I am educated, but I do not have the money to continue my education. My goal is to continue farming, and when we start earning an income, I hope to go back to school either for myself or for my wife to further her education. I believe education is important for a better future, so I will give her a chance to start first, and then I can pursue my studies later. This plan not only helps us improve our lives but also sets a good example for our children. I am determined to make this work, as I want to show my family that with hard work and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams. In the coming years, I see a brighter future for us, where education plays a key role in our success.

The officers from GiveDirectly were very good people who interacted positively with us. In cases where there were language barriers, they provided someone who understood our language to help communicate effectively. They taught us well about the program and how to use the support we received. Everything was okay, and I did not see anything bad during the process. I believe they should continue helping people improve their lives just as they have done for us. Overall, their approach has made a significant difference, and I appreciate their efforts.

In our community, livestock is important for survival, so I decided to invest in sheep with my unconditional cash transfer. I bought six sheep, both male and female, for $310. This investment means I’ll have milk for my family and a way to earn money when they multiply. Livestock has always been our best option, and this purchase gives me hope for a more secure future. Additionally, I used $50 to pay the school fees for my child, who was behind on payments. Education is important, and I wanted to make sure my child could continue studying without any problems.I also realized we had no food at home, so I spent another $50 to buy essential groceries. As a farmer, I used to grow watermelons and vegetables to sell for fees, but after the floods destroyed my crops and wiped out all my livestock, I struggled to provide for my family. The floods took away everything I worked hard for, including my three acres of maize. However, I am determined to rebuild our lives step by step. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my family since we had none left. It feels good to have decent clothing, especially when visiting friends and neighbors. My wife and I work hard together on our small farm, and we rely on each other to get through tough times. Life is still challenging, but with these new resources, I feel relieved and hopeful for a better future for my children and us.

I remember it was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and I was relaxing at home after church when I overheard my neighbors excitedly talking about receiving money from GiveDirectly. Curious and a bit anxious, I stepped outside the compound to check, as the network in my area is often poor. As soon as I did, my phone buzzed, and I eagerly opened the message. To my surprise and joy, it was the GiveDirectly transfer! My heart raced with excitement—I couldn’t believe it was real! That moment felt like a blessing, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

When the floods came, they took everything we had on the farm—our maize and melons were just a week away from harvest, and it all got swept away. I was devastated and knew I had to find a way to make money to sustain my family. Then, GiveDirectly's unconditional cash came, and it changed everything. I was able to replant, and now I have melons that will be ready for harvesting in 20 days. For the first time in a long while, I have something to look forward to. Before, I felt like I had nothing, and the weight of it was almost pulling me into depression. Now, I'm always busy on the farm, and it gives me a sense of purpose that I desperately needed.

When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I knew it was an opportunity to make meaningful investments. First, I used $30 to plough an acre of land with a tractor in preparation for planting melons. Melons are a profitable crop that takes about 65 to 70 days to mature, so I also spent $15 preparing ridges for irrigation and another $50 to buy quality melon seeds. I'm optimistic that the melons will fetch a good price, doubling my investment and significantly improving my family's financial situation. Beyond farming, I used $30 to buy a 90kg bag of maize, ensuring we had enough food, and another $10 to purchase other essential food items. Having a steady supply of food gives me the energy to work on the farm and manage other tasks. Additionally, I spent $35 on clothes for my three children, my wife, and myself, making sure everyone is comfortable and well-dressed. Education is important to me, so I put aside $20 to pay off my daughter's school fees arrears for Grade 4 at her private school. The remainder of the money went toward transportation costs for my trip to Marigat, where I withdrew the cash. Overall, this cash transfer has not only helped stabilize our current situation but also set us on a path toward a brighter future.