I am optimistic about the upcoming maize harvest on my 3-acre farm. , I expect to harvest around 60 bags of maize. Based on the contractual terms I have with the Kenya Seed Company market is readily available. They typically buy one kilogram at around $90 per bag. This should provide me with a good income that I can use to address my son's high school fees, which have been a concern. Beyond that, I plan to use part of the income to start a cereal-selling business. This diversification of income sources will help enhance my family's financial stability. Even if my crop farming fails in the future, the cereal business should provide a steady stream of profits that can cover our needs. The reliable market for my maize crop, combined with the potential profits from the cereal business gives me hope for a better tomorrow.

Before receiving the GiveDirectly transfers, I didn’t know much about budgeting or managing my finances. However, the education we got from the officers at the community meeting and during enrollment on wise spending really improved my budgeting skills. The unconditional nature of the cash transfer gave me the responsibility to plan on my own, as we all have diverse needs. Knowing the transfer amount during enrollment also helped me plan ahead. The only area I think GiveDirectly could improve is by exploring more ways to empower us after the transfers are complete. Overall, I’m very grateful for their approach; the combination of unconditional cash assistance and financial education has been truly transformative. I hope GiveDirectly continues this impactful work in our community.

As a farmer, I've faced some tough challenges in recent years. For the past three years, persistent droughts have made it difficult to get successful harvests from my crop farming. I tried selling some of my goats to make ends meet, but that option is now limited as I have only a few remaining. Despite the setbacks, I am determined to provide for my son's education. I used $100 from my latest transfer to pay his school fees, reducing the outstanding balance to $100. This year, however, has been more promising. This year, however, has been promising, with good rains that gave me hope for a better harvest. I decided to rent an additional acre of land near a river, spending $100. Together with the two acres I already had, I paid $150 on plowing. I then planted seed maize crops under a contract with the Kenya Seed Company and invested an extra $75 in three bags of fertilizer, at $25 each, to enrich the soil and boost my crop's growth. In a few weeks, my maize will be ready for harvest, and I'm confident that the proceeds will help me pay my son's school fees and other bills without too much struggle. The remaining $25 I had went towards food expenses. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.

I am determined to invest in vegetable farming and make the most of my newly fenced farm By investing in irrigation practices, I aim to minimize losses due to changing climatic conditions. This strategy will maximize my yields and allow me to sell the surplus and earn an income. With this income, I hope to provide my children with an education, changing their lives for the better tomorrow. I do not want them to face the same challenges I am facing in the future. My education journey was cut short because my parents couldn't afford my school fees, and they arranged for me to get married instead. Had I had the opportunity to complete my education, my life could have been much better. Now, I am committed to ensuring that my children do not follow in my footsteps and are given every chance to succeed.

GiveDirectly's support has brought significant changes to my home, enabling me to meet various needs. The opportunity to join voluntarily was the best aspect. GiveDirectly officers made sure I understood everything before I made any decisions. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this commendable approach. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making a difference in our lives.

Focusing on the future of my children, I chose to invest in their education as my priority upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly. I allocated $150 to cover part of the school fees for my two kids, one in high school and the other in junior secondary school. As a farmer with unpredictable rainfall patterns, my yields are often low, and my husband, an elementary school teacher, contributes less due to his obligations to another family he started with a different wife. With only two plastic seats in my home, I felt the need for more seating space. Therefore, I purchased a three-seater sofa for $60, enhancing the comfort of my living space. To address our food scarcity, I spent $65. Recognizing the importance of a sustainable food source, I invested $80 in fencing materials to protect my kitchen garden from freely roaming livestock, allowing me to grow vegetables. Wanting to keep a tangible reminder of the support from GiveDirectly, I bought a goat for $50. This added to our assets and served as a living memory of the assistance we received from GiveDirectly. Additionally, I paid $20 towards my television, which I'm purchasing in installments, further improving our home life. The remaining $25 I used on transportation and other household necessities.Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support that has made a significant difference in our lives.

While toiling in the farm with two companions, the moment money arrived, a surge of joy overwhelmed me. Instantly, I envisioned ensuring my kids had proper Christmas attire, a stark contrast to their previous lack. Gratitude and happiness filled my heart, knowing their festive season would now be adorned with joy and warmth.

Since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly, the most significant change in my life is evident in my health. I can now afford three meals a day, a luxury I didn't have before. This improvement has not only impacted my well-being but also brought happiness to my family.

I recently spent my latest transfer wisely. I allocated $200 for buying essential food items for my family of five. Additionally, I invested in crop farming, specifically maize, and bought four chickens for subsistence farming, with plans to expand into commercial poultry. The surplus from my farming endeavors will contribute to covering school fees for my four children who are currently attending school.