I typically pack lunch for my five children and take it to their school. On the transfer day, I was running late, and the school was quite far. I hadn't taken my phone with me as it was charging at home. When I returned, I overheard my neighbours discussing receiving money from GiveDirectly. I went to my house and grabbed my phone to check if I had received anything. When I checked my messages, I confirmed that I had indeed received the money. I was filled with joy and immediately started preparing to withdraw it. I couldn't wait to buy myself a new bed and a mattress because the ones I had were old, worn out, and no longer provided a comfortable sleep.

For years, I had been using an old and worn-out mattress that couldn't offer a comfortable sleep. Additionally, my five children were sleeping on the dusty ground because I couldn't afford to buy them new bedding. However, my whole family is now happy because, when I got my transfer, I purchased two mattresses and a new bed. I finally managed to change our bedding, and now I have a good place to sleep, as well as my children. Additionally, I managed to buy some salon equipment, and I am currently planning to start my own salon. I trained in hairdressing, but due to financial constraints, I was not able to start my own salon where I could apply my skills and earn an income. I am currently not employed; I am just a housewife, relying on my husband, who is employed in a hotel. I am planning to rent a room to start the salon business, which will keep me engaged and at least help my husband pay the bills and other financial needs.

After completing my training as a hairdresser, I struggled to find a job in the field and had to resort to subsistence farming while taking care of my children at home. During this time, I depended on my husband as the primary breadwinner. My goal, however, has always been to save enough capital to open my own salon since finding employment was difficult. I'm thrilled that my dream is now within reach, thanks to the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly. I used $150 to purchase essential salon equipment, and I'm now preparing to rent a room in our trading centre to set up the salon. This venture not only provides me with self-employment but also promises to be a source of income, which will enable me to support my family alongside my husband. Additionally, I replaced our old and worn-out bedding by spending $250 on buying two mattresses and a bed for my children. Previously, my five children slept on worn-out mats on the dusty ground, but I'm pleased that they now have comfortable bedding to sleep on. I spent the remaining portion on purchasing food and paying school fees for all five children, ensuring that their education continues uninterrupted.