We are currently in the business of selling charcoal and firewood, and our long-term goal is to expand the business and open a store where we can keep our stock and sell them from. After buying enough food that will sustain us a couple of months, we trust that will be able to save some more cash from the business to ensure that this goal is realized. This will allow us to support our family without having to worry about fulfilling every financial obligation.

Personally, I believe GiveDirectly performed a good job of sending cash transfers that each beneficiary may do according to his or her priorities. Many things have been accomplished in our community as a result of the transfers that would not have been possible if the assistance had not come in the form of financial transfers, and we are thankful to GiveDirectly for enabling us to do the things we have long desired. The procedure went smoothly, and there is nothing I can suggest to help it go more smoothly; we were all happy and grateful to be among those who benefited.

When I got the money, I built a more pleasant home with a bedroom and a sitting area for $30. Before that, I was living in a one-room mud house which was roofed with a polythene bag. Even though the one I built is made of mud, I am happy with it for the time being till I find something better to do so that I can improve even more. I also bought two goats and six chickens for $6 and $3, respectively, since in our community, a home should have chickens and goats at hand, which translates to a source of income when need arise. Finally, I spent the remaining $15 in transfers on food, which is the most essential item in every home. We are blessed with 5 children and it is unfortunate that life has been difficult on us until we had to agree as a couple and send three of them to our grandmother's place and remained with two of them whom we cater for their basic needs. With the help we have received from GiveDirectly, we will be able to have them back home and be a whole family once more and also relieve our parents of the burden we had placed on them.

I was at home preparing dinner at around 6 pm when I got the text showing I had received my Give Directly cash transfer. To say I was elated would be an understatement. This was an assurance that I would achieve the goals I had set in mind. I proceeded to inform my husband and he was equally handsome. We had plans of building a quite decent house for our family. It was a relief on our side knowing we will get to do as planned. For this, I am grateful to Give Directly.

The major difference between then and now is that my wife and I were able to start building our house within a short period. This is mainly because we channelled the cash transfer into buying building materials. I am positive that upon reception of my second transfer, I'll be able to complete my house. I'm grateful for the funds which have empowered us to a greater standard than we were before.

My husband and I depend on charcoal vending as a way of earning a living. We are fortunate enough to have four children. We had earlier been promised we would receive an unconditional transfer from GiveDirectly. My husband and I had the idea of building a decent house for our family's sake. This is because the one that we had was in very bad shape, we used to cover the roof of our house with polythene paper because we could not afford an iron Sheet. This was affecting us especially, during the rainy season. This proved the need of having a more fit living space. Therefore, upon receiving our transfer, we opted to use $350 on purchasing building materials for the house construction. Secondly, I paid school fees of $200 and bought foodstuffs with the remaining amount. I am so happy that finally, I was able to build a decent house for my family which seemed like a wild goose chase before due to our financial status. For this, I am personally grateful to Give Directly.