Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I carefully planned how to use the funds to bring positive changes to my family's life. First, I allocated $121 to fence my compound. The reason behind this was my intention to venture into fruit farming, specifically growing mangos and bananas for commercial purposes. I believe this investment will not only provide a sustainable source of income but also contribute towards educating my three kids. My eldest child, currently in grade 6, will benefit from the income generated through fruit farming. Next, I dedicated $230 to build a house for my children. Previously, they used to sleep on the couch in the sitting room, but now, they have a comfortable and private place to sleep. This improvement in living conditions brings both comfort and dignity to my family. Finally, I set aside $12 for poultry farming. The goal here is to start selling eggs, adding another dimension to our income sources. This small investment in poultry farming aligns with my broader strategy of ensuring financial stability for my family. In summary, my recent transfers from GiveDirectly were strategically allocated towards fencing for fruit farming, building a house for improved living conditions, and investing in poultry farming for additional income. Each decision was made with the intention of creating a better future for my family, particularly in terms of education, comfort, and financial stability.

GiveDirectly has really helped us. I never thought I could have my compound fenced, but now it's a reality. I am so grateful. I think they should come again to help more people.

In the coming years, my main goal is to start maize farming. This year, I am hopeful and determined to make it happen. However, where I currently live doesn't have enough land for farming. Therefore, my plan is to rent a piece of land to pursue my dream of growing maize. Starting this farming venture is significant for me as it represents a step towards self-sufficiency and a reliable source of food. I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to making progress in my farming journey. Renting a piece of land is a practical solution to overcome the limitation of space, and I am optimistic that with hard work and dedication, I can accomplish this goal and contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling future for myself and my community.

After facing recent land conflicts in the village, many residents, including myself, have been marking boundaries to avoid disputes. I hired a surveyor for $100 to measure and mark my land, prompting an immediate purchase of $78 barbed wire for fencing. Having a loan from a participating Sacco, I had defaulted for months with a remaining balance of $180. With the second transfer, I made the final payment, enabling me to continue saving and rebuilding my creditworthiness with Sacco. Additionally, I supported my sister financially, contributing $50 for her son's circumcision rites, a relief for her as a single mother. I saved the remaining $42 for potential emergencies and household needs for my family of 8, bridging gaps between transfers. This support from GiveDirectly not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers me to manage financial responsibilities effectively, fostering positive changes in my community and family.

GiveDirectly has been immensely helpful, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me to achieve things sooner than expected. The monetary support has offered solutions to various challenges we often wondered how to address, giving us the freedom to make choices based on the urgency of our needs. The majority of deserving families in our village received the support and have been using it diligently to enhance their living standards. While GiveDirectly has generally performed well, I do have a concern regarding the decision to exclude some households, which may have been made hastily without thorough research to verify the rumors circulating about certain individuals. I would urge GiveDirectly's staff to exercise greater diligence in assessing subsequent families to ensure that no one is left unattended.

In the upcoming year and beyond, my brother and I aim to expand our land holdings by acquiring an additional piece of land. After diligently measuring and demarcating its boundaries, we've decided to embark on a savings journey, intending to invest in a larger plot for the future benefit of our children. Simultaneously, I have plans to initiate both livestock and fruit farming, establishing a diversified and sustainable source of income, especially for my children's education. Currently, I am actively saving with the Sacco, and I anticipate soon being able to withdraw my savings and potentially obtain a loan. This financial boost will play a crucial role in realizing our land expansion goals and fostering a thriving farming enterprise, contributing to the long-term well-being of our family.

When I learned that I would be receiving my transfer, I knew it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Currently, my main source of income is my job as a driver, supplemented by occasional casual work. I live alone now, as my wife and I parted ways due to a misunderstanding, and we have two children together. Upon receiving the transfer, I immediately decided to invest in fencing my land. This step would not only allow me to cultivate fruits and generate additional income but also provide security for my property by deterring intruders. I spent $150 to the fencing project, ensuring the protection and productivity of my land. The remaining $27 was wisely used to stock up on essential food supplies for my household. I am delighted that this financial support has led to an improvement in my life, which was previously hindered by financial constraints. It has truly made a positive difference.

Receiving my transfer has had a great impact on my life. It allowed me to achieve a long-standing dream of fencing my land, something I once thought was impossible. This fence will enable me to cultivate fruits, creating an additional source of income. I am immensely grateful for the support that has enabled me to reach this significant milestone.

The moment I received my transfer, I can recall that I was deeply absorbed in my casual work in the village when, all of a sudden, I heard my phone vibrate. Upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. It was the most thrilling news I had received in a while. I knew that, at the very least, I would now be able to realize my dreams in a relatively short span of time, and this thought filled me with immense happiness.