I had been reliant on charcoal burning and occasional casual labour, which, though hard to come by, helped in acquire essential family needs. During tougher times, I had to sell part of my goat herd and use the proceeds to purchase food and other necessities, as well as pay for our two children who are in secondary education. The third transfer has been incredibly helpful, uplifting our situation in a significant way. I used $20 to cover this term's school fees and $140 for school items shopping for one of them, who was starting Form One for her secondary education. Moreover, I allocated $50 to additional building materials, complementing what I had acquired with the second transfer. This contribution brings us closer to the aspiration of enhancing our living conditions, with the plan to initiate the construction of a two-roomed house. The current one-room setup is too cramped for my family of six, and this endeavor promises a more comfortable living space. Allocating $30 for new clothes for my three younger kids not only adheres to the local tradition of looking nice during Christmas but also ensures my children don't feel left out. I wanted to make sure they had new clothes to celebrate the occasion. I utilized the remaining funds to buy food for the family, significantly contributing to our overall well-being.

GiveDirectly's transfer programs have unquestionably made a significant and positive impact on the lives of countless families. These initiatives are noteworthy for their efficacy in providing crucial support, ensuring not only access to food but also aiding families in acquiring valuable assets and even facilitating the construction of homes. The organization's approach has played a crucial role in lifting families out of poverty, resulting in a tangible enhancement of their overall living conditions. Personally, I am profoundly grateful for the positive impact on my life. With the support received through GiveDirectly, I have successfully managed to pay the school fees for my two children, a matter that had been weighing heavily on me. Ensuring their uninterrupted education has been a priority, and the assistance provided by GiveDirectly has alleviated this concern. I am forever grateful.

For the coming year and beyond, I have a strategic plan to establish a small kiosk business that will specialize in selling fast-moving goods within the village. With this initiative, I aim to generate additional income to support my children's education. To kick-start this venture, I am planning to sell one of our cattle and use the proceeds as the initial capital for the business. This decision reflects my commitment to creating a sustainable source of income, enhancing financial stability, and ensuring a brighter future for my family.

Living with my family of six in a single room has posed a long-standing challenge due to limited space. It has been our prayer to find a solution that would enable us to construct a new house. With the second transfer, I took a significant step towards this goal by purchasing 18 iron sheets valued at $239, 18 building poles for $54, and roofing frames costing $100. The additional room will not only provide more living space but also allow us to have a separate kitchen, bringing more order to our living arrangements. I spent $11 for food, including 16kg of maize and 5kg of beans, which we are still using to date. Another $20 went towards household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our comfort and maintain a high level of hygiene in our living space. Previously, I had been reliant on charcoal burning and occasional casual labor, which, though hard to come by, helped in acquiring essential household needs. During tougher times, I had to sell part of my goat herd and use the proceeds to purchase food and other necessities.

I express gratitude for the commendable work being carried out by GiveDirectly, benefiting not just my household but the entire community. The organization is highly spoken of for the generous support we have received. What sets this support apart is the unique approach of directing the monetary support straight to our accounts, allowing us the flexibility to access and plan its usage as needed. The transformative impact on both individuals and the community has been evident. As GiveDirectly expands its reach to other villages, I believe maintaining this effective and empowering strategy will ensure continued positive outcomes.

Looking forward to the upcoming year and beyond, my ambition is to embark on a new business venture in collaboration with my spouse. The inspiration behind this endeavor stems from my husband's passion for establishing a profitable livestock business. Recognizing the potential profitability in the local market, where many farmers sell goats at a price that allows for a substantial profit upon resale, we are channeling our efforts into expanding our farming investments. The goal is to use the proceeds from our agriculture as capital to initiate our livestock venture. The plan involves strategically utilizing the resources gained from farming to acquire the initial heads of livestock, with the intention of later selling them in nearby markets. This business not only aligns with our financial aspirations, but also symbolizes a collaborative effort for my family in pursuit of shared success.

Receiving financial support was truly exceptional, as I knew it would have a great positive impact on both my life and that of my family. I am married and blessed with four children, and our livelihood primarily depends on available casual jobs. When the transfer arrived, my immediate priority was to invest $100 in purchasing two goats to add to the ones I already had. Goats are easy to maintain and provide a potential source of income in case of emergencies. Secondly, I acquired plastic chairs worth $30, and lastly, I purchased a sack of maize for $50 to stock up on food in our house. The joy and relief I feel knowing that we have food readily available are immense, as this was a challenging task before due to our meager earnings from casual jobs, which were barely enough to cover our basic needs.

The biggest difference in my current life is the ability to stock an abundant supply of food, which has rescued my family from the hunger challenges we previously endured due to financial constraints. Furthermore, I was able to acquire two more goats. The happiness and contentment I derive from these accomplishments have considerably reduced my stress levels.

I have a vivid memory of the moment I received my transfer. I was at home, engrossed in household chores when my phone alerted me with a message. Upon checking, I found that Segovia Technology had deposited money into my account. The sheer joy that overcame me cannot be adequately expressed in words. Without hesitation, I shared the wonderful news with my husband, who was equally happy. The happiness we both experienced was beyond description. Subsequently, we engaged in a discussion and formulated a strategy for the prudent utilization of the transferred funds, now that we had the much-needed cash at our disposal.