For this year and beyond, my immediate plan is to start crop farming, specifically maize farming. This will help ensure that my family remains food secure, as maize is a staple food that we rely on. By generating enough produce, I will also be able to pay the school fees for my wife, who is scheduled to graduate next year. The thought of achieving this fills me with joy, as it means I will no longer have to struggle to meet our needs. With a stable source of food and income, I feel hopeful for the future and excited about the opportunities ahead.

GiveDirectly has done an excellent job alleviating poverty through its conditional cash program. What stood out to me the most was their integrity. They do not ask for bribes, and they are not involved in local politics, which makes their work even more admirable. This transparency and honesty have earned my trust. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to continue with its current program, as it is effective and has made a positive impact on many people's lives, including mine.

Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with gratitude and immediately set my plans into motion. Previously, I did not own any livestock, and I saw this as an opportunity to invest in these valuable assets that create a sustainable impact. I used $270 to buy livestock, including one cow and two sheep. My goal is for them to multiply and become a source of income while providing a safety net for future emergencies. I also allocated $40 toward my wife’s college education. In the past, I relied on farming and fundraisers to support her studies, but this support from GiveDirectly has ensured she can continue her education uninterrupted. This will help her become competitive in the job market and open up better opportunities in the future. Additionally, I spent $50 on new clothes for my family, including my wife, our child, and myself. This has brought us comfort and confidence, making it easier to interact and associate with others in the community. I own a motorbike, which I use to transport people and goods around the village as a source of income. I spent $40 on repairs to ensure it remains in good working condition, securing this vital income stream for my family. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy food, as it is an essential need that no household can go without, especially when there is money available. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to address multiple important needs and create a foundation for a more secure and sustainable future for my family.

The moment I heard the news, my heart raced with excitement. I was at a nearby farm, doing casual work with my neighbor, when he mentioned that money had arrived. Unfortunately, I didn't have my phone with me because it was charging in town, so I couldn't confirm it myself. However, when I finally got my phone in the evening and saw the message, I was overjoyed! I had been dreaming of owning a cow again since mine had died from illness. I had been taking care of other people's cows, but it didn't feel right without having one of my own. This money gave me hope, and I was eager to use it to buy a new cow.

Before receiving the cash transfer, I felt hopeless and unable to buy a cow after losing my last one. I have always loved keeping livestock, but the death of my cow made me lose hope. My farm was supposed to provide income for buying livestock, but floods swept it away, leaving me with nothing. However, after getting the transfer, my hope was restored. I was finally able to purchase a cow again, which made me feel happy and motivated. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now start my livestock business once more and work towards a better future.

The day I got the cash transfer, I knew exactly how I would spend it. I immediately bought a cow for $140, which I consider an important asset. A cow is more than just livestock; it’s an investment. In case of an emergency, I can sell it to cover urgent expenses. Having this cow makes me feel secure, knowing that I have something valuable to rely on in the future. This is my way of planning ahead, especially since life can be unpredictable.With $20, I bought some food to stock up, just a little bit since I only have one child, and the food will last us for a while. I used $10 to buy a plastic table, which may sound small, but it has been really useful. I already had one table, but I wanted a portable one that I could carry outside to enjoy my morning tea in the fresh air. It’s these small comforts that make life feel a bit more enjoyable, and now, I have that.The remaining $30 went to paying for my wife's college fees. She’s studying, and it’s been a challenge to manage her school fees. In the past, we’ve had to rely on fundraising or my income from farming, but this transfer made it much easier. I feel proud that I could support her education without much struggle this time. My boda boda business brings in about $10 a day, which helps with the rest of our daily needs, but this transfer has really helped us manage things better.