When I receive my transfers, my heart is set on one thing: clearing the arrears for my children's school fees. It pains me to see them missing out on education due to financial constraints. With seven children in school and $500 in arrears looming over us, I am deeply concerned about the impact it could have on their performance. I plan to spend $200 towards easing this burden, ensuring they can continue their education without interruption. Moreover, the constant leaky kitchen has been weighing heavily on my mind for the past three months. It breaks my heart to see my family endure discomfort, especially when it rains. They deserve a safe space to gather and share meals. That is why I am determined to spend $200 in renovating the kitchen, not just to fix the leaks but to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for my loved ones. Balancing these expenses is a labour of love, driven by my unwavering commitment to their well-being and happiness.

Farming in a semi-arid area can indeed be unpredictable and challenging. Despite our efforts to make it successful, the outcome often falls short of expectations. The presence of Prosopis trees in our area has been particularly problematic, as the sugar pods they produce harm the teeth of our goats, making it difficult for them to feed. Over the last three years, I have seen a significant decline in the number of goats we have, either due to having to sell them or because they succumb to diseases exacerbated by the conditions. However, there was a moment of joy when 10 of our goats gave birth five months ago, which increased our herd and added to the wealth of our family of 10. It is a reminder that even in challenging circumstances, there can still be moments of hope and resilience.

It has been remarkably tough for our family of 10, relying on farming to make ends meet. The adverse climatic conditions in our area have made farming difficult, affecting both crop and livestock production. This has put a strain on our finances, especially when it comes to paying school fees for our seven children. Last term was particularly challenging when three of our children had to collect school fees arrears of $350, causing them to miss school sessions. To raise part of the fee, I had to sell some of our sheep, which was a difficult decision to make. However, there is still a balance remaining, and I am worried they will face the same situation again if I cannot clear it soon. It is a constant source of concern for me as a parent, and I am exploring every option to ensure our children can continue their education without interruption.