters' education is my priority, and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to make it happen, ensuring a greener future for them and peace of mind for myself as I grow older.

In my opinion, the organization has truly excelled. Thanks to their support, I've been able to start my own business, providing me with a steady source of income and newfound independence. My family now sleeps comfortably with good-quality bedding, ensuring restful nights and improved well-being. Additionally, the financial empowerment I've gained from GiveDirectly has enabled me to provide my son with a home of his own, a safe and stable environment where he can thrive. GiveDirectly's unconditional money transfer has brought tangible and life-changing improvements to our lives, for which I am immensely grateful.

As soon as I received my second transfer, I felt a surge of purpose. With $145 in hand, I wasted no time investing in my son's future. Completing his one-bedroom house was not just about providing shelter but also about nurturing his independence and guiding him towards a path of responsibility. No longer would he sleep in the confines of our neighbour's compound; for now, he had a home of his own where I could instil good morals and values. Apart from that, I ventured into entrepreneurship by purchasing coconut oil to start a business. With each litre fetching $4 and a promising return of $20 for 20 litres, I found solace in the stability this business brought. The returns are promising, providing a stable income that surpasses the toil and meagre profits of my previous charcoal-selling ventures. As a widow responsible for eight children, financial stability has always been a struggle, but now, with the ability to comfortably pay bills and provide for my family, life feels more manageable. I also allocated $56 towards clothing for my children, which instilled a sense of dignity and confidence, a luxury they hadn't experienced before. Finally, I directed a fraction of the funds towards my mother's comfort, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout our journey. With Ramadan approaching, I made sure to stock up on essentials, alleviating the stress of providing for the festivities. The transformation in our lives is profound, and I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly.

I was at the shamba digging, busy in the routine of tilling the soil when the unexpected happened. The sound of my phone's messages interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. Hurriedly, I checked my phone, and to my absolute delight, the first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly had arrived. Stunned, I dropped the jembe, my disbelief noticeable. I must have checked the message at least five times, uttering Alhamdillah countless times as if to convince myself of the reality. Overwhelmed with joy, I left the shamba without a second thought, rushing home to share the incredible news with my family. Their skepticism mirrored my initial reaction, prompting me to hand them the phone for confirmation. Amidst the jubilation, my mind raced to the pressing matter at hand – my children's education. With both of them frequently sent home due to unpaid school fees, the financial burden weighed heavily on me. Determined, I decided that the first use of the money would be to settle their dues. On that day, with hearts overflowed with gratitude, I sent my children to buy maize flour and fish, ensuring a celebratory feast despite the scarcity of food.

Since I started getting money from GiveDirectly, the change in my life is that my kids haven't been sent home from school because I can now manage to pay their fees without stress. Plus, I've started a tailoring business that brings in income. Before, there were risks from wildlife and people cutting down trees in the forest where I used to work. But now, with my own business, I'm relieved from the strainous job and not exposed to those dangers anymore, making life safer and more secure for me and my family.

On receiving the recent cash transfer, I used $210 to pay my children's school fees, ensuring they no longer face regular sent-home notices. As a tailor without a sewing machine, I've been working as a casual laborer, earning only $35 in three weeks by burning charcoal. The living situation at home was horrible, with my eight children and I using boxes for bedding, resulting in complaints of backaches. I spent $120 to purchase bedding, providing much-needed comfort. During the GiveDirectly photo session, I avidly hoped they wouldn't capture the state of our bedding, as it was truly terrible. Since my husband's passing in 2018 due to cancer, I've become the sole provider for my family. The remaining funds were wisely used: $200 went towards buying a sewing machine, a crucial investment that will enable me to generate income and support my family more efficiently. Additionally, I allocated $30 for food and bought clothes for my children, who had been wearing torn garments.