My heart is set on a transformation that begins with leaving behind my current, arduous charcoal business and embarking on a new journey of selling vegetables. The toil and minimal profitability of the charcoal trade have weighed heavily on me for far too long. As I prepare for this transition, I envision a thriving vegetable business that not only brings financial stability but also contributes positively to the community by providing fresh, healthy produce. With careful planning and hard work, I am determined to turn this aspiration into a flourishing reality, offering a brighter and more sustainable future for myself and those I aim to serve.

The unconditional money transfer has empowered me to acquire valuable assets like livestock, ensuring a sustainable source of income for my family. I've been able to secure my children's education by paying their school fees, providing them with opportunities for a brighter future. Moreover, I now have a place I proudly call home, a sanctuary of comfort and security. GiveDirectly's commitment to improving lives through direct financial assistance is truly commendable, and I am living proof that their approach works to bring positive change.

First, I decided to buy livestock, specifically goats. Goats are well-suited for our region because pasture is readily available and they reproduce quickly, which means I will have a growing herd in no time. Not only can I sell some of them for additional income, but I can also use them as a financial safety net for any unexpected emergencies. Also, the education of my five children has always been a top priority, so I used $50 to pay their fees. They have faced disruptions in their schooling due to financial constraints, sometimes even missing exams. It pained me to see them struggle. For now,I hope they can focus on their studies and achieve the success they deserve. I also allocated part of the money to buy building materials such as worksheets, poles, nails, and threads. Our previous house had a room that collapsed, forcing my children to seek shelter elsewhere. This was a source of great stress, but with these materials, we are on our way to constructing a stable home. Additionally, I used $50 to buy clothes for my kids, as their old ones were worn out. Restoring their self-esteem and providing for their basic needs were crucial. Finally, I used the remaining funds to buy food for my seven-member family. My husband and I each have our own small businesses, selling charcoal and local pine wine, which brings in around $10 a day. With this safety net and our investments, I'm optimistic about a brighter future for my family.

I was on my way from a Merry-go-round meeting the moment I received my transfer. My son took my phone and noticed a message on the screen. After reading it, he informed me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. My transfer had arrived, and I was overjoyed. I was confident that I would be able to carry out my plans. I am grateful for the opportunity to transform our lives.

The most noticeable difference is that the organization impacted our lives. This is because I was able to purchase a dairy cow and a goat, which would have taken a long time to save up for. Furthermore, I am confident that I will be able to build a decent house once I receive my second transfer because I have saved some money. I am overjoyed and grateful for the support that has significantly improved our standard of living.

My husband and I decided to buy a dairy and a goat after receiving our transfer. We knew that selling milk would help us feed our children while also earning extra money. As a result, we spent $140 on a cow and $45 on a goat. I used to have one, but I had to sell it due to the severe drought that hit our area several years ago. My husband is a local businessman, and I sell charcoal. We then set aside $100 for school fees and $150 for constructing a house.