For this year and the years to come, my primary goal is to stay focused on farming. I believe that farming will provide the necessary capital to boost my business and increase my sources of income. With this additional income, I can give my family the kind of life I desire, filled with comfort and opportunities. I want to become a remarkable woman and mother who can support her children and help them achieve their dreams. By dedicating myself to farming and my business, I am building a better future for my family and myself.

What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is the politeness and kindness of their officers. They treat everyone with respect and are always willing to help. Their friendly approach makes it easy to communicate and feel comfortable when discussing our needs. I appreciate how they listen attentively and provide clear information. At this time, I do not have a specific recommendation for them, as I believe they are doing a great job in supporting our community.

Upon receiving my latest transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I immediately took action to support my family. I used $210 to pay the school fees for two of my children, who were on the verge of being sent home due to unpaid fees. Thankfully, since I made this payment, they have been able to continue their education without interruption, and I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for that. Next, I invested $100 in buying watermelon seeds and paying for the labor needed for planting. I planted melons on two acres of land because this crop thrives in our area and fetches good prices in the market. I plan to use the proceeds from the harvest to boost my existing business and purchase more assets that I currently do not have. Additionally, I spent $50 on food for my family to ensure we have enough to eat at home. The remaining money went towards our daily household needs, helping us maintain a stable and comfortable living environment. I feel hopeful about the future, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly.

It was on the evening of July 14th while I was preparing our evening meal when I suddenly heard my phone beep twice. Curious, I put down what I was doing and went to check it. The first message was from GiveDirectly, confirming that the unconditional cash had been transferred to my account. The second message was from Fuliza, deducting the amount I owed. I stood there, whispered a thank you prayer to God, phone in hand, thinking about how this money would finally allow me to pay my children's school fees, a burden that had been weighing heavily on my mind.

The biggest difference I've seen after receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is the relief and peace of mind it brought me when it came to my children's school fees. The school term was coming to an end, and I hadn't paid a single amount. This was giving me sleepless nights, knowing my children could be sent home any day, missing out on their education. I hate the thought of them being sent home when I'm not there, especially since they stay at their aunt's. But after receiving the cash, I was able to pay the school fees, and that burden was lifted. Now, I can rest easy knowing my children are in school, learning without interruptions.

When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was pay off the school fees for my two children. They’re in a private school, one in Grade 4 and the other in Grade 2, and I had fallen behind on payments. The probability of them being sent home was high, and my husband, who works as a policeman, hadn't yet received his salary. Using $100 to clear the arrears brought me a huge relief and ensured that my kids could continue their education without interruption. With $60 of the remaining funds, I decided to buy two sheep. I’ve always wanted to own livestock, and this was the perfect opportunity to invest in something tangible. The sheep are not just a source of pride for me, but they’re also an asset I can rely on in case of emergencies. I know that if we ever face financial difficulties, I could sell them to cover urgent needs. Finally, I used the rest of the money to buy household food items, ensuring that my family had enough to eat. This has been a tremendous help for us, and I'm grateful for the chance to stabilize our household and make investments that will support us in the future.