As the sun dipped low in the evening sky, casting long shadows across the land, I found myself in my neighbor's compound, engrossed in the simple task of fetching water. Suddenly, amidst the routine, the loud vibration of my phone startled me. Curiosity piqued, so I reached for it and discovered an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. A rush of joy flooded over me as I realized the significance of the notification that I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Without hesitation, I called my husband, who was in town, to share the news. The excitement in his voice mirrored my own, as we both embraced the realization that our dreams were finally within reach. With this unexpected support, we could now fulfill our long-held aspiration of purchasing cows and goats, a prospect that filled our hearts with happiness and gratitude for the newfound opportunities ahead.

Since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation, filling me with happiness and renewed ambition. With the funds, I made a crucial investment by purchasing a dairy cow, a decision that has opened up a world of possibilities for me and my family of five. I now feel empowered to pursue my dreams, particularly the goal of providing my children with a quality education and ensuring they have opportunities beyond what I could have imagined. The prospect of sending them to high schools and colleges fills me with pride and optimism for the future. Moreover, the dairy cow not only symbolizes hope but also practical benefits; soon, my family will enjoy a steady supply of milk, improving our health and well-being. But the benefits don't end there. I've calculated that by selling the surplus milk to local markets at $0.5 per liter, I'll have a reliable additional income stream, empowering me to further support my family and invest in our future. No longer will my children face the humiliation of being sent home from school due to unpaid fees, a burden that weighed heavily on us before. And for my husband, a casual laborer struggling to make ends meet, the relief of knowing our bills will be settled on time is immeasurable. With each passing day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity GiveDirectly has provided, propelling us towards a brighter, more secure future.

Owning livestock had always been a dream nestled deep within my heart, a dream that felt distant until the day the unconditional cash transfer arrived. With $300 in hand, I wasted no time in investing in a dairy cow and a goat, envisioning a future where its milk would not only nourish my family but also become a source of income. The prospect of selling milk for $0.5 a liter in my village filled me with hope, a beacon of financial stability in an uncertain world. As I watched the cow settle into its new home, I couldn't help but imagine the possibilities that lay ahead. With diligent care, I knew it would multiply, providing opportunities to send my children to high schools and colleges and fulfilling aspirations that once seemed out of reach. With $200 allocated to renovating our home, I breathed a sigh of relief. The leaky roof had long been a source of worry, threatening our peace and safety. Now, with sturdy iron sheets, I could envision a home where my family could thrive without fear of collapse or incessant leaks during rainy seasons. With the remaining $50, I ensured that our table would be filled with nourishing food, a luxury that had often eluded us. As a housekeeper earning $40 a month and with my husband as a casual laborer, the road had been fraught with challenges. Yet, with careful planning and the assistance of the cash transfer, a brighter future beckoned, filled with the promise of prosperity and stability for my family of five.