If I had never received this support, then it would have taken me years to build a decent house, since I could not buy any of the materials like iron sheets and building poles. This means I would still be living in that small house that was in a pathetic condition up to now. Also I would not have purchased any livestock which to people like us with no source of income are valuable assets that one can own. I now have a decent iron roofed house and also cows to rear which I believe they will reproduce in the future and help me in case of a financial need.

I think GiveDirectly came to improve our lives and has reduced the level poverty that we were in. As at now, we have been able to fulfill the things we couldn't achieve at our own expenses. We have been able to build houses, also our children are doing well in schools since they are no longer sent home like it used to be. In addition we also we have livestock which to us are assets that can be depended on. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.

The second transfer has enabled me to build a new house since the previous one was in a very bad condition. I took a larger portion to buy the necessary building materials which include iron sheets, building poles and also paying the mason for his job. I also spent part of this money to pay for my children's school fees and are now continuing with their studies without any interruptions. I was also in the business of selling fried fish which was also a source of income to me but it came to stop since I lacked finances. When I received this money, I also spent it on buying some stock to sell. It was almost collapsing and I revived it again and it's now doing well. I spent the remaining amount to cater for my household basic needs as well as paying for other expenses.

I had been a fishmonger for a very long time until a time came when I lacked the capital to run this business. When Givedirectly came to my village, the hope to revive my business was rejuvenated and the transfer brought life to my business again. Through this business, I will be able to earn an income for upkeep and my childrens school fees. To me this is the biggest difference in my daily life.

On receiving an SMS notification indicating that I had received the money I had anxiously been waiting for from GiveDirectly, I was joyful and my face was all smiles. The happiness that I had was beyond explanation and all I could say was thanks to God for bringing GiveDirectly at such a time of need and to prosper them in their endeavours so that they may continue blessing other people.

I spent part of my first transfer to purchase a dairy cow since it has been my desire to own one and upon receiving this transfer, I fulfilled my desire and this gives me pride that my cow will reproduce in future too and provide more milk for my family and even some to sell. I also spent part of the transfer to revive my business of selling fried fish. I've been a fishmonger for some time, but due to the ups and downs I was going through in my life, operating it was a bit difficult and due to inadequate funds, it collapsed and it was my only source of income to cater for my family. The transfer has enabled me to run it again for I now have capital enough to run it. I am happy that I will be able even to pay for school fees for my children through it. I also spent my transfer to do some shopping for the family for their upkeep.