I am a widow with five children. It has been a big challenge for me to raise my children as a single parent. The biggest problem that I am facing at the moment is ensuring that my four children can afford to be in school at all times. I work on a construction site as a guard during the day and the earnings are as little as $4, which is barely enough to cover our meals for a day. My first transfer was used to upgrade and improve my home from a thatched leaking house to a well-roofed two-roomed house with a verandah. The second transfer was used to pay my daughter’s college fees of $200 and $300 was used to pay for the two children in high school. The remaining amount was what I used to buy some foodstuffs that had run out of our home. I am so grateful because the funds are the reason my children are at school.

GiveDirectly has done well in enrolling our village, which has enabled my children to afford their education. Being a widow has been a big challenge for me because it comes with a lot of responsibilities. The support funds have ensured that my family has a new home that is not leaking and at least my children's fee is paid for the whole term. Despite the financial challenges that come with single parenting, I am thankful that the funds could cover some of my financial obligations. I liked every way in which the program operated, but my wish would be if they would consider sponsoring my children’s education.

Despite the financial challenge that I am currently facing, my goal is to educate my children. It is a challenge to pay for the school fees for the two in secondary school and the one who joined a medical college recently. My goal is to open a business either selling vegetables or second-hand clothing to foot all my bills. I am worried about my child who will join his brothers in secondary school next year because I am yet to find him a bursary to support him in his studies.

I spent most of my transfer to construct a decent shelter for my family. This is because I was living in a old house that is leaking during rain season. I used KES 40,000 to build a two-roomed house for the family. Previously, I was living in a small structure that was collapsing which poses a great danger to the family. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family since I had not been received a salary for sometimes now and I lacked enough food to bring up my family.

The biggest difference is that I am currently living in a better shelter with my family like others something that has restored peace of mind in my life. I never thought that I would achieve this goal in such a short time. I am very grateful for the aid.

It was exactly 6.30 am when I was at my workplace in the iron mine quarry. This job requires me to wake up before 5 am to start traveling. I heard a message alert on my phone. Being illiterate, I had to continue with my job until the evening when I returned home for my helper to verify the message on my phone. I was very happy when I finally learn that I had received my transfer. I was very sure that I will be able to own a new house for my family a desire that had been longing for.