Now that I've sorted out some things like having a good home and a few goats, I'm shifting my focus. My idea is to get into farming and open a small grocery store for my wife. This way, she can keep busy and help provide for our family's needs while I concentrate on farming to earn money for school fees. We're working together to make sure our future is brighter.

Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has changed for the better. It was hard for me to afford a good home and even keep goats, let alone pay for my kids' school fees. But now, things are different. My goats have had babies, and I'm able to milk them, so we don't have to buy milk anymore. Before, there were times when we could go to bed hungry because all our money went toward school fees. But now, life is much easier.I'm grateful for the help we've received. When you visit other villages, please help them like you've helped us.

Before I got help, life was really tough. I had a casual job burning charcoal, but the money I made barely covered food and sometimes school fees for my five kids. We lived in a small, cramped house made of iron sheets. There wasn't enough space for all of us, but we had no choice. When I received my last transfer, I decided to change things. I used it all to build two new rooms made of Iron sheets for my kids and visitors. Now, my family has more space, and my kids can sleep comfortably. My wife and I still use our old room made of Iron sheets but it feels better knowing our kids have their own space. Thanks to GiveDirectly, everything is different now. Our compound looks nice, and I'm not embarrassed to have visitors anymore. I'm so grateful for the help.

As I continue to work towards covering the school fees of my two children, who are currently enrolled in secondary school, my aspirations for the upcoming year and beyond involve an expansion of my agricultural endeavors beyond my current focus on goat farming. My goal is to lease an additional parcel of land that offers access to water for irrigation. While I recognize the substantial investment required for leasing and implementing irrigation, my plan is to secure a plot in close proximity to major rivers, albeit a bit distant from my current residence. This strategic location would enable me to reduce expenses associated with purchasing numerous pipes and engaging in extensive water pumping from the river to the farm. To fund this venture, I intend to utilize proceeds from the sale of some of the goats, along with the savings I have accrued from my ongoing small-scale farming activities.

Life was incredibly challenging before the initial transfer from GiveDirectly, in stark contrast to the remarkable transformation that is currently seen throughout the entire village. The constant struggle with hunger, driven by our reliance on subsistence farming that frequently failed due to severe droughts, has now been replaced by a sense of stability. The introduction of GiveDirectly was met with gratitude, as the support provided came in the form of unconditional cash that we were explicitly instructed to use for any urgent household needs as per our own decisions. The impact has been truly remarkable, and the entire community expresses deep appreciation for the support, with many of us hoping that this aid could extend beyond the originally promised three transfers. Since its inception, there has not been a single misstep, and we extend our best wishes to GiveDirectly as they expand their operations to reach even more disadvantaged individuals across various villages.

I was facing multiple challenges when I received the second transfer, but my utmost priority, however, was to construct a new dwelling. The previous one-room structure couldn't accommodate guests, including my children, who visited during school breaks. Since my father's passing, I have taken charge of our family land. My elderly mother had moved in with my wife and kids, leaving me responsible. Thus, we regularly visited the land and the old home. To achieve this, I spent $272 to purchase construction materials: 17 iron sheets, 8 frames, and 10 construction poles. With these supplies, I managed to build a more spacious and sturdy house. Throughout the construction process, I managed $30 in building expenses, resulting in a successful outcome. I also contemplated expanding my livestock initiative. By investing $120, I acquired an additional four goats, complementing the initial three from the first payment. Our vast and vegetation-rich terrain supports successful goat farming. Their diet of leaves and shrubs thrives in our thickets and bushes. I hope to oversee this venture, selling offspring to cover household and educational expenses for my two school-going children. Moreover, I allocated the remaining $28 to procure essential food and household items. This suffices, considering I am presently living alone.

The promise of receiving funds from GiveDirectly brought a wave of anticipation and hope into my life. I vividly remember being in the field, fully engrossed in tending to my goats, when my peace was abruptly interrupted by the sudden buzz of a notification. Intrigued, I swiftly retrieved my phone and discovered a text from GiveDirectly, confirming that they had sent me money. The sheer excitement that coursed through me was overwhelming, as I realized that this financial support would enable me to wholeheartedly pursue the aspirations I had set for myself. I eagerly awaited my wife's return from the stream, eager to share the incredible news with her. When she finally arrived, I joyfully relayed the information, and her happiness mirrored mine. Together, we expressed our deepest gratitude for this opportunity and shared a profound sense of happiness and contentment.

The assistance I received has influenced my day-to-day life. The provided funds enabled me to fulfill my long-held aspiration of acquiring additional goats within a remarkably short timeframe. This has had a significant financial impact on our lives, as it has provided us with a valuable resource to rely on in times of emergencies. Furthermore, our household is now adequately stocked with essential food supplies, marking a stark contrast to the past when we struggled to make ends meet daily. The support we have received has tremendously enhanced our living standards, and I am filled with immense gratitude for this transformative assistance.r

After receiving my transfer, I pondered over how to wisely invest the funds. One idea that stood out was acquiring additional goats to complement the one I already owned. This decision not only ensured the security of the funds but also presented a sustainable investment opportunity with potential appreciation in value. Consequently, I spent $120 on purchasing goats. Additionally, I utilized $66 to buy a sack of maize and used $14 for purchasing clothes. Until now, my financial limitations had prevented me from pursuing this endeavor. My livelihood relies on farming and raising goats, which barely sustains the needs of my wife and four children. Finally, I am grateful that I can now expand my goat herd, providing me with an increased source of income.