That day, while I was busy doing my house chores, my daughter came over and asked, "Mum, did you hear a message on your phone?" I told her, "Yes, but I haven’t checked it yet." Curious, I handed her my phone, and she said, "People are saying the money has arrived; let me check for you." When she looked, to my surprise, she smiled and told me, "Yes, you’ve received money from GiveDirectly!" I was overjoyed and immediately thanked God for sending blessings to my home. My first thought was to use the money to pay the school fees for my three children, who had been sent home due to unpaid fees. I had been so stressed, not knowing how to get them back to school, and this felt like a huge relief.

The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is the relief from stress over school fees. Before, I was struggling to pay for my children's education, doing heavy work like burning charcoal just to make ends meet. Now, with the school fees paid, I can focus on casual jobs, earning just enough for food without the constant worry of how to keep my children in school. My life is much easier, and I don’t feel as overwhelmed as I used to. This support has truly lifted a burden from me. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible.

Life was very tough before, especially with seven children and the burden of school fees. I was burning charcoal, doing casual jobs, and farming just to provide for my family, but it was never enough. My husband is too old to work, so everything fell on my shoulders. Things got worse when floods destroyed my maize farm, which I had depended on for food and income. I was left frustrated and desperate, especially with so many children at home needing school fees. With the money I received, I immediately used $160 to pay all the school fees for my secondary school children. It was such a relief to clear those fees because they had been sent home multiple times. I had $20 left, and I used that to buy new uniforms for my younger children in primary school, as their old ones were worn out. It was important for me to make sure they were presentable and felt comfortable at school.This cash transfer has completely changed my life. I no longer feel as overwhelmed and desperate as I did before. With the school fees settled, I can focus on farming and other jobs without constant worry about how I will pay for their education. I am grateful beyond words for this support, as it has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and given me hope for a better future for my children and myself.