Building on my three years of experience in baking, my aspiration is to continue refining my skills, progressing from cakes to the category of bread production. At present, I am effectively distributing cakes using my two motorcycles along with an additional pair of rented bikes, servicing shops both within and beyond the county. Over the next one to two years, I aim to extend the scope of my venture by transitioning into bread manufacturing, achieved through the acquisition of an advanced oven capable of producing substantial quantities without compromising quality. As I proceed, I intend to accumulate savings from my current enterprise while embarking on educational visits to more advanced baking facilities. If circumstances permit, I also aim to hire an expert capable of producing a consistently high standard of quality that can compete effectively within the market.

GiveDirectly demonstrated commendable selflessness and impartiality throughout its operations, maintaining transparency from inception to conclusion. They fulfilled all their commitments in cash, affording individuals the freedom to allocate the funds as they deemed fit. The entire process was well-organized; however, I would suggest enhancing the practice of conducting spontaneous in-person follow-up visits. This precaution is necessary to ensure that some recipients do not misuse the transfers while withholding accurate information during inquiries. By addressing this, the program can prevent families from remaining in poverty despite receiving a significant sum of money.

Since the inception of GiveDirectly's presence in our village, its impact has been evident across the visited communities, and I am grateful for the significant progress I have achieved with the support I have received. For over three years now, I have been running a local baking enterprise, producing and distributing tea cakes within the local shopping centers and now even beyond the county borders. Utilizing the entire last transfer, I upgraded the venture by acquiring a $1200 electric cube kitchen oven. This enhancement has markedly improved efficiency; although it's a single-deck oven, I can now bake up to 90 tea cakes simultaneously. Previously, I relied on firewood and a large pan to fry cakes, resulting in inconsistent quality due to unregulated heat. However, the new oven is both user-friendly and energy-efficient, allowing for precise temperature control and immediate shut-off after baking. I am pleased that I have employed seven individuals on a wage basis, occasionally increasing the workforce depending on the workload and customer orders. This has enabled me to provide for my family of four, and my aspirations include further expansion through the acquisition of more advanced machinery capable of producing bread, which is highly competitive in the market.

A neighbor messaged me asking if I had received a message from GiveDirectly confirming the transfer. I wasn't at home at the time, and because I hadn't traveled with the registered SIM, I had to confirm it later when I got home. My wife was overjoyed when I told her the news. I decided to keep the collection for a week because I was not sure how to spend it with my family at that moment.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the joy in my family since bringing in a heifer. This has rekindled our hopes of producing enough milk from our farm to reduce the cost of buying from neighbors. I expect the heifer to be served for nine months before giving birth and beginning milk production.

For the past year, I have purchased at least two liters of milk daily for my family of four. This would set me back at least $8 per week. I spent $200 on a heifer after receiving the first transfer, hoping it will be productive when it calves. I am still buying milk and expect to do so for another year before it matures enough to provide enough milk for my family. I also spent $50 on household items, including food for my children. I decided to save the rest of the money in preparation for expanding a bakery business I am currently running. Even though I have been selling cakes locally, I have always wished to expand by introducing a mixing machine geared to reduce labor costs, improve quality, and expand a venture into a wider range of customers. The machine costs $700, and I am hoping that the second transfer will help me purchase one. I am thankful for the progress I have made with the first transfer and hope to see more transformation in the coming months.