In the year ahead, my heart is set on providing my family of six with a home that is not just a shelter but a place filled with comfort and security. Our current three-room iron-walled house has been a haven, but as time passes, it is showing signs of wear, prompting me to seek a significant upgrade. Dreaming of a four-room stone-walled house has become more than just a desire; it is a heartfelt wish to offer my family a better standard of living. I envision a space where my children can grow, play, and learn without the limitations of our current home. The estimated cost of $5000 for this project might seem daunting, but the opportunity to create a better future for my family outweighs any challenges. I am willing to take the step of obtaining a bank loan to finance this project. The thought of providing my family with a more spacious, durable, and comfortable home fills me with hope and determination.

It is incredible how GiveDirectly transfers have transformed our lives for the better. Thanks to their support, my children have been able to access education, paving the way for a brighter future. Moreover, I have been able to invest in valuable assets, a step towards financial stability and growth for my family of six. The way GiveDirectly operates has been nothing short of exceptional. Their approach has brought tangible improvements to our lives, providing opportunities and resources that have made a significant impact. There is a sense of reassurance and stability in the way they assist, and because of this, I believe there is no need for any changes. Our lives have seen a positive shift, and it is all thanks to the support and assistance provided by GiveDirectly. Their commitment to empowering communities has made a real difference, and I am grateful for their role in improving our livelihoods.

Investing in rental houses was a big step for our family's financial stability. Recently, I realized that our tenants did not have a dedicated pit latrine as they used the neighbors, so I used $200 to construct one for their convenience. It is important to ensure their comfort and well-being. Education is also a top priority for us, especially for my daughter in grade 8. I allocated $60 toward her schooling, wanting to provide the best opportunities for her future. Additionally, I spent $60 on topping up the purchase of our cow, hoping to possess it soon and provide food and income for the family of six, therefore assisting my husband, who is a soldier, in supporting the family. I also spent $11 to transport me to the hospital for delivery and $45 to purchase maize. With the rest of the funds, I made a conscious decision to save for emergencies. It is all about ensuring our family's well-being and laying the groundwork for a more secure future. I am grateful that the transfers have been of assistance.

Despite the small scale of my sewing business, which currently serves our immediate community, it has played a pivotal role by consistently providing a daily meal for my family of six. Looking ahead to the upcoming year and beyond, my hope is to leverage the existing space for greater income generation. I intend to expand the business to encompass the sale of both new and secondhand clothing, diversifying our sources of income. This expansion would be tailored to the preferences of my regular customers, ensuring a varied selection of materials and customized designs that are not only affordable but also yield profitable returns. While I lack a readily available source of capital to match the necessary investment, I am considering the option of securing a loan. This strategy would enable me to source my business stock with the intention of repaying the loan through the proceeds generated on a daily basis.

The positive impact of GiveDirectly is undeniable, as I personally experienced the freedom to settle my children's school fees promptly, ensuring they could comfortably complete their end-of-term exams without hindrance. I also managed to secure an adequate food supply for my family and relieve a substantial amount of debt that had accumulated. The unrestricted cash transfer provided us with the option to allocate the funds according to our specific needs and priorities. The diverse choices made within our community were visibly transformative, raising the overall living standards of each household. While I acknowledge the approach of letting individuals decide how to spend the funds, it's worth considering additional support for effective implementation. By offering guidance and resources to ensure that people's decisions are realized successfully, distractions and potential budgetary diversions could be minimized, enabling more individuals to fulfill their aspirations.

For over three years now, my family's livelihood has revolved around my small-scale tailoring business, primarily catering to local customers for clothing repairs, with a special focus on school uniform mending, which has consistently provided valuable income for our family of six. The unwavering support from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer, enabling me to embark on projects that were once beyond reach and can supplement the tailoring business. With the second transfer, I invested $100 in acquiring four rolls of chainlink, which allowed me to erect a protective fence around my land, safeguarding my crops from livestock intrusion. I also allocated $100 to cover school fees for my two children—one in secondary school and the other in primary school—ensuring they completed the term without disruptions. Additionally, I purchased essential food supplies worth $50, while prudently saving the remaining $200 with the intention of acquiring a cow. This endeavor aligns with my aspiration to expand our livestock farming; by engaging in breeding, I foresee opportunities to sell offspring, thereby addressing various expenses, including my children's school fees, in the future. I am truly appreciative of GiveDirectly's role in enabling these positive changes in my family's lives.

I was in the midst of my daily routine at the nearby shopping center when I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly around 5:00 p.m. At that moment, I was alone and eagerly awaited the opportunity to share the news with my family members upon returning home. However, due to the timing, I could not withdraw the funds immediately and had to wait until the next day. We had already discussed and prioritized how we would allocate the money. The excitement within my family was amazing, as we had all been eagerly anticipating this significant moment of receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly.

The biggest difference in my daily life since receiving the first transfer is the presence of fencing around my compound, as I prepare to plant grass for my livestock. This development has had a significant impact, not just in the present when I have a limited number of livestock, but also for the future when I plan to expand my herd. The fencing ensures the safety and containment of my animals, providing a secure environment for them to graze and thrive. This improvement has brought a sense of stability and long-term planning to my daily activities, setting the foundation for a successful and sustainable livestock farming venture.

I allocated the second transfer from GiveDirectly towards the completion of the fencing project around my farm. Erecting a strong fence to prevent stray livestock from entering my land and disrupting my farming activities is important to me not only now but even in the future when I will have more livestock. With livestock farming in mind, I aimed to plant new grass that would be beneficial for my six cows. To achieve this, I purchased five rolls of chain links, dedicating $24 for each roll. I am grateful that the remaining amount allowed me to acquire additional poles and barbed wire, bringing me closer to completing the fencing project. The financial support provided by GiveDirectly has been instrumental in realizing these projects, and I look forward to utilizing subsequent transfers to accomplish other endeavors alongside this fencing initiative.