This year and in the years to come, I want to build a home on my ancestral land in Kabarnet. I want a nice and comfortable place for my old age. It will also provide a good place for my large family of six kids to gather during festive seasons. Currently, I live in borrowed space, which does not bring comfort, privacy, or relaxation. I'll use the savings from the tomato business that I started with GiveDirectly's first transfer to make this dream come true. The thought of building my own home fills me with joy, satisfaction, and gratitude.

GiveDirectly has truly made an impact on my life. Previously, I had no business, but now I run a grocery business. I also own double the number of goats I had before. What stood out to me the most is the transparency and professionalism of the GiveDirectly officers. They did not harass me and always spoke politely. I love everything about their current programs.

Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that this money could change my life for the better. Before this, I had only seven goats. I decided to use $350 to buy six more goats because they thrive in our hot climate. The first reason I bought these goats is for remembrance; as they multiply and grow, I can sell some to meet my needs. I will always see this as GiveDirectly's help, and I don't want to forget them even after the transfers are done. The goats will also provide me with milk, and I will have something to rely on in times of emergencies. I used $80 to buy food since this transfer came at a time of severe food insecurity in my home. It helped solve this problem for me and my six kids. This support from GiveDirectly has brought hope and stability to our lives.

I've started a small poultry farm with about 40 chickens, and it's already proving profitable. I sell eggs and chickens, which helps cover emergencies. Each egg sells for about $2 and on a good day, I can collect up to 20 eggs. The prices for chickens vary; I sell a male for between $6 and $8 and a female for between $4 and $6. This success has inspired me to expand my venture. My goal is to grow the farm and raise more chickens on a larger scale. This will increase our income and provide a more sustainable way to support our children's education and meet our daily needs. It's a promising investment.

I am deeply grateful for the unconditional cash support from GiveDirectly, which allowed me to address my most pressing needs and make decisions that best suited my situation. During the enrollment process, GiveDirectly officers were exceptionally respectful and considerate, especially accommodating my hearing impairment. They patiently repeated information whenever I needed clarification and spoke loudly enough for me to hear clearly. The enrollment process was free and fair, promoting equity. I truly hope GiveDirectly continues with this thoughtful and inclusive approach.

I have a daughter in her second year of university who was almost unable to sit for her exams because we couldn't afford the fee of $580. Fortunately, I managed to borrow $130 from a friend and added my second transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly to clear her fees. Indeed the transfer was timely! As a small-scale grocer in an open-air market, my earnings are not stable, some days I make $10, and other days $5. With my husband's low income as a security guard, supporting our family of eight is challenging, especially with four of our children still in school. I’ve experienced the pain of dropping out of school at the junior secondary level due to financial difficulties which has highly contributed to my today's struggles. This makes me determined to ensure my children have a better future. We motivate and encourage them to do their best in school. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your timely help. Without it, my daughter might have missed a crucial step in her education.

As I stood in the market, selling tomatoes, a notification popped up on my phone - $200 from GiveDirectly. Joy flooded me, and instantly, I knew what to do. With $150, I rushed to buy food, easing the hunger crisis looming over us. The remaining $50? I invested it in my tomato business. That decision changed everything. Now, my business thrives, and I even save $10 a day.

Since receiving the GiveDirectly transfer, the most significant change in my life has been becoming debt-free. This newfound financial freedom has been a game-changer for both me and my business. Previously, I would often have to take out loans to boost my tomato business stock. But now, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I no longer need to rely on loans. This has relieved a great burden and allowed me to invest in my business without worrying about debt.

With the recent $200 transfer from GiveDirectly, I tackled our pressing hunger issue first. Allocating $150 for food, my family now eats well, and our happiness knows no bounds. Despite the tough market conditions, I invested $50 in boosting my tomato business. Surprisingly, amidst the challenges, I manage to save $10 a day, ensuring a brighter future for us.