In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to ensure that my children's education continues uninterrupted. To achieve this, I plan to complete school fee payments for them. I fully understand the importance of education in shaping their future, and I am committed to providing them with this essential foundation. To make this possible, I will continue to rely on my Bodaboda business, which has been a reliable source of income. Additionally, I intend to explore goat sales as an additional means of support. By combining these two income streams, I hope to secure the necessary funds to fulfill this important commitment. Education is a priority for our family, and it is a responsibility I take to heart. I am determined to work hard and ensure that my children have the opportunity to receive a quality education, providing them with the tools they need to achieve their dreams and build a better future.

From my perspective, GiveDirectly has made a profound impact by extending assistance through their transfers. The changes brought about by their support have been nothing short of remarkable, touching the lives of many families. The positive transformations can be seen in various aspects, such as fee payments, assets acquired, and the revenue generated from water-related investments. The benefits have been substantial, and I cannot help but imagine the potential if GiveDirectly were to return for a second round of support. The investments, both financial and emotional, would undoubtedly multiply, leading to even greater positive changes. The ripple effect of their generosity would reach far and wide, ushering in a brighter future for many more individuals and communities. The impact of their assistance is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when compassion and support come together to uplift lives.

My family of seven relies on my earnings from the Bodaboda business and my income as a pastor,which is somewhat limited. When the transfers finally came through, it was a moment of both relief and excitement. I knew exactly where my priorities lay, and I acted accordingly. The education of my son in college was paramount, so I dedicated a significant portion, $289, to cover his school fees. Ensuring he had the opportunity to pursue his studies without financial worry was a weight off my shoulders. With the remaining funds, I turned my attention to school shopping. Investing in my children's education does not stop at fees; providing them with the necessary supplies and resources is equally important. This allocation was an investment in their future, and it brought me a sense of fulfillment. The weight of supporting a family is substantial, but the transfers have lightened this burden significantly. I find peace in knowing that the biggest concern, ensuring my son's college education, has been addressed. The path ahead feels a little smoother, and with hard work and faith, I am confident we will continue to progress.

Looking ahead to the coming years and beyond, my focus is on the expansion of my kiosk business, which I'm eager to start with the third transfer. I have my sights set on opening the business in our nearest village, as I see it as a golden opportunity. Our center has few shops, and I believe my kiosk will fill a much-needed gap in the community. I am determined to make this business a thriving source of income for my family, which excites me. I picture an active center where people can shop for necessities and receive outstanding customer service. I believe this is my chance to improve our neighborhood and ensure a better future for all of us.

In my opinion, GD has truly excelled in providing us with lump-sum transfers. The impact of this has been tremendous, and we have utilized the opportunity to make significant investments that will undoubtedly improve our lives. Personally, I am overjoyed that the transfer enabled me to invest in my child's education. Being able to pay her school fees on time fills me with pride, as I used to feel saddened when she was at home while her classmates were in school due to my failure to pay the fee. With heartfelt gratitude, we say, "Thank you, GD, for being a blessing in our lives."

The transfer has made a remarkable change in my life. I used $150 from it to ensure my child's education remained uninterrupted by paying her fee. I promptly paid her secondary school fee, preventing any possibility of her being sent home and allowing her to focus on her studies with peace of mind. Next, I used $20 to invest in building a small kitchen out of iron sheet. Before, we faced challenges cooking in the open air, enduring scorching sun, or getting soaked by rain. Now, with a proper kitchen, we can cook comfortably and enjoy meals together without worry. Recognizing the hardships we faced as a family, I used $100 to provide essential food. This was crucial as times have been tough since my motorcycle taxi business has been suffering due to increased competition. Earnings have decreased, and the $30 per day I make is simply not enough to cater to my family's food needs.

I was just passing through Koriema Center, where I would always stop to grab food to take home, when the transfers arrived. This surprised me because I did not expect to get them so soon, and the feeling in me could not be described. I was overjoyed since it seemed so timely; I had just received a call from my daughter's school requesting that I pay $100 in fees arrears or else she would be sent home. Previously, I would ask for help from the community to help me pay the school fees, and as their pastor, I had an advantage because I had a good relationship with everyone, and none of them would choose not to support me even though the amount raised was so small.

To me, I notice a shift within myself; the need to have money with me at all times so that I can buy food on a daily basis has subsided, and I am relieved. I would plunge into deep thoughts every day and perhaps lose it all if all of these challenges continued, and as a pastor of the community, we have been praying for aid, and I can confidently state that the Lord has answered us through GiveDirectly.

I used $100 to pay my daughter's form 3 school fee arrears. She contacted me to confirm that I had paid the amount after being informed by the school bursar and shown the message that I had sent. She was used to being sent back, so I could hear her joy in her voice after learning that she would not be returning home and being on the same level as her friends and classmates. Another thing that was a requirement at home was having food, and I spent $40 on a variety of food goods, which was unusual for us to have the option of picking what to eat. Finally, because we didn't have a kitchen house to prepare food, I purchased iron sheets worth $60 so we could build one. During the rainy season, it can be difficult to cook outside with the firewood being rained on, even if you cover the fireplace. I wanted to make things easy for my wife and children by making them feel comfortable and safe when preparing meals for the family.