This year, and in the years to come, I want to fence my two acres of land where I have planted mangoes. Currently, it is not fenced, which leaves it vulnerable to animals and theft. Fencing the land will provide the necessary security to ensure a good harvest. Mangoes require less rainfall and thrive in high temperatures, making our climate perfect for their cultivation. They do exceptionally well here. Mangoes are harvested twice a year, and their prices are good. This consistent income will enable me to comfortably educate my two girls. One has just joined Form One, and the other is hopefully joining university in September. The thought of this becoming a reality fills me with immense joy. I can envision how productive the farm will be and how it will transform our lives, making them more comfortable and secure. The prospect of providing a better future for my daughters through the fruits of my labor is incredibly fulfilling.

Apart from how GiveDirectly has transformed our village, what stood out for me the most was the humility and respect shown by the GiveDirectly officers. They treat everyone as equals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Their visits are always purposeful and efficient—they come to fulfill their mission and then quietly depart, without any unnecessary idling. Because of GiveDirectly's support, our village has experienced an incredible transformation. Crime has dropped to zero, a remarkable change that everyone has noticed. The headman is particularly pleased, as he now has fewer issues to handle. The villagers are busy improving their lives, focusing on their businesses, education, and homes. This collective shift towards productivity and progress has created a peaceful and hopeful atmosphere in our community.

Recently, after receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to do things I never thought possible. I had a child who was due to join Form One, and everything seemed impossible because of the money required, especially for a girl and her specific needs. Luckily, I received $450 from GiveDirectly. The timing was perfect, as it was just when she was about to join school. I used $300 for her shopping, bought her a box to keep her things safe at school, bedding, uniforms, and learning materials. This took a heavy burden off my shoulders, leaving me to only hustle for school fees, which was an easier task by then. The shopping was the more significant and essential part because it ensures she is comfortable at school, which will lead to good grades. I used $100 to buy mango seeds, which I have already planted on two acres of land. This investment is what I am looking forward to using to keep my daughter in school and to help my elder daughter, who has passed with flying colors and has been selected to join Kisii University. This farm will support me since I am an ECD teacher, and my salary is only $60 monthly, which can only cater to my family’s basic needs. I used the remaining $50 to buy food to ensure we had enough to eat at home. I am so happy and thankful for GiveDirectly. I could not have done all this without their help.

I am excited to share my plan to invest in mango planting on my half-acre land. The intention is to fence the area and cultivate apple-variety mangoes, known for their robust performance. In three years, these mango trees will mature, and I anticipate a thriving market, with brokers coming directly to the farm to purchase the produce. This idea holds significant promise for my family's future. Not only will it provide a sustainable source of income, but it also aligns with a long-term vision of financial stability. The proceeds from the mango sales will play a crucial role in covering school fees for my children and ensuring our overall family well-being. As a gesture of gratitude and remembrance for GiveDirectly's support, I have planted one mango tree.

The unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly has played a crucial role in enabling children, including my own, to access secondary education. The approach adopted by GiveDirectly is worthy of its honesty and transparency. From the initial stages of selection, there was a commitment to openness, ensuring that the process was free from deceit. What sets GiveDirectly apart is its inclusive and fair selection process. The fact that no payment was required to participate made it accessible to everyone. This fairness in the selection process contributed to a sense of equal opportunity for all, ensuring that those in need had a chance to benefit. The educational component, particularly the session at the baraza, further enhanced the impact of GiveDirectly's support. These gatherings promoted financial literacy and empowered individuals to spend wisely. The freedom of spending allowed people to address their diverse and pressing needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-determination. I applaud GiveDirectly for its impactful work and encourage them to continue the same empowering strategies for the betterment of communities.

Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer for our family. Facing food insecurity, I allocated $100 to address this immediate concern, investing in two bags of maize, a staple food that will sustain us. As an Early Childhood Development teacher on a contractual basis, my income is limited. Moreover, my husband, a farmer, has faced three consecutive years of poor harvests due to inadequate rainfall, leading us into a cycle of debts with Sacco's.In a symbolic gesture of gratitude for GiveDirectly's support, we purchased a 5-seater sofa set worth $120. For years, we have been using plastic chairs, and this new addition provides comfort and serves as a tangible reminder of the positive change brought by GiveDirectly. Our child is to join Secondary school. To ensure she has all the necessary supplies, we invested $200 in her education. The remaining $30 was joyously spent celebrating Christmas Day, bringing a sense of festivity and warmth to our home. The impact of GiveDirectly extends beyond meeting immediate needs; it's about rebuilding lives and fostering a sense of hope for the future. As we navigate challenges, the support received has alleviated our current struggles and created lasting memories and opportunities for our family.

Receiving the confirmation message about the first GiveDirectly transfer brought immense joy during a time of worry. With pending school fees for two of my children, the fear of them missing exams was looming large. I was in my home garden, planting vegetables, when the Mpesa message arrived. The sheer relief and gratitude washed over me as I thanked God for the timely intervention. My husband, who was away doing casual farm work, was unaware of the news until he returned home in the evening. Sharing the incredible news with him brought a sense of relief and hope. The following morning, I went to the nearby shopping center to withdraw the money. In that moment, gratitude and optimism filled my heart as I envisioned a brighter future for our family.

Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly made a significant impact on my life, especially in clearing my children's secondary school fees. They were on the verge of missing their exams and needed the money urgently. Paying the entire $100 owed to the school brought immense relief, allowing my child to progress to the next class. This financial support not only lifted a heavy burden but also empowered me with a renewed sense of determination. I am truly grateful for it.

The transfer arrived at a critical moment when I was struggling to cover my two children's high school fees. The arrears need to be settled before their year-end exams, and I was on the verge of selling my two goats to gather the funds. Being just a PTA teacher, my monthly salary of $80 was insufficient to support my large family of ten and pay the fees. Upon receiving the transfer, a wave of relief and joy washed over me. I promptly used $100 to clear the school fees, ensuring my children wouldn't miss their exams. Additionally, I allocated $45 to purchase a sack of maize for family consumption, especially since our maize farm did not yield any harvest this year due to the drought. Another $45 was wisely spent on buying seats, enhancing our home environment, and providing comfort for my family compared to the plastic chair that we had. This financial assistance has alleviated our burdens and brought newfound hope for a better future.