In the upcoming year, my aspiration is to construct small buildings on the land I recently acquired, enabling me to operate my business. With three children, I hold a strong belief that establishing these businesses will allow me to adequately provide for my kids and ensure a brighter future for them.

GiveDirectly is doing a great job and should maintain its current approach without making any changes.

Owning a plot of land along the roadside has been a long-held dream of mine, where I could build a home and establish businesses. GiveDirectly played a pivotal role in realizing this dream by providing us with money. I used $500 of the transfer to purchase the land, and it brings me immense joy to see my aspirations becoming real. The remaining $50 from the transfer was allocated to cover the school fees for my three children, who live with me.

At exactly 3 PM, I was quietly relaxing at home, the day's worries momentarily forgotten, when I heard my phone ringing. Being illiterate, I called upon my ever-helpful son to decipher the contents of the message. As he read out the words on the screen, my heart soared with joy and gratitude; it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. In that moment, the weight of financial uncertainty lifted from my shoulders, and the prospect of having my own home and livestock became a tangible reality. The tears of happiness that welled up in my eyes spoke volumes of the profound hope and optimism that had instantly taken root in my heart.

The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the fact that I finally have a place to call home. It's been an arduous journey since my husband passed away ten years ago, trying to raise my three children without a proper shelter. We used to live in a makeshift structure that provided little protection. Whenever it rained, it was a terrible ordeal, and my heart ached to see my kids having to scramble to our neighbors' houses seeking shelter. It was frustrating and demoralizing, as a mother, not being able to provide a stable home for them. But now, thanks to the financial support from GiveDirectly, I am a happy and relieved mother. I no longer have to worry about the roof leaking or my children being exposed to the elements. We have a safe and secure place to call home, and it's made an immeasurable difference in our lives. I can finally focus on their well-being and their future without the constant stress of inadequate housing. This newfound stability has given us hope and a sense of security we've longed for, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Receiving that unconditional cash transfer was a blessing beyond words. I wasted no time in investing it wisely. First, I purchased all the essential building materials: iron sheets, poles, trees, and nails, totaling around $225, along with the necessary labor charges. Our current house was nothing more than a fragile, temporary structure that had filled me with fear for far too long, fearing that it might collapse at any moment. Building a new, sturdy home was a priority, and this investment in safety and security for my family was long overdue. I also made a strategic decision to buy a goat for $50. It may seem like a small purchase, but to me, it represents a long-term investment. I believe that with proper care, this goat will multiply, and I can eventually sell its offspring to meet any unexpected expenses. I also allocated $30 to pay the school fees for my son, who is in fifth grade. With this burden lifted, he can now focus on his education without the worry of being sent home due to unpaid fees. As a widow responsible for three children, I primarily rely on farming activities for our livelihood. With the remaining amount, I'm planning to start a small business selling fresh vegetables in our village. This venture holds the promise of generating a steady income that can support my family's needs and provide a brighter future for my children.