In the years ahead, my primary aspiration is to initiate a shop business within our vicinity. I've keenly observed that there are only two shops serving a considerably large area, which presents a promising opportunity for generating income. Establishing this shop venture not only offers the potential for profitability but also provides me with a consistent source of income. Currently, my earnings from irregular casual work amount to an average of $3 per day, which proves insufficient to meet the basic needs of my family. By delving into the retail sector, I aim to secure a more stable and reliable financial foundation that will enable me to better provide for my children and cater to their necessities.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has undoubtedly made a significant positive impact by offering us a substantial and unconditional cash transfer. This support arrived as a beacon of hope, particularly after facing the challenges of raising four children on my own following my separation from my spouse. The financial assistance has alleviated my worries and renewed my optimism, as I've been able to invest wisely using the transfer. Throughout my experience with the organization, I have not encountered any operational inefficiencies, and I am genuinely thankful for the positive changes it has brought to our lives. However, I do wish that there could be an opportunity for additional transfers, as there are still numerous needs to address for the well-being of my children.

I used a significant portion of the $400 transfer to address a pressing need: the construction of a two-room iron-sheet house for myself and my four children. Our previous living situation was far from ideal, as we were confined to a small one-room dwelling given to us by my father after seeking refuge from him since I had separated from my spouse. Having already acquired some building materials from previous transfers, the recent $400 was instrumental in covering additional material costs and labor expenses required to complete the construction. This accomplishment fills me with joy, as it means my children and I now have a spacious and secure place to call home, offering us the freedom to lead more comfortable lives and providing my children with the room they need to both rest and study. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a stable food supply, I allocated the remaining $50 towards acquiring essential food items that ensure our daily sustenance.

My main objective for the upcoming year is to start a business specializing in household items like sugar, salt and utensils. This venture will provide a stable source of income for my farm, as I am currently solely reliant on farming. To achieve this goal, I intend to save my third transfer and invest it in making this vision a reality. I am confident that with dedication and hard work, I can successfully bring this vision to life.

GiveDirectly has had a profound impact on our lives, providing us with much-needed financial assistance. The enrollment process was transparent, and we all received the unrestricted cash as promised. This support came at a critical time during a drought season, alleviating our immediate needs without the expectation of repayment. Thus far, I have not observed any operational inefficiencies within the organization, and we are truly grateful for the positive influence it has had on our lives.

Receiving money from GiveDirectly marked the beginning of a transformative journey in my life. It has never been easy for my four children and I since we had to separate from my husband, leading us to seek refuge at my father's home. Fortunately, they sheltered us. My children are currently attending primary school. When I received my second transfer, I realized it was an opportunity to improve our living conditions. With $200, I decided to invest in expanding our small house, a step that was previously impossible due to my meager earnings of around $5 on a good day from occasional jobs. This amount is barely enough to meet all our needs. Additionally, I depend on farming for income, so I spent $56 to rent land and plant beans. Lastly, I used the remaining funds to purchase essential food items. The prospect of a better future fills me with joy, and I am hopeful for a bountiful harvest from bean farming. I am sincerely grateful for the support I have received.

The moment I received my transfer from GiveDirectly is still vivid in my memory. At that time, I was doing casual work on a farm, specifically harvesting tomatoes. During a break, I happened to check my phone and noticed a text message, even though I didn't hear it buzz. To my surprise, the message informed me that the money had been deposited into my account, and I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. Despite my excitement, I decided not to share the news with anyone around me because I didn't trust them. The joy I felt from receiving the transfer was so intense that it momentarily overpowered my exhaustion. I was elated by the thought of being able to pursue my dreams and immediately started planning the best way to utilize the funds.

The most significant change in my daily life is having a comfortable bed where my children and I can sleep peacefully. Furthermore, we now have enough food in the house, which was not the case before when we were struggling to make ends meet. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the assistance that has tremendously improved our standard of living.

Getting a transfer from GiveDirectly was a tremendous blessing in my life because I knew it would improve my standard of living. As a single mother of four children, I rely on farming and temporary jobs to provide for my family. After receiving the transfer, I decided to invest the money in buying a new mattress and bed, which cost $750. Previously, we only had one bed that we all shared, and it wasn't comfortable. Additionally, I spent $10 on second-hand clothes for my children and purchased a sack of maize for $60. With the remaining money, I bought other essential foodstuffs. I could not have afforded these things before due to my financial situation. I am thrilled that I was finally able to buy a comfortable bed for my children, which is a dream come true for me.