In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to enclose my land with a chain-link fence, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a poultry farm. Currently, I sustain my income by purchasing chickens from local neighborhoods and selling them in nearby markets for a profit. To elevate this venture, I plan to utilize the savings I have set aside. These funds will play a pivotal role in expanding my business, enabling the purchase of fencing materials for securing the land and, subsequently, acquiring chickens to start the poultry project. The chain-link fence is not only a means of securing the property but also a crucial step towards creating a controlled and conducive environment for the successful development of the poultry farm.

Since the start of the program, from the initial meetings to the enrollment process and the distribution of transfers, GiveDirectly has consistently demonstrated excellence, earning appreciation from everyone in my community. The generosity extended to us is unprecedented in my experience, and I am grateful to be a part of this transformative initiative. GiveDirectly's approach has not only provided financial support but has also granted us the responsibility of handling a significant sum, encouraging us to plan and be accountable for every aspect of its usage. This experience has made us more attentive and responsible in managing the funds. I sincerely hope that other communities, like ours, have the opportunity to receive similar support from GiveDirectly, experiencing the positive and empowering impact that has become evident in my own life.

Before GiveDirectly, I relied on sporadic casual labor, which was hard to come by as many people were out seeking daily income. While I could manage my daily food while living alone, pursuing other projects to enhance my growth seemed impossible, as my survival was hand-to-mouth. GiveDirectly has brought about a positive change in the past few months, and I am pleased to have added five more goats, valued at $250, to the two I already had. My plan is to breed them and gradually increase the herd to contribute to future household bill payments and my children's school fees through the sale of the offspring. I also allocated $50 to purchase food for my current family of two after getting married, making my living situation less lonely. Welcoming my wife home, I covered her $5 transport cost and invested $25 in a new mattress, bringing comfort to our nights compared to the past when I slept on old rags and hides spread on the floor. Additionally, I settled a $100 debt at the nearby shop where I used to obtain food on credit. On a more personal note, I spent $25 on a memorial ceremony for my parents, who passed away years ago, contributing alongside my sibling and other family members. It's heartening to see positive changes and be able to contribute to meaningful events in my life.

I distinctly remember being at home, deeply engrossed in fencing my plot of land when I was suddenly startled by the sound of a message alert. As I checked my phone, I immediately realized that I had received the money that GiveDirectly had promised me. It became the happiest day of my life because I knew I had the opportunity to improve my life significantly. With well-laid plans already in place, it was incredibly easy to put the money to good use.

The transfer I received has brought a remarkable transformation in my life, filling me with immense happiness. One particularly significant change is that I was able to initiate a goat-rearing project, a dream that once seemed unattainable due to limited funds. This accomplishment has rekindled my hope for the future, as I aspire to expand the project further with additional funds from GiveDirectly. Moreover, the transfer enabled me to stock up on a sufficient supply of food, ensuring that I would not face hunger. This newfound sense of security and the overwhelming gratitude it brings me fills my heart with great joy.

I rely on selling hens to make a living, and I am not married yet. When I was assured that I would receive money from GiveDirectly, it rekindled my dream of starting a goat-rearing project. I had attempted it before, but unfortunately, all the goats I had perished due to illness. The income I generated from my chicken business was insufficient to purchase goats, so I primarily used the profits for food and other basic necessities. With the prospect of goats, I knew I could establish a reliable income source for emergencies. Consequently, I invested $150 to acquire three goats and allocated the remaining $28 for food supplies. I am delighted that my long-held dream has finally become a reality in such a short time.