Looking ahead to the upcoming year and beyond, my plan is to lease an acre of land for maize farming. As one of the individuals displaced by banditry, I currently lack sufficient land and have been provided with a small 1/8 acre by a relative to settle on. Leasing additional land is a strategic move to enhance my farming endeavors. I am committed to putting forth my best efforts to ensure that all farming activities are carried out in a timely manner and necessary inputs are applied promptly. This approach aims to maximize production, and the harvested maize will serve both domestic purposes and as a source of income. Selling the surplus will specifically contribute to covering school fees and addressing the educational needs of my family. This plan reflects my determination to overcome challenges and create sustainable opportunities for the future. I am optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have on my family's well-being and future prospects.

In my opinion, GD has done well by giving us unconditional transfers and allowing us to address our individual needs. I am genuinely thankful that, through these transfers, I could settle longstanding school fee arrears that had accumulated over an extended period. The burden of unpaid fees had been a source of distress, leading to my children missing a significant portion of their school days last year. The support from GD has brought relief and gratitude, as it played a crucial role in ensuring my children's education is no longer disrupted.

I wanted to have a cow for a long time, especially for milk and breeding. I am genuinely grateful that the transfer enabled me to realize this dream, and I invested $150 to purchase the cow. The modest earnings from my work on my neighbour's farm, typically around $2 per day, made it challenging to save up for such a significant purchase. However, the transfer made it possible, bringing happiness as I now own a cow with the hope of milk production. Beyond domestic use, the cow holds the potential for additional income through the sale of offspring. This income will be crucial for supporting the education of my three children—two in secondary school and one in university. I used an additional $200 to make partial payments towards their school fee arrears. While the fees are not fully cleared, this contribution ensures that my children can continue their education without disruption, with plans to settle the remaining balance with the next transfer. Anticipating an improvement in living conditions, I allocated $60 to purchase five iron sheets. The goal is to construct a two-roomed iron sheet house to replace the small and outdated hut I currently reside in. Construction plans are set to commence upon receiving the third transfer. I used the remaining funds to secure food for my family, ensuring their immediate needs were met

Receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly was an incredibly joyous moment for me. I received a message, but I could not interpret its content, prompting me to reach out to my son, Philip, who also stands in as my helper. As he read through the message, he confirmed that it was indeed from GiveDirectly. The realization that I could now execute all the plans I had been nurturing brought immense happiness. This support not only eased my financial burdens but also affirmed the impact of such generosity in making a positive difference in my life.

Since we got the initial transfer from GiveDirectly, our meals have been more nutritious, and my children's education has remained steady. The most significant change in my daily life is the peace of mind I now experience. I am delighted that we can plan for the future using the resources acquired with the first money I received. The assurance of having these funds has brought a sense of stability and security to our lives, making a notable positive impact on our daily lives.

With the initial transfer from GiveDirectly, I made had lots of ideas to improve my family's life. I invested $50 in purchasing a sack of maize and beans, ensuring a stable food supply for my family of five. Allocating $50, I covered the school fees for my two daughters in secondary school, a responsibility my goats have traditionally helped with. Beyond dependence on them, I engage in subsistence farming, and the surplus aids in paying part of the school fees. Facing health concerns, I spent $10 on a hospital visit, and I am grateful to be on the getting better following the prescribed medication. Seeking to expand my income, I used $3 to buy another chicken, adding to my existing six with the plan to sell them later to support the education of all four of my children. Additionally, $10 went into purchasing clothes for my two children, while saving the remaining money for unexpected emergencies. This support from GiveDirectly has made a meaningful impact on various aspects of my family's well-being.