My main goal for this year and the years to come is to start a business after relocating here. I aspire to become a businesswoman and open a mini wholesale shop. With the network I have built in the village, I know many people will come to buy from me. Additionally, those who run businesses in the surrounding villages will also come to stock up at my wholesale. This venture will not only provide for my family but also enable me to be fully self-dependent. I envision a future where my business thrives, allowing us to live the life we deserve and giving me the freedom to support my family. This opportunity fills me with excitement and determination to succeed.

What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is their openness and high level of integrity. This commitment ensured that every eligible individual in my village was enrolled without any political interference. I have not seen any loopholes in GiveDirectly's current programs, which gives me confidence in their operations. Their transparency and fairness have truly impressed me. Therefore, I have no recommendations for improvement; I believe they should continue doing what they are currently doing. This approach not only helps those in need but also builds trust within the community.

After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to make thoughtful choices, especially since I was recently affected by floods. I already owned a plot in a safer area, one not prone to flooding, and made plans to relocate. With $230 of the funds, I purchased fencing materials to secure the plot, taking a crucial first step before thinking of building a home there. I’m eagerly waiting for the next GiveDirectly transfer to cover labor costs and begin construction, which will permanently protect us from the threat of future floods. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible. Next, I invested $150 in three goats, knowing they would thrive in our area’s hot climate. Goats are resilient during the dry seasons we often experience, and I am confident they will multiply into a large herd that can generate income and provide support in emergencies. To celebrate my child’s graduation from PP2, I used $30 to cover the graduation fees. This investment in their education brings me immense satisfaction because I know how valuable education will be for their future. Finally, I used the remaining funds to purchase food, ensuring my family had enough to eat. With this support, I have been able to plan for our safety, improve our food security, and invest in assets that will bring stability. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can see a future filled with hope, stability, and resilience.

I was overjoyed when I received a message from GiveDirectly on a Sunday afternoon, around 3 p.m., just as I was coming back from church. The moment I saw the notification, I couldn't help but smile all the way home. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I had been struggling to figure out how to rebuild my life after the floods destroyed my farm, and this transfer felt like a new beginning.I had always loved farming, and before the disaster, I had been growing crops to support my family. But after losing everything, it was difficult to recover. As I walked home, I kept thinking about how I could use this money as capital to restart my farming. Watermelon, in particular, seemed like a good choice because it grows well in this area and could help me rebuild my income. The transfer gave me hope that I could finally get back on my feet.

Thanks so much to GiveDirectly because, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had the capital to start farming. Before receiving the cash transfer, I felt stuck and hopeless after losing everything to the floods, but now my life has completely changed. With the money, I invested in watermelon farming, and I can’t express the joy I feel seeing my crop flourishing. It gave me a new sense of purpose, and I wake up each day with excitement, knowing that I’m building something for my family’s future.The happiness I have now is immeasurable. Watching my watermelons grow strong and healthy on the farm is a daily reminder of how far I’ve come. This transfer has truly been a lifeline, and the difference it has made in my life is huge. I am hopeful that in just a short while, I’ll be able to harvest and sell the crop, which will give me the financial freedom to achieve my next goal—relocating to a safer and better place for my family.Very soon, I will move us to a good and better home, away from the area that floods. This would have been impossible without the help I received. Now, my children and I can look forward to a brighter and more stable future, all because of the support from GiveDirectly. I feel so grateful, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are moving forward is truly priceless.

Upon receiving my $200 cash transfer, I decided to invest it all in planting watermelons. It came at the perfect time, especially after the devastating loss of two acres of maize during the recent floods. I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for the support, as it gave me the chance to rebuild and start afresh. Watermelon farming promises good returns, and I am hopeful this crop will yield around $700 in the coming months. It feels good to have something to look forward to after such a challenging period.With the little savings we had, I managed to buy a plot in town. Once I receive the expected income from my watermelon harvest, I plan to relocate and build a permanent home there. The area where we currently live floods frequently when it rains, and it’s been tough managing the household with such unpredictable weather conditions. Moving to town will provide us with more stability and a safer environment for my family, away from the constant threat of flooding.In terms of food and daily necessities, we’re managing well enough. I only have two young children, and my husband is a teacher, earning $4,500 per month, which is enough to cover our basic needs. His steady income helps keep us afloat, and I feel fortunate that together we’re able to manage, especially now that we have a brighter future ahead with the potential income from the watermelon farm.