My steadfast dream is to provide a continuous education for my children through the income generated from my business and the sale of livestock that I own. Ensuring that they receive a solid education until they graduate is not just a financial goal but a commitment to nurturing responsible, capable individuals for the future. I believe that education is the key to unlocking their potential and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society. As I navigate the challenges of business and livestock management, the driving force behind my efforts remains the vision of a brighter, more educated future for my children, where they can forge their own paths and make a positive impact on the world.

In my view, GiveDirectly has excelled in empowering me with the autonomy to make decisions that best suit my circumstances. The ability to receive cash directly has been transformative, as it has given me the freedom to chart my financial path. I appreciate the trust placed in recipients to determine how to allocate the funds based on our unique needs and desires. This approach acknowledges that individuals understand their situations better than anyone else. Having the agency to plan and decide what to buy has not only addressed my immediate needs but has also given me a sense of control over my financial destiny.

As a retired teacher with limited resources, pushing my seven children through university, secondary, and primary schools was an uphill battle. I directed a significant portion of the funds, approximately $320, towards settling school fees for my kids. This ensured that they could continue their education without disruption, allowing me to fulfill my role as the breadwinner for our family of nine. The relief was immense; knowing that I could support my children's academic journeys and witness them pursue nursing careers filled me with pride. Realizing the need for diversification, I allocated $60 to revive my struggling retail shop business. Initially on the verge of collapse, the injection of funds breathed new life into the venture. With careful management, I have managed to turn the business around, generating a profit of $2 where none existed before. This additional income has brought a sense of stability to our household. The remaining cash was wisely used to purchase sufficient food supplies, ensuring that my family's basic needs were met for an extended period of time. The unconditional cash transfer has not only eased the financial burden but has also given us a chance at a more secure and hopeful future.

I received a message while I was at home, taking a well deserved break after tilling the land. The SMS was about the transfers, and my immediate reaction was to call my wife to share the news. The thought that crossed my mind right away was the financial burden of my children's school fees. My wife and I sat down to discuss our plans. The excitement I felt upon receiving the transfers was overwhelming, as it offered a ray of hope in light of the financial challenges we were facing. I wasted no time informing my family of eight about this welcome development. However, I chose not to withdraw the transfers immediately, but rather on the second day. This delay allowed my wife and me to carefully organize and plan how we would use the funds to address our family's needs in the most effective way.

The weight of school fees and providing food for our household could often be overwhelming. I am immensely grateful for the transfers, which have provided relief in these areas. Before the transfers, life was undeniably hard, and my children would sometimes be sent home from school due to unpaid fees, a source of great worry and hardship. With the support from the transfers, I have managed to pay the school fees and set up a business to support my family of eight. It is a significant milestone, and I am delighted to have completed the school fees for the entire year, ensuring that my children can continue their education without interruption. The transfers have brought about substantial positive changes, lifting the financial burden that used to hang over our family.

I received the transfers at a much anticipated time when the financial burden was overwhelming. School fees were needed, but farming, which is the primary source of income for the family, had been unproductive. I am excited that the transfers were a sigh of relief, as I spent $362 on paying the school fees for my children who are in college, grades 11, 10, and 9. Education is a top priority for our family, and this investment ensures their continued learning and future prospects. In addition, I used $130 to open a retail business, a step toward diversifying our income sources and providing ongoing financial support for my family of eight. A further $50 was spent on securing food for our household, addressing our immediate dietary needs. I am grateful for these changes, which have brought both financial relief and food security to our family.