In the upcoming year, I have high aspirations and clear goals. My primary objective is to complete my studies and step into the professional world, aiming for employment that aligns with my nursing qualifications. Simultaneously, I am eager to venture into extensive farming as a means of securing a stable income. To kickstart this endeavor, I plan to utilize the income generated from my nursing job and the sale of goats once they breed. This combined revenue will serve as a crucial boost for establishing and expanding my farming business. For this venture, I estimate a capital requirement of $300. These funds will be allocated toward purchasing essential seedlings and securing fuel for the generator, crucial resources that will drive the success of the farming enterprise. I believe in the potential of agriculture as a sustainable source of income, and I am dedicated to investing my time and resources into this business. It is a step towards financial independence and a more secure future for myself and my family of five.

GiveDirectly's impact on my community has been nothing short of life-changing. Personally, I have witnessed a significant transformation in my family's well-being. The transfers ensured that there was food security for my family of five, easing the worry when I had to leave them behind to attend school. It is a relief knowing that their needs are met even in my absence. Moreover, the support I received enabled me to clear my school fees, a crucial step in continuing my education. While I am yet to complete my studies, I am now in a much better position to focus on achieving that goal without the burden of looming fees. GiveDirectly's assistance has not only impacted my life but has also rippled through the entire community, bringing tangible and positive changes to many households. Relief from basic needs and educational support have brought hope and stability, creating opportunities for a brighter future for all of us.

When the transfers finally came, it was a moment of relief and hope. I knew I had to plan wisely, allocating funds to address our immediate needs and secure our future. I spent $100 on maize, anticipating the harsh drought in January. Another $100 went into purchasing goats, an investment I saw as crucial for our family's stability. But I did not just stop at immediate needs. With $30, I bought various seedlings—beans, butternuts, groundnuts, and cowpeas—that I hoped would yield food for my family of five, providing sustenance beyond the present. Furthermore,education has always been my priority. I am a student at Kenya Medical Training College Kabarnet, yet fee arrears of $470 loomed over me. I used $150 to clear a portion of the fees, aiming to pave the way for completing my studies. The remaining funds were directed towards clothing, ensuring our basic necessities were met. It has been a tough journey; I have had to defer my studies three times due to financial constraints, but these transfers have brought a ray of hope. They have improved my financial status, allowing me to take steps toward finishing my education and providing better for my family.

In the coming year and beyond, I am excited about completing my tertiary education. My future plans involve making good use of the nearby dam's water resources. I intend to invest in pipes and set up an irrigation project on my one-acre plot of land. My agricultural plan is to cultivate both maize and tomatoes in rotation. I have observed my neighbor successfully implementing this strategy, and I believe it can be a profitable source of income for my family. Concurrently, I will continue searching for employment opportunities related to my field of study.

I appreciate GD's approach to providing unconditional transfers to recipients. It has been instrumental in bringing about significant economic improvements in my village. On a personal level, these transfers have allowed me to accomplish things I once thought were beyond reach. I have fulfilled my dream of raising livestock, something I longed for but lacked the resources to do. Additionally, I am grateful that I will soon complete my studies, thanks to the support from GD. My heartfelt thanks to the organization.

The cash transfers from GD have been a beacon of hope in my life. I had to defer my tertiary education more than three times due to a lack of school fees. I tried fundraising in my village, but people eventually grew weary of my pleas. Then, like a miracle, the GD money arrived, and it felt like the universe was conspiring to help me complete my studies. I had $140 in unpaid school fees, and I used $70 to cover part of it, with plans to clear the remaining amount using the next transfer. This will enable me to sit for our national exam in January 2024. Additionally, I invested $250 in a livestock rearing project, purchasing two goats and one cow. I chose this investment because it's the primary source of livelihood in our arid area, as it thrives well, unlike crop cultivation, which is challenging. I allocated $80 for purchasing food for my three children, who currently stay with my parents while I attend school, as my spouse has also gone to seek employment in a nearby town. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a way of showing my love and care, even from a distance. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to pay for my school's house rent for two months to avoid any issues with the landlord. These transfers have been a true lifeline for my education and my family's well-being. I can't express how grateful I am for this support.

On my way to school at approximately 3 p.m., I got a message on my phone. I used to have trouble paying tuition fees as a married university student. The community used to provide money for my schooling, but as time went on, it was harder for them because of our area's poverty rate and the protracted drought that devastated us. When I checked the message, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me some money. My heart was filled with gratitude and joy. Although I was unable to ululate because of the circumstances, I did so loudly within. The fact that I had discovered a solution to some of the issues I was experiencing was what caused all of this joy.

Housing and food access are the key changes brought about by the money from my prior way of life. Even though I still reside in a rental house, I am content that after making up my rent arrears, I am no longer at odds with my landlord. My family first had a difficult time finding food. We eventually had to skip up to two days a week of eating. Since I received a transfer from GiveDirectly, this is currently history. Unlike before, our family has been enjoying some meals together.

I first used the money I had just withdrawn to purchase food for my kids, who I had left at home with their dad while I returned to school. As a result, I shell out $40 for a 50-kilogram bag of corn. Additionally, I paid a $35 charge to the shop where we previously took certain food items on credit. I paid two-month rent arrears of $26 to make things right with the landlord as I rent a house while I'm in school. Since our entire family depends on agriculture, I sent my husband $35 for crop production and $16 for some chicken as a token of our investing trip. Additionally, I spent another $21 on additional clothing for my three kids because the ones they already owned were ragged and worn out.