One of my foremost priorities is to invest in acquiring goats. These animals hold significant value in our community, not only as a source of income but also as a symbol of financial stability. By expanding my goat herd, I can ensure that I have a steady source of income, which can be a lifeline in times of financial need. Another important goal I have in mind is to fence my farm. Currently, my farm is situated near the river, which, though advantageous for irrigation, presents certain challenges. Without proper fencing, my crops are vulnerable to damage by animals like goats and other threats. Fencing will safeguard my agricultural endeavors and allow me to farm more efficiently. I won't need to be physically present every day to protect my crops, which means I can invest more time in expanding and diversifying my farming activities. It's amazing how these transfers have the potential to create a ripple effect of progress and prosperity, and I'm eagerly looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and ensure that all my ambitions for the near future are met.

It's truly heartwarming to see how the GiveDirectly transfers have positively impacted our community. The fact that people have used these funds wisely to build houses is a testament to the responsible and thoughtful way everyone has approached this opportunity. These newly constructed houses provide better living conditions and symbolizes sense of progress and stability within our community. It's a visible sign of positive change, and it's inspiring to know that everyone is actively working towards improving their lives. Moreover, the fact that no one has misused the transfers demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and trust within our community. The development of new skills in managing finances and resources is another remarkable outcome. These skills will benefit us now and in the long run as we continue to make informed decisions about our financial well-being. Overall, it's a source of pride to witness the positive transformations happening in our community, and we can look forward to a prosperous future together.

I used $170 of the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase food. The ability to buy food without the constant worry of where the next meal would come from was a relief for my family. Before, I often had to go for casual work, which was physically demanding and offered irregular income. This made it challenging to keep food in our house, and we lived meal to meal. Additionally, I had accumulated a debt of $60 from borrowing food from a nearby kiosk during times when our casual jobs didn't yield enough income. The debt was a constant source of stress and anxiety, and I was eager to pay it off and regain our financial stability. I also spent $220 on iron sheets, which marked a step toward building the house I had always dreamed of. This house was not just about our family's comfort but also a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for the support we received from GiveDirectly. Our previous mud house was not suitable for our family of six children, and this opportunity allowed us to work towards a more stable and comfortable home.

I was winding down from my casual employment for the day when my phone rang. The sun was about to set. I quickly checked to see what sort of message it was since I was impatiently anticipating the promised transfer from GiveDirectly on that particular day. When I checked, I saw that I had gotten the initial round of GiveDirectly transfers. I ululated in delight and was pleased. I don't recall the particular song I sang that day, but I can say that I was happy and sang a happy tune.

The primary change brought about by the GiveDirectly transfer is the elimination of hunger. At first, our family went without meals for up to two days a week. I used to work sporadically at casual jobs that did not help me make ends meet since some days would go by without finding a job. We are content right now as a family since GiveDirectly has provided us with access to food.

After withdrawing the money, the first thing to do was to buy some food because, as a result of the protracted drought, hunger was rife in our area. A bag of maize, 20 kilos of beans, and 10 kilograms of rice cost me $100. To make sure I had food security at home, I conducted this shopping. I then made a $20 payment to the shopkeeper who had given us some maize flour on credit. I spent $30 for stationery for my child, who is in elementary school, as well as the remaining amount of his school tuition. Thereafter, I purchased some kitchenware for the family out of the $50 that was left.