As a widower who has been struggling with hopelessness, the recent unconditional cash transfer came as a ray of light in my life. I made a thoughtful decision to invest in my future and provide some security for my family. With a portion of the money, I purchased five goats, as well as chicks and ducks, for a total of $216. These livestock assets not only give me a sense of ownership and something to count on in case of emergencies but also have the potential to thrive in our region due to favorable weather conditions. I can see a brighter future for us, as these animals will not only provide sustenance but also a source of income. But the funds didn't just go towards securing our future. I had been suffering from a lingering illness, unable to afford proper medical care. With $60 from the transfer, I finally visited the hospital and purchased the necessary medications. The relief of finally addressing my health issues is indescribable. I've been living in constant pain, and now, thanks to the assistance from GiveDirectly, I'm on the path to recovery. With the remaining amount, I ensured that my family of three had enough food on the table. As a charcoal seller, my weekly income of around $15 has its limitations, and this cash transfer has provided us with much-needed stability and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfer, I've experienced a remarkable transformation. Their financial assistance has enabled me to acquire valuable assets that have significantly improved my quality of life. Moreover, my health has seen a remarkable turnaround, thanks to the financial assistance I received. With the funds, I could afford better healthcare and access to medications and treatments that were previously out of reach. GiveDirectly's commitment to providing direct financial support to those in need has not only changed my circumstances but has also restored my hope and well-being.

My aspiration is to expand my livestock holdings by acquiring more goats, with the ultimate goal of eventually exchanging them for dairy cows. Goats have proven to be a valuable asset, providing both milk and meat for my family. However, I understand that the transition to dairy cows will significantly increase our milk production and, consequently, our income. This journey towards building a sustainable dairy farm may take time, but it's a path I'm eager to walk. With careful planning, hard work, and prudent investment, I hope to see my livestock grow and transform into a thriving dairy operation, securing a brighter and more prosperous future for my family.

I remember the day when I received the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a lifeline for me and my family. The first thing I did was invest in renovating our house. Termites had destroyed the poles, leaving them unsafe and vulnerable. I bought 10 bags of cement for $70 and building blocks for $140, to make the structure firm and secure once again. Hiring a contractor cost me $120, but it was worth it to ensure the safety of my loved ones. With some of the remaining money, I paid off a debt of $25 at a local shop. They had been kind enough to extend credit to me when times were tough, and I was grateful to settle the debt to maintain my trustworthiness. The rest of the money went towards buying food for my family. We had been struggling due to the prolonged drought, and this support allowed us to have regular meals and ease our worries about where the next meal would come from. Currently, I am thinking about using a portion of the remaining funds to start a small investment that could generate additional income for us in the future. It is time to think beyond being solely reliant on farming, especially when unpredictable weather patterns made it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The cash transfer had given me a glimpse of hope and the opportunity to create a more stable future for my family.

Receiving GiveDirectly's cash transfer transformed my life in ways I never envisioned. Gone are the days of living in a dilapidated house, constantly worrying about its safety. Now, I dwell in a secure and comfortable house, a refuge for my family of three. The impact on our daily lives is immeasurable. No longer do we go to bed hungry, as we can now afford to put some food on our table regularly. The burden of uncertainty has lifted, and a newfound sense of stability has replaced it. GiveDirectly's support has provided us with immediate relief. We are forever grateful for the life-changing opportunity they have bestowed upon us.

It was around 3 pm when I was resting at home from working on my shamba, sweat still clinging to my tired body, a notification beeped on my phone, breaking the tranquility of the afternoon. Curiosity piqued, I picked it up, my heart racing with anticipation. Opening the message, I couldn't believe my eyes. GiveDirectly transferred a substantial sum of money into my account. A surge of joy and disbelief coursed through me, rendering me momentarily speechless. For the first time in my life, I held a substantial amount of money in my hands, a symbol of hope and opportunity. It was a turning point, a chance to transform not only my circumstances but the lives of my loved ones as well. Gratitude overwhelmed me, and as I gazed at the numbers on my screen, I couldn't help but feel an indescribable sense of possibility and optimism.