In the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into chicken rearing as a new income-generating opportunity for my family of nine. To kickstart this business, I am estimating a capital requirement of $800. My strategy for raising this capital involves selling goats and utilizing the existing assets to fund this new venture. Chickens not only provide a sustainable source of meat and eggs but can also contribute significantly to the family's overall financial stability. I am optimistic that, with the right resources and dedication, the chicken-rearing venture will be a successful addition to our current goat-rearing activities. The goal is not only to generate income but also to enhance the resilience of our family's livelihood strategy. Givedirectly's support has been instrumental in bringing positive changes to our lives, and I am hopeful that this new endeavor will further contribute to the well-being and economic stability of my family.

I am elated by the fact that GiveDirectly operates as an independent body, free from taking sides and impartially assisting all those who meet the criteria. The support has reached my location, uplifting lives and making a positive impact. The inclusive approach, without favoritism, ensures that assistance is provided based on need rather than external factors. As a beneficiary, I find the current approach commendable and effective. The transparency and fairness embedded in GiveDirectly's operations have resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and communities. The fact that the organization considers criteria rather than external influences fosters trust and confidence in the assistance provided. In my view, the existing approach is working well, and there is no need for change. I appreciate the positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my community and the lives of those who have received assistance. The organization's commitment to impartiality and independence is truly commendable.

Receiving the transfers brought a significant positive change for my family of nine, and I made thoughtful allocations to address various needs. Expressing gratitude, I allocated $10 as thanksgiving to the church, acknowledging the blessings received. Prioritizing the immediate needs of the household, $150 was spent on food, ensuring that my family had sustenance during a crucial time. Another $50 went towards essential household goods like soap and sugar, contributing to the well-being of the family. Recognizing the importance of comfort and hygiene, $16 was allocated for bedding, while $5 was invested in solar energy, providing a sustainable source of power. The remaining funds were used for a farewell party for my son, marking a significant event in his life during an initiation ceremony in December 2023. As a family dependent on goat rearing for a livelihood, the income generated has traditionally been utilized to pay school fees for my children, and there is almost nothing to save. I am grateful for the assistance, as it came at a time of great need, providing essential resources to meet the basic needs of my family. The thoughtful allocations have not only addressed immediate necessities but also contributed to the well-being and joy of my family members.

Having owned a piece of land for a while, I have faced challenges in initiating farming operations due to a lack of capital. With the current presence of rainfall and the potential savings from casual labor and other farming activities, my goal for the coming year and beyond is to delve into extensive farming. This involves cultivating additional plots of land to increase food production and generate a surplus for sale, thereby creating a sustainable source of income. This endeavor aims to ease the financial burden on my family, enabling us to comfortably settle bills, including school fees, and procure sufficient food for our family of nine. I am optimistic that this step will bring about positive changes and improve our overall livelihood.

From my perspective, GiveDirectly's financial support has made a significant positive impact on my life. I was going through a challenging period where my reliance on casual labor was hampered by its scarcity. Despite owning goats, paying school fees for my four children remained a persistent challenge, often leading to the sale of goats. The unconditional cash transfer has provided a crucial lifeline, enabling me to implement and support various projects. With the hope to work diligently, I aim to make the money's impact evident and beneficial to my household. I appreciate how smoothly everything has gone, and I have no complaints. I genuinely hope that everyone in the village has enjoyed similar positive outcomes.

After receiving both the first and second transfers from GiveDirectly, providing for my family of nine has become much more manageable. The initial transfer allowed me to purchase essential items, and the second one came in handy. With a detailed list in hand, I prioritized spending $118 on food, ensuring a steady supply of maize and beans for my family. This has brought me a sense of peace, as I no longer need to rely solely on casual labor for our daily bread. Additionally, I invested $20 in a water container to facilitate storage during the rainy season, and $5 as a deposit for a rechargeable solar lighting system, replacing the kerosene lamp. I used $12 for clothes, providing new attire for my two daughters who were struggling with old and tattered clothing, and $65 for various household goods, including toiletries and kitchenware. I am delighted with the improved appearance of our home and the availability of these essential items, which were previously bought in small quantities or missed when funds were scarce. I saved the remaining $230, intending to use it to construct a pit latrine. This project aims to enhance our living standards by promoting better hygiene and proper waste disposal, avoiding contamination of the environment, especially after rainfall.

Around 3:00 p.m., I was present at a farewell event for one of my children's teachers who had retired. Unexpectedly, I received an SMS from Mpesa confirming the successful processing of a GD transfer. This filled me with great happiness, as this meant I would have money to buy food for my family. I continued participating in the gathering while looking forward to sharing this delightful news with my spouse later in the evening, after returning home.

I am experiencing a greater sense of happiness compared to before I received the transfer, primarily because I now have the means to provide food for my family. The constant concern and frustration about securing food for my young ones have been alleviated. Additionally, I find solace in the fact that we are in the process of constructing a latrine. This impending improvement will spare us from the ridicule we previously endured within the village.

I utilized $110 from the transfer to purchase food for my family of seven. Our household has been experiencing a scarcity of food due to the absence of employment for both my spouse and me. Our sole income source has been the sale of our goats, which has been under strain as we support our family's needs. As a result, we've been limited to having just two meals a day, carefully rationed to stretch them over time. Receiving this money has brought immense joy to our family, alleviating the worry of having enough to eat and ensuring our goats can also recover. In addition, I allocated $30 to cover my child's school fees. He's currently in his final year of high school, and this payment was essential to prevent any risk of him being sent home, as this would allow him to focus on his studies in preparation for the upcoming national exam. Recognizing the environmental and health risks posed by our open defecation practices, i.e., the cholera outbreak, I decided to invest $40 in digging a latrine hole, which, although not yet completed, signifies a significant step toward proper faeces disposal and a healthier environment.