Given the noticeable progress in my small food business, I've resolved to dedicate my full efforts towards its growth for the next one year. My hope is for the business to meet all our needs and, in time, create opportunities for further investments in the future.

The direct cash transfers from Give Directly have catalyzed unprecedented transformations in our village. There's a notable surge in new businesses, increased school enrollments, and marked improvements in living conditions. People now reside in better homes, enjoy nutritious meals, and even maintain healthier interpersonal relationships.

Over the past several years, one of my primary challenges has been affording school fees, especially with four children attending school and neither my husband nor I having a steady income. With this in mind, I allocated $200 to settle the entire year's school fee arrears, ensuring a seamless transition for my children to their subsequent grades. In addition, I chose to invest in our livestock by purchasing three more goats for $100, adding to the four I already owned. Furthermore, I expanded my food business with an investment of $150, which has since led to noticeable advancements and an increase in revenue.

As I was cooking some meals for sale at my humble cafeteria, I heard a familiar message tone emanating from my phone. Curiosity took hold, and I checked to see what kind of message had arrived. To my astonishment, I realized that I had received the first transfer as promised by the GiveDirectly officials. My hands trembled as I read the confirmation, and tears of joy welled up in my eyes. It was a moment I had only dared to dream about – the relief, the hope, and the gratitude that washed over me were indescribable. With that transfer, a weight I had carried for so long had lifted off my shoulders, and a new chapter of possibility had begun. I vowed to use this opportunity to create a better future for my family.

Receiving the GiveDirectly cash transfer was a turning point in my life, one that brought about a remarkable transformation. Before this blessing, I struggled to keep my small cafeteria afloat, selling tea and baked goods, but the meager profits were never enough to escape the clutches of debt or provide for my family's needs. I couldn't afford to pay for my children's education or even cover basic expenses. However, as soon as I received the cash transfer, everything changed. With the newfound financial freedom, I invested in my business, stocking up on a wider range of products that attracted more customers, and it quickly flourished. Now, my café bustles with life, and the steady income allows me to provide for my family's needs without worry. The burden of debt has been lifted. GiveDirectly's support has breathed new life into my business and brought hope to my family's future. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, as it has truly changed our lives for the better.

Upon withdrawing the money used $100 to settle the long-overdue school fees for my five children. Their faces lit up with joy when I told them they could go back to school. Seeing them return to the classroom after being sent back home due to fees was a moment of immense pride and relief. With $90, I decided to invest in our future by purchasing three goats. Starting a livestock-rearing project seemed like a smart move, and I knew it would provide a steady income source for our family. The goats would multiply, and we could eventually sell some to improve our financial situation further. But my children's well-being was still at the forefront of my mind, so I used $44 to buy them new bedding, ensuring they could sleep comfortably and peacefully each night. As the owner of a small cafeteria, I used $20 to add more stock to the cafeteria, making it more attractive to customers and enhancing our profits. Additionally, I made a conscious decision to save $100 from the cash transfer. I planned to wait for the second transfer, and with that combined amount, I hoped to buy a piece of land for farming—a dream that seemed within reach now. Meanwhile, I used the remaining funds to buy enough food for my family, ensuring that their bellies were full and their spirits lifted. GiveDirectly had given us more than just money; they had given us hope and the chance to shape a better future for ourselves.