In the coming years, my primary goal is to ensure that my two children, who have been at home for the past two years despite passing their exams, get the opportunity to attend college. Recognizing that my income from burning charcoal is insufficient to finance their education, we heavily depend on my husband's salary to save for their future campus life. My dream is that once they complete their studies and secure employment, they will alleviate the financial burden on our family. To supplement our income and work towards financial independence, I aspire to start a clothes business. I plan to use the little savings from my casual job of burning charcoal to start this venture. This not only aligns with my long-term goal of providing a better life for my family but also promises relief from the vigorous task of burning charcoal, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

What stands out about GiveDirectly is their commitment to empowering recipients with the autonomy to decide how best to utilize the funds, recognizing the diverse needs of each family. With this support, I've been able to create lasting improvements without feeling restricted or dictated by external stipulations. In essence, GiveDirectly's approach has been a beacon of hope, offering a helping hand without altering the essence of what makes my family unique and allowing us to thrive on our terms. am so grateful for GiveDirectly way of operation and I feel nothing should be changed.

With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I immediately prioritized the well-being of my family. I invested $120 in purchasing comfortable beddings for my seven children and five grandchildren, allowing them to sleep well and in pairs, a luxury they hadn't experienced before. Previously, they slept on sacks, leading to health issues like ringworm and bedbugs, and shared their room with chickens. The transformation has been incredible, and their happiness is noticeable. With the remaining funds, I addressed their health concerns by buying medicine, ensuring they are now free from bedbugs and sleep in a safe environment. As a casual laborer burning charcoal, my income is limited to $20 every two weeks, and my husband's earnings from taking care of a neighbor's cow amount to $40 per month. Despite our combined efforts, the funds are insufficient for food and school fees. Determined to secure my children's education, I allocated $150 to settle their school fees balance, and another $150 was spent on buying food for the festive season. Additionally, I used part of the funds to purchase clothes and uniforms for my children, relieving me of the worry that they might attend school in torn garments. The cash transfer has brought immense relief, allowing my children to learn in peace and comfort.

I was at home, sharing a meal with my husband and our two children, when something extraordinary happened. I received a burst of four messages all at once, which drew our attention. My child, who was curious about the sudden influx of messages, was eager to find out what they were about. As I opened the messages and read them, it became apparent that the transfers had arrived. My child's face lit up with excitement as he recognized the significance of the message, and he eagerly showed me and my husband. The joy that washed over us was palpable. This financial support meant that we would be able to pay the school fees and enable our children to continue their education, even preparing for their upcoming examinations. It was a moment of happiness and relief for our family, knowing that our children's academic aspirations were still within reach.

Before the transfers, life was incredibly challenging, and putting food on the table was a constant worry. The financial strain was such that my children often had to stay out of school, and it was only through hard work, such as burning charcoal, that I could scrape together enough to send them back to their studies. The transfers have brought a significant change to our lives. I am glad my children have been able to remain in school without disruptions. They have not only continued their education but also recently sat for their exams. This newfound stability and access to education have been a source of relief and hope for a brighter future. The transfers have had a profound and positive impact, providing opportunities and security that were previously out of reach.

Our family of seventeen relies on my husband's herding job as our primary source of livelihood. To enhance our family's well-being and future prospects, I spent the transfers as follows: $95 went towards school fees for my children, ensuring their access to education and a brighter future. Additionally, I invested $140 in goats, $40 in ducks, and $15 in chickens, diversifying our income sources and building a small livestock portfolio that could contribute to our financial stability. Another $120 was spent on purchasing steel doors, a crucial renovation for our house. This upgrade not only enhanced our living conditions but also improved our security. The impact of these transfers on our family has been significant, as it has alleviated our financial burden and provided opportunities for both immediate and long-term well-being. We are grateful for the positive changes these funds have brought into our lives