I've got this vision for the future, you know? First things first, I really want to bring in a dairy cow. It's not just about having fresh milk at home; it's about turning it into a business. A dairy cow could mean more than just nutritional benefits—it could be a source of income. And that's something I'm really excited about. Then there's the house, right now, it's getting a bit cramped, especially with the family growing. The dream is to build a better and more comfortable place. A place where the kids can have space to run around and grow and giving them a home they can truly thrive in. The best part is, without school fees to worry about at the moment, every cent can go into building that dream house. It's like a focused effort to create a better tomorrow for the family.

The impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly has been nothing short of transformative. Lives have taken a positive turn—people are not just dreaming of building houses, they're actually doing it. Children who might have otherwise faced obstacles to education are now in school, shaping their futures in meaningful ways. The fact that GiveDirectly goes beyond just providing financial support and actively follows up on the transfers speaks volumes. This follow-up shows a genuine commitment to the well-being of the recipients. It's not just about handing over funds; it's about ensuring that the support translates into tangible improvements in people's lives. It reflects a trust in the recipients' ability to use the resources wisely and a shared goal of upliftment. Knowing that there's ongoing support and guidance reinforces the idea that these transfers are not just a one-time solution but a sustained effort to empower individuals and communities. The ripple effect of these transfers goes beyond the immediate material changes—it's about instilling a sense of hope, agency, and responsibility. It's a powerful demonstration of how targeted assistance, when coupled with genuine care and follow-up, can be a catalyst for positive change and a pathway to a brighter future.

Spending $350 to put up a protective fence around my farm was crucial for me. It wasn't just about securing the land; it was about safeguarding what I've worked hard for. The farm represents a source of sustenance and potential income. Creating a barrier against intruders is an investment in the future, ensuring that the fruits of my labor stay within my family's reach. Recognizing the financial challenges at home, I decided to allocate $50 to my wife, who is part of a chama. This collective effort to manage finances has proven to be a lifeline during tough times. It's a support system that we can fall back on when our personal funds fall short. Knowing that there's a reliable source of financial assistance within our community brings a sense of security and shared responsibility. As for $50, we used it on food. The idea of doing casual jobs to provide for my family of three children has been a constant in my life. But sometimes, despite my best efforts, debts would accumulate. Allocating a portion of the funds to food wasn't just about the immediate need; it was a step towards breaking free from the cycle of debt, ensuring that my family could enjoy meals without the weight of financial stress.

My primary objective before this year concludes is to resolve our water issues by guaranteeing a continuous supply at home. My aim is to enhance my family's comfort by ensuring access to clean, piped water within our household. Going to the river to fetch water only to come home hours later, tired and with very little water is not worth it at all.

Give Directly decision to provide support to the most vulnerable community through unconditional transfers, disregarding factors such as status, education, gender, or age, was truly exceptional. We are very grateful for the privilege of experiencing and benefiting from such a compassionate initiative. Additionally, we appreciate the opportunity to receive financial education on the optimal utilization of funds, which has empowered us to make informed decisions and maximize the impact of the assistance we have received.

The primary objective for my second transfer was to enclose my property, so I spent $22.5 on barbed wire and $100 on posts to fence the entire land, creating boundaries to keep my neighbor's livestock and people from trespassing . I used $50 to purchase an additional goat to add to my herd. To ensure we wouldn't run out of provisions, I spent $70 on food supplies that will be enough to sustain us until we receive our last batch of transferes. Lastly, I dedicated $20 towards the dues for my wife's table banking group.

I remember the exact moment when I received my transfer vividly. I was returning home from the farm when my phone buzzed, startling me. Curious, I checked my messages and discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. A surge of joy overwhelmed me as I realized that this was the assurance I needed to pursue my goals. Excitedly, I shared the news with my wife as soon as I arrived home, and she too was filled with happiness. With the funds in our hands, we embarked on our plans, knowing that we had the financial means to achieve them.

The biggest difference between the past and the present is our ability to invest the funds we received into our farm, fostering hope for a plentiful harvest. This prospect ensures that we will have an ample food supply at home, alleviating any concerns about how to manage our finances. I am sincerely grateful for the financial support we received, as it has empowered us to improve our living standards significantly.

Both my wife and I work as teachers, and we have two children in our family. The support we received from GiveDirectly felt like a blessing from above, especially because it arrived during the planting season, precisely when we needed it most. As soon as we received the transfer, my wife and I mutually agreed to allocate the funds toward our farming endeavors. We spent $135 on land preparation and an additional $52 on purchasing seedlings. With the remaining funds, we acquired fuel for the generator, enabling us to pump water from the nearby river. Without the timely assistance we received, none of this would have been possible. I am filled with joy, knowing that soon we will have an abundant food supply to sustain our family.