As I look ahead to the coming year, my main ambition is to construct a wooden house. Thankfully, I already have the necessary materials—a sturdy tree that's ready to be split and shaped into the framework of my new home. However, what I lack is the financial means to turn this dream into a reality. That's where the savings group comes in. I've been diligently contributing to it, knowing that it will provide the funds I need to purchase additional materials and pay for labor. With the support of the savings group, I'm confident that I'll be able to finally leave behind the mud house I currently live in and move into a more secure and comfortable wooden home.

One thing that stands out is that we were all given equal amounts. It promotes a sense of equality and unity among us recipients, knowing that we're all being treated fairly. Moreover, GiveDirectly's consistency in providing the money monthly, without fail, has been a game-changer for us. This regularity has not only helped us plan our expenses better but has also made us credit-worthy in the eyes of lenders and merchants. Everything about GiveDirectly's approach has been well-explained, and I truly appreciate the impact it's had on our lives.

With each passing month, I've saved $15 through a merry-go-round, a small step toward improving my home. Four months ago. I bought two windows for my kitchen, a long-awaited upgrade that has transformed the space. Now, my kitchen is not only functional but also brighter and more inviting. As a widow and a tea farmer supporting three children in school, every improvement to our home matters greatly, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make these changes.With the remainder of my monthly cash transfer, I ensure that my family's basic needs are met. Each month brings its challenges, but with careful planning and the support of programs like the unconditional cash transfer, I'm hopeful for a brighter future for my children and me.

This coming year holds a special promise for me as I embark on a dream of building my own wooden house. To fund this endeavor, I've decided to utilize the savings from our merry-go-round group. This collective effort not only represents financial support but also a communal spirit that encourages and empowers me to reach for my goals. With the tree secured and the merry-go-round savings in hand, the next step is to split the timber necessary for my new house. Already, I've taken a significant stride forward by acquiring 10 iron sheets, a key component in the construction process. I currently live in a modest 2-roomed mud house. The vision of a wooden home represents not just a structural upgrade but a tangible manifestation of progress, resilience, and a brighter future. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can open the door to my own creation, a testament to hard work, determination, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better life.

Receiving the money from GiveDirectly was a game-changer for our entire village. What struck me the most was the fairness of it all — we were all given equal amounts. This simple act erased any feelings of inequality or favoritism. It didn't matter if you were a farmer, a teacher, or a shopkeeper; everyone got the same opportunity to improve their lives. This equality fostered a sense of unity and solidarity among us, as we embarked on this journey to better our circumstances together. Moreover, the fact that every household in the village got the money made it even more impactful. It wasn't just a select few who benefited; the entire community experienced positive change simultaneously. Everything was well explained, from the purpose of the funds to the expectations and potential benefits. This transparency fostered trust, ensuring that everyone felt confident in the process and understood the significance of this opportunity for positive transformation.

I've been making the most out of the unconditional monthly cash transfer I receive. Eight of us contribute $10 each monthly to a merry-go-round, and in August, it was my turn to receive the lump sum. I decided to use that money wisely by investing in my home. I bought two steel windows for my kitchen that has been work in progess. It's these small steps that make a big difference for us. The remainder of the monthly transfer has been a lifeline. Food prices have skyrocketed, making it challenging to feed my family. I prioritize buying household items, especially sugar, with that money. In addition to that, I have a few tea bushes, and I also engage in casual labor to make ends meet for my three children. As a widow, every bit of support counts, and the unconditional cash transfer has provided a crucial boost for my family's well-being.

In the coming year, my main goal is to start building another house for myself. The one I currently live in is made of mud walls, and I have always dreamt of having a wooden house. It will not only provide better living conditions but also add a touch of comfort and stability to my life. To accomplish this, I plan to start buying construction materials, particularly timber, to begin the process. I believe investing in quality materials is crucial for the durability and longevity of the house. Once I have acquired the necessary materials, my next step will be to find the funds to hire a skilled mason. I understand the importance of professional craftsmanship in constructing a sturdy and beautiful wooden house, so I am determined to allocate the required resources to secure a capable builder. To raise funds towards this project, I will continue saving diligently in the savings group.

What impressed me the most was that they gave everyone in our community equal amounts of money. Another aspect that stood out was the constant follow-ups from GiveDirectly. They did not just hand us the money and disappear; they stayed connected with us. They genuinely cared about our well-being and wanted to ensure that we were making the best use of the funds. Throughout the entire process, everything was well explained. GiveDirectly made sure we understood how the program worked. I am grateful for their support and the positive changes they have brought about.

Life has been tough lately, with the cost of living going up so much. But I have been trying my best to make ends meet. I am part of a savings group, and every month, I save $15. It may not seem like a lot, but it really helps me. When I received the money from the savings group in April which was $80, I had to make it count. First, I used $30 to buy a door for my home. It was about time I replaced the old, creaky one that was falling apart. It made me feel safer and more secure, especially with my three children depending on me. With the remaining $50, I bought maize seeds and fertilizer to plant in my small plot of land. It is not much, but every harvest counts. It is a way for me to provide food for my family and even sell some to earn extra income. Being a widow, I do casual labor and also have some tea bushes, but this investment gave me hope for a better future. Life may be challenging, but with the transfers, I am doing my best to provide for my family and build a brighter tomorrow.

With the merry-go-round chama that is currently ongoing using the transfers, I hope to receive my contribution in October 2023. From this, I hope to purchase windows for my 2 roomed house which I commenced constructing in 2021 to house my family of 5. I will be excited that my family will move into a comfortable house by the end of the year.

With the transfers, debts have been repaid, food has been available to families and all households have been equal since the amount is equivalent and thus no begging. In my opinion, I just wish Givedirectly can increase the monthly contribution to adjusting to the inflation rate and household will further double their investments.

If it was not for Givedirectly, I am not certain whether I would be part of a savings plan. I am glad to have joined a merry-go-round chama of 10 members contributing $15 monthly using the transfers. The tea farming that my family of 5 depends on, is not forthcoming since I raise them singlehandedly after my husband passed on. The $30 I earn from the tea farming all caters for their school fees and debt repayment as the rest of the transfers assist in purchasing food for the household.

I am in the process of building a house, I started last year by buying iron sheets, then bought timber. I now want to do its finishes and I wil use money from sale of tea leaves and savings from GiveDirectly to achieve this. I will cement the floor so that it is an improvement from the one I currently live in which has a mud wall and mud floor.

GiveDirectly is giving us equal amounts of money and they educated us before sending us the money. The same can be applied in other villages.

I have been saving with a merry go round where I save KES 1000 every month . In a group where there is 10 of us, we save so as to ease the burden of looking for money by oneself when we want to do that thing that needs a lot of money. I have also been able to pay debts that I had which fosters a good relationship with neighbour.