In the coming years, my focus will be on expanding my barber business by establishing a barbershop in a nearby center. I view this as a promising opportunity, especially considering the lack of such services in our area. The additional income generated from this venture will be crucial in supporting my family's financial needs. With determination and hard work, I am optimistic about the success of this new venture and the stability it will bring to our lives.

I appreciate GD's approach for its fairness and lack of discrimination in distributing transfers. In my village, nearly everyone received their share, creating a positive impact on our living standards as a community. I am pleased to witness significant improvements around us. People utilized the transfers wisely, investing in better living conditions, education, and income-generating activities. Personally, I utilized the funds to fence my one-acre land, allowing me to farm peacefully without the worry of animals damaging my crops. This sense of security and progress is truly invaluable.

A terrible turn of events occurred on the third transfer when my relatives stole $220 from me by snatching my phone by force and gaining access to my Mpesa account. Determined not to succumb to despair, I utilized $50 from the remaining amount to seek justice, filing a case with the police, and hoping for a resolution that would bring solace. Undeterred by adversity, I embarked on a bold venture, investing $30 in a mobile shaving business within our village. This business venture has been successful, producing around $2 each day. This income has become the lifeline for my young family of three, ensuring that they have their basic needs met without compromise. With the remaining funds, I prioritized the well-being of my family. I invested in purchasing essential food supplies, guaranteeing that my loved ones are well-nourished. This decision was crucial, especially considering the disappointing harvest we faced this year due to the unfortunate lack of rainfall.

In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to acquire a larger solar panel and battery setup. This is particularly important as our village lacks access to electricity. Additionally, I have plans to establish my own barbershop. My faith in divine providence leads me to believe that a pathway will open, even though my upcoming third transfer may fall short in terms of funding. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that this step will bring me closer to realizing my dreams.

From my perspective, GiveDirectly has genuinely transformed our lives for the better. The sensitization sessions we attended were highly enlightening, providing valuable insights into avenues for investment and prudent measures to protect our finances. At this point, I haven't pinpointed any aspects that require modification or correction.

Despite the challenges my wife and I have faced concerning her ability to conceive, leading her to seek a traditional solution from her parents, I remain hopeful for her return and a positive outcome. With my second transfer, I chose to invest $300 in fencing my land to enable cultivation due to its proximity to a borehole, a task that was difficult previously given my reliance on sporadic casual jobs and my modest income from barber work. The remaining $100 was spent on purchasing foodstuffs, while $50 was saved. The assistance has instilled profound gratitude in us, as it has brought substantial hope into our lives.

The memory of the moment I received my transfer from GiveDirectly is still fresh in my mind. I was at home, engrossed in washing my clothes when I suddenly heard the sound of my phone buzzing. Curiosity took over, and as I checked my phone, I was greeted with a delightful message notifying me of a $180 transfer from GiveDirectly. A wave of happiness washed over me, filling me with indescribable joy. Despite my excitement, I chose to keep this news to myself, as I harbored doubts about sharing it with those around me. The sheer bliss of receiving the transfer momentarily overshadowed my weariness. I was overwhelmed by the possibilities it presented, and immediately began envisioning how I could make the most of the funds to pursue my dreams.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the ability to enjoy three meals a day, a stark contrast to the past when we often had to settle for just one meal or even go to bed hungry. This positive transformation is largely attributed to the financial assistance I received. With the support I obtained, I was able to procure a sack of maize, a precious resource that now ensures an abundant food supply for my household. This stands in sharp contrast to the hardships we previously faced, constantly struggling to make ends meet. I am filled with immense gratitude for the assistance provided, as it has significantly improved our overall quality of life.

Receiving my initial transfer from GiveDirectly provided me with the opportunity to address a long-standing challenge on my land. I decided to allocate part of the funds toward fencing to protect my crops from intruders and wild animals. Before this, financial constraints had prevented me from pursuing this endeavor, as I had previously worked as a barber until my employer closed temporarily for renovations, leaving me without a job. Additionally, I experienced personal difficulties as my wife was taken away by her family for medical treatment, as they believed she was the cause of our inability to have children. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to improve my situation. With $80, I made a substantial investment in fencing my land. Moreover, I used $70 to purchase a sack of maize and $30 to clear a long-standing debt. The support provided by GiveDirectly has had a profound and unexpected impact on my life. The ability to invest in securing my land and acquiring essential provisions has brought immense relief. I am sincerely grateful for the assistance I received and the positive transformation it has brought to my existence.