I would like to see my children all finish their education. It would be the only chance at offering them a better life for them and their future kids. With good jobs, I would expect them to help me set up a mini mart, selling omena, food stuff,soaps,toothpaste, tissues, matchbox etc and possibly second hand clothes as well.

GiveDirectly do an amazing job of identifying truly needy people and making an impact on their lives that will eternally change them, for the better. I have no criticism of GiveDirectly, other than to wish them the best and hope they will continue to change the lives of many countless people.

Having received the funds from GiveDirectly, I prioritised building a 1 bedroom house for my kids. I then proceeded to get three goats, all of whom are female to mate with my already existing male one. I got 5 storage tanks, basins and clothes for the family as well. The remainder of the GiveDirectly funds went to paying school fees for 3 of my 6 kids. I had been burdened with debts and a need to fix my bike, so part of the balance went to bike brakes and tyres, while I also quickly sought to clear my debts and get me back in the block with those I owed. My eldest being in form 3 at Mitangani Secondary School, my second born having cleared class 8, my 3rd born in Grade 2 at Goshi Primary and my 4th through to 6th being too young for school, it was a struggle raising the $10, for example, to pay for the eldest fee when I only make $24 when I sell a sack of charcoal, that I make from burning wood. My clients are far and in between and getting that money isn't guaranteed. GiveDirectly have been a source of great comfort for me and my household, knowing we have someone to walk with us. We are truly grateful.

It was around 10 AM when I was at the dam fetching water when I saw a message notification on my mobile phone. I decided to check who it could be since I wasn't expecting to hear from anyone. Upon checking, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GIvedirectly, they had debited my first KES 55000 as they had promised. I have never been that happy before, to be honest, the message made my day. I had to rush back home and inform all my family members and it was like a dream to them as well.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers, I was able to construct a decent house for my six children. Initially, they used to shelter with their friends since our house had a single room that could not accommodate us all. Besides, they werr all grown up, and sharing the same room with them was not right at all. Therefore they have been borrowing shelter all along which was sometimes embarrassing and because sometimes people could call them names such as beggars. Being their dad who depends on casual jobs it used to stress me a lot I had no hopes of getting their house any time soon. The coming of GiveDirectly has transformed everything in my life becasue after constructing a house for them, it has even restored our dignity in the community. We are comfortable and happier since we no longer ask anyone for shelter or even some other basic needs like food. Also, I am glad that my children have ample space to study at night which was not possible back in the day. I will for sure live to remember GiveDirectly for their good deeds.

I spent part of my first transfer on buying fifteen pieces of iron sheets at KES 12000, nails, timber, and all the necessary materials needed for the construction of a new house. I had to prioritize it because my children have been seeking shelter every night and I felt it was right therefore I had to build a new house for them. I then cleared school fees for my children who are in primary and secondary schools at KES 6700. Also, I settled a debt of KES 5700 in the nearby kiosk and I am glad I am no longer harassed by the owner. I also bought some spare parts for my bicycle and I am happy for now I don't have to borrow my friends whenever I want to fetch water from the dams. Later on, I had to clear the medical bill for my spouse who has been ailing for some time, and for now, she's recovering. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for the family and other household items that I was lacking.