I always had tailoring skills, but didn’t have the money to buy a sewing machine and other equipment for a business. I spent $140 of the transfer on a sewing machine and materials. It’s really fulfilling to be doing something I love and am good at. My family is now eating well and more at peace because of my earnings.
My father sold goats to pay for primary school, but after there were no more goats to sell, I had to drop out of secondary school. I plan to use the money to buy goats, which will keep me in school. I do not want to just use the money, I want to invest it. I have always wanted to become a bank manager and take care of my parents, and I believe GiveDirectly's program will help me achieve that.
Having enough food in the house fills me with relief. We also got iron sheets for a roof, a radio for entertainment, and a solar panel and battery to start a phone-charging business. This new business has been bringing in MK1,000 (~$0.60) daily, which has allowed us to buy soap and extra food.
It was unbearable for us to go to the latrine – it was always wet due to a leaking roof, and was dangerous since the floor could collapse at any time. I used my transfer to construct a good latrine for my family. I'm a safe mother now. I also bought 20 iron sheets to construct a house for my children, and got a goat for $54 — I’m hoping it will multiply.
When our son got a tumor in his jaw, we had to sell a plot of land and our cow to pay for his surgery. He also needed dentures, but we couldn't afford them. I invested $400 from the transfer into my business, and now it’s doing really well because I have enough stock. I was also able to buy dentures for my son – I’m so relieved he’s healthy now. This money made a huge difference for us.
Rehema, Kenya
Emma, Malawi
Daniel, Malawi
Clovia, Uganda
Julienne, Rwanda
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