I am truly grateful for the support I have received from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly changed my perspective on life and made me more proactive. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my goal is to establish a retail business by opening a small shop within the village. This shop will cater to the immediate community, which currently has to travel far to acquire household goods. I am diligently growing my savings, and I hope that by early next year, I will be well-prepared to initiate the purchase of the business goods and start this new venture.

When GiveDirectly stepped into our village to enroll and give us the cash support, it was a true blessing, especially for those of us who were suffering and watching our hopes in farming wither away due to the relentless drought. Their support came just when we were in disarray. GiveDirectly has not only rejuvenated our hope but has also provided us with a lifeline we would not want to let go of. I firmly believe that the same approach should be extended consistently to other villages. Its effectiveness and helpfulness, particularly in its unconditional nature, have proven invaluable, and it would undoubtedly make a profound difference in countless other communities just as it has in ours.

Upon receiving the third and final transfer from GiveDirectly, I had a lot of plans in mind and was determined to make the most of it. I decided to invest $280 in purchasing a cow, which I hope will prove valuable not only for milk production but also for covering school fees for my three children through the sale of her offspring. My family and I were excited to upgrade our wardrobes, so I spent $50 on buying new clothes for my wife and children, replacing our old ones. Additionally, I spent $105 on acquiring three more goats to add to our existing herd, viewing it as a long-term investment to help cover school fees for my children and other household expenses. With the remaining $15, I purchased household goods, which served as a supplement to my earnings from casual labor, since finding such work had become increasingly challenging in recent times.

Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my goal is to establish a retail business right here in our village. The lack of nearby shops has led community members to travel more than 5km to purchase essential household goods. Inspired by this need, I am determined to open a small shop that will cater to their requirements within a walking distance, providing convenience and accessibility. Simultaneously, this endeavor will serve as a source of income for my family of five, ensuring our financial stability and well-being.

GiveDirectly has been instrumental in addressing our long-standing struggle with hunger, particularly due to the prolonged absence of rainfall for the past two years. By providing monetary support, GiveDirectly enables us to tackle the specific and unique challenges faced by each household. I am genuinely grateful for the generous support that was distributed fairly to every household following the enrollment process. Witnessing the positive impact firsthand, I sincerely hope that the same approach can be implemented in other villages, as it has the potential to alleviate poverty and combat hunger in those communities as well. While GiveDirectly has done commendable work, it could consider expanding its reach and impact to help even more individuals and communities in need.

Previously, our family of five relied on livestock farming for our livelihood, but the adverse effects of drought have made it unproductive and unreliable. However, the support we received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in our lives. With the second transfer, I allocated $35 towards purchasing food supplies, hoping for rainfall that would enable us to resume our farming activities. Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency in food production and exploring market opportunities, I made a substantial investment in a generator, which cost $270. This generator will play a vital role in pumping water for irrigation on the one-acre piece of land I am currently farming and can also be leased out to other farmers, providing an additional source of income. To facilitate water conveyance, I also acquired four plastic pipes and a 6-meter hose pipe for $104. Additionally, I used $22 to buy farm inputs such as fertilizer and bean seeds. During the planting process, I spent $5 to hire labor, ensuring efficient and timely sowing. The remaining $10 was spent on essential household goods that were previously lacking.

I vividly remember the time I received my transfer. I was working on the farm when my phone rang unexpectedly. Upon answering, I discovered that Segovia Technology had deposited money into my account. The overwhelming joy I experienced was beyond words. Without delay, I called my wife to share the incredible news with her. The happiness we both felt was indescribable. Subsequently, we began discussing and strategizing how we would wisely utilize the transferred funds now that we had much-needed cash at our disposal.

The transfer I received from the organization has brought about a significant transformation in my daily life. It has infused me with a renewed sense of drive and motivation to succeed, ultimately leading to an improvement in my economic situation. This positive change not only benefits me but also secures a better future for my family. Previously, the lack of resources made it challenging to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. I will forever be grateful for the support that has fundamentally altered the course of my life.

For as long as I can remember, my aspiration has been to establish a retail business specializing in household items. However, financial limitations and the responsibilities of school fees have made it challenging to pursue this dream. As a farmer, married with three children, the moment I received my transfer presented a golden opportunity. I immediately seized it by purchasing a weighing scale for $60, which would be essential for measuring sugar in my envisioned business. Additionally, I invested $62 in acquiring a sack of maize and $10 for various other foodstuffs. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the soil, I allocated $8 to purchase manure. The happiness and excitement that fill me now are immeasurable, as I finally see my long-held dream inching closer to reality.