In the coming year, my goal is to launch a farming venture and dedicate my efforts to it. I am fortunate that my uncle has agreed to lend me an acre of land situated near the river, making irrigation feasible as our region does not receive consistent rainfall. I am deeply grateful for this chance and am determined to make the most of it. I intend to cultivate maize and beans on this land, both for personal consumption and for commercial purposes. I am confident that this agricultural project will not only sustain my family but also provide a foundation for offering the best for my children's future, freeing me from the many worries of fending for them.

What stood out to me about GD is their genuine commitment to helping the poor. They made a significant promise of financial support, and I am delighted to confirm that they fulfilled their commitment, delivering the exact amount they pledged. The fact that this transfer was not a loan requiring repayment is a tremendous relief. Repaying a loan would have posed challenges for us, but GD's unconditional support has been a lifeline. I am profoundly thankful for their assistance.

The meteorological forecast predicts abundant rainfall in our region during the final quarter of the year, bringing hope to our farming community, which often suffers due to dry spells. With this foresight, I utilized part of the transfer for agricultural purposes. I invested $60 in bean seeds and $70 in tomato seedlings. These crops, with their short three-month growth cycles, are well-suited for our area, especially when supplemented by irrigation from the nearby river. I am optimistic about a fruitful harvest, both for personal consumption and potential sales. The earnings from this venture are earmarked for my children's school fees next year. Considering the eight young ones still in lower classes, securing their education is paramount. Additionally, I expanded my goat herd by adding two goats, each costing $50. I plan to raise them, selling their offspring in the future to support their education. Furthermore, I saved the remaining amount in my Mshwari account. This financial preparation is crucial, as I have a child undergoing final primary school exams next month, with secondary school expenses looming ahead. From purchasing school materials to settling fees, I am relieved that I am now financially prepared for this significant event in my child's life.

Throughout the year, our community has grappled with a relentless drought, making it exceedingly challenging to plan ahead, especially in terms of farming. Despite its pivotal role as our primary livelihood, the unpredictable weather and insufficient resources for irrigation have subjected us to hardship. In the upcoming year and beyond, my aspirations revolve around initiating the preparation of my acre-sized plot and ensuring a timely planting. This will enable me to effectively manage all cultivation practices, encompassing irrigation, spraying, and eventual harvesting. I intend to divide the land into three sections: one dedicated to maize, another to tomatoes, and the last to vegetables. I gear all these to guarantee ample sustenance for my family of nine while also generating surplus produce for sale within our immediate community, thereby generating income.

GiveDirectly has made a remarkable impact in our village, uplifting numerous families through their unrestricted cash transfers. This experience marks the first instance in my life where I have received a substantial sum of money. Despite initial skepticism, I have grown confident in its authenticity and now look forward to maximizing its benefits. GiveDirectly's approach not only provided us with financial resources but also eliminated spending restrictions, empowering each individual to make personal decisions about their cash. This has enabled us to effectively address pressing concerns such as school fees, food provision, and future planning in anticipation of subsequent transfers. I am appreciative and commend GiveDirectly for their generous support, and I hope to see similar positive transformations replicated in other villages.

Upon receiving the most recent transfers from GiveDirectly, I had a multitude of tasks that required careful planning and thoughtful allocation. A top priority was purchasing vital food provisions such as maize, beans, rice, and sugar, totaling $100, to sustain my family of nine. In the past, my livelihood hinged on livestock farming, casual labor, and charcoal production—although the latter is now restricted due to its negative impact on an already struggling environment grappling with a challenging climate. Additionally, I invested $240 to purchase two goats, both priced at $120. I am currently raising these goats with the intention of eventually selling their offspring, aiming to cover my children's educational expenses and other household needs. Furthermore, I spent $200 on my children's schooling: one is attending a private boarding school, while the other is in secondary school Form 2. I take immense pleasure in their enthusiastic engagement with their educational journeys. Lastly, I allocated the remaining $30 to acquire new clothing and shoes for my children, replacing their worn-out attire.

The memory of receiving the money is still vivid in my mind. After a tiring day of work on the farm, I was at home, taking a moment to relax when my phone suddenly rang. I eagerly checked and discovered that Segovia Technology had sent me money. The joy that washed over me was beyond words, and I immediately shared the wonderful news with my equally elated wife. Without wasting any time, we began planning how to make the most of the transfer now that we had the much-needed funds at our disposal.

Since receiving financial aid, the biggest difference in my daily life has been the profound sense of peace and relief. A heavy burden that once weighed heavily on my shoulders has been lifted. With the assistance provided, I was able to settle the fee arrears of my children, alleviating a significant source of stress. Furthermore, our household now enjoys an abundant supply of food, a stark contrast to the days when we struggled to make ends meet. The support we received has truly transformed our quality of life, and I am immensely grateful for its positive impact.

Upon the arrival of GiveDirectly in our village, a surge of relief washed over me, anticipating the significant positive impact their assistance could bring to our lives. With my successful registration, my hopes were confirmed, and I felt immense joy knowing that I would be among the beneficiaries. Immediately, I began pondering the most effective way to utilize the funds. As my wife and I heavily rely on farming as our main source of income, supplemented by occasional odd jobs, we always prioritize the well-being of our seven children. Using my second transfer wisely, I spent $600 on school fees, addressing our most pressing need at the time. Subsequently, I purchased a $70 sack of maize to sustain our family's food supply. Recognizing the value of livestock, I decided to invest $50 in acquiring a goat. Finally, I utilized $20 to purchase fertilizer, aiming to enhance our farming yield. I am overjoyed to report that everything unfolded according to plan, thanks to the invaluable assistance I received.