In the next few months and years, my biggest goal is to build a beautiful house for my mom. Right now, she's living in a small mud house, and I want her to have a comfortable and appealing home. My mom means everything to me, so seeing her happy and comfortable is my top priority. I'm working really hard and saving to make this dream come true. Currently, I've managed to save $20 towards building the house, but I'm determined to keep going until it's done. Alongside that, I have another big dream - to help vulnerable youth. I want to build a polytechnic where young people from humble backgrounds can learn for free. Education is so important, and I believe everyone deserves a chance to succeed. So, with hard work and dedication, I'm determined to make both of these dreams a reality.

Givedirectly is a straightforward organisation in that they hand out cash to anyone in the community who meets their criteria, without any discrimination. I've benefited from their services, and I must say, it's been a huge help. I don't think they need to change a thing.

I work hard putting roofs over people's heads, but it's tough making ends meet. Sometimes I only make $150 in a month, and finding work isn't always easy. When I got the cash from GiveDirectly, I felt relieved. First, I bought a mattress for $75. Sleeping on a mat for so long was tough. Then, I spent $65 on a hair-shaving machine to improve my business. No more using old razor blades! I also bought two she-goats for $90. I'm hoping they'll multiply, so I can sell some, expand my business and also help me educate my daughter once she starts school. Plus, I used $90 to pay my niece's school fees. Her family didn't want to educate her, but I believe she deserves a chance. Hopefully, my business will make enough profit to support her education.

At around 9 in the morning, amidst the routine of tending to my livestock, I took a moment to check my phone and discovered an unread message that would alter the course of our lives. The elation that coursed through me was indescribable; I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. In that moment, I envisioned a future where dreams transformed into reality. My heart swelled with happiness at the realization that I could now materialize the long-cherished dream of starting a salon business for my wife. Leaving the livestock in the care of the morning sun, I hurried home to share this life-altering news with my wife. As I broke the news, her face lit up with a joy that mirrored my own, and in that shared moment of happiness, we glimpsed a brighter tomorrow where aspirations unfolded against the backdrop of newfound possibilities.

The transformative impact of receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly on my life has been nothing short of a blessing. The pivotal change came when I decided to invest in opening a salon business for my wife. Previously unemployed, she is now not only contributing significantly to our family income but has also become the primary breadwinner for our four-member household, alleviating a tremendous burden from my shoulders. The struggles we once faced, such as nights without meals and other challenges, have evolved into a more stable and hopeful existence. Witnessing her earn a daily profit of $7 has been a source of immense relief and pride for me. It's not just about the financial support for our family's basic needs, but also the ability to save for our children's educational future. This newfound financial stability has not only lifted us from the depths of hardship but has also opened doors to a brighter future, filled with opportunities we once deemed unattainable.

Upon receiving my first cash transfer, I invested a significant portion of the money in setting up a salon for my wife, who had always dreamed of running her own business. With about $150, I purchased all the necessary salon equipment, from a high-quality blow dryer to various oils and hair products. I also rented a space for her salon to flourish. My hope is that this venture will not only provide a stable income for our family but also empower my wife to take charge of our financial well-being, especially given the uncertainty of my casual laborer job. In addition, I allocated funds to fulfill a long-cherished dream of my mother. I gave her $130 to purchase two goats, a desire she had harbored for years but couldn't afford. These goats weren't just animals; they symbolized a safety net for the entire family in case of future financial crises. I also set aside $70 for iron sheets to add a room to our modest home, which initially had only a single room that couldn't comfortably accommodate our family of four. After that, I ensured that our family no longer went to bed with empty stomachs, purchasing enough food to sustain us. Finally, I set aside $50 as an emergency fund, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of my casual labor job, which brought in around $10 irregularly. This allocation was a safeguard against unforeseen challenges that life might throw our way.