In the coming years, my primary focus will remain on providing education for my nine children. With my eldest currently in Form Two and the rest yet to begin secondary school, I understand that there's still a long journey ahead of us. I firmly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and the only hope that I hold for a bright future for my family. To ensure the success of this, I plan to prioritize maize farming and maximize its productivity to generate more income from its sales. This involves ensuring that all necessary inputs are available on time and that farming activities are carried out punctually. Additionally, I will continue to rear the two cows, sheep, and six goats that I currently own. By carefully managing their reproduction, I aim to sell the offspring to generate income to cover school fees.

GiveDirectly has done well by providing us with an unconditional cash transfer, which has made a huge difference in my family of 11. We have been able to use this money to buy food, expand my wife's business, and ensure our children can continue their education. This impact goes beyond just our family, as we have seen positive changes happening in our community as well. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support and for making such a meaningful difference in our lives.

When the third transfer came through, my spouse and I sat down to plan how to use it wisely. We agreed to allocate $200 towards paying the school fees for our son, who is currently in Form 2 for this coming term, to make his secondary education journey smoother without interruption. This brought us a sense of relief, knowing that we could have enough time to look for money to cover the fees for the other terms through maize farming on our two-acre plot and from my wife's food hawking business savings. Another $30 went towards restocking food supplies for my wife's business, which is crucial in meeting the daily needs of our family of eleven. She prepares and delivers cooked food to farm workers at the Perkerra irrigation scheme. Additionally, we decided to invest $120 in purchasing two sheep. We expect them to multiply and provide us with offspring that we can sell to support our children's education down the line. We aim to ensure that all our nine children complete their education. I allocated $50 to facilitate irrigation on our two-acre maize farm, ensuring it remains well-watered for optimal growth. Lastly, I used the remaining to purchase a sack of maize. This ensures that we have enough food, especially during this April holiday when all our children are at home because their schools are closed.

In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to ensure that all nine of my children have access to education by completing the payment of their school fees. As someone who faced the challenges of dropping out of school early in my own life, I am deeply committed to providing my children with the opportunity to pursue their education to the fullest. My son, currently in grade 10, requires $320 to complete the academic year. This investment in his education is crucial for his future prospects and opportunities. To achieve this goal, I plan to utilize the profits from our grocery business. By allocating a portion of our business earnings towards education, I am prioritizing the long-term well-being and success of my children. Ensuring that my children receive a quality education is a top priority for me and my family. I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking their potential and empowering them to achieve their dreams. I am fully committed to supporting my son and all of my children in their educational pursuits, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed.

Givedirectly has truly transformed lives within our community, including mine. Personally, I have been able to pay school fees for my children and boost my grocery business, all thanks to the assistance provided through the transfers. These transfers have not just provided financial support; they have also instilled a sense of dignity within our community. Through initiatives like house construction and asset acquisition, individuals are empowered to improve their living standards and secure their futures. From my perspective, everything about GiveDirectly's approach is working exceptionally well. The enrollment process has been smooth, and the staff members have always treated us with respect and dignity. When a program is yielding such positive results and positively impacting the lives of its recipients, there is little need for change. I am grateful for the support GiveDirectly has provided and hopeful for what the future holds.

When my wife, Emily, and I received our transfers, we saw an opportunity to invest in our family's future. We agreed to allocate the funds strategically to address various needs and improve our livelihood. One of our first decisions was to purchase an additional dairy cow for $250. With the aim of increasing our food supply, this investment would provide us with milk for nourishment and potentially surplus for sale. Recognizing the potential of our 1-acre piece of land, we allocated $70 to cultivate it, preparing the ground for cultivation. Additionally, we invested $40 in maize seeds to sow on this land, aiming to yield a harvest that would further contribute to our food security. Education remains a top priority for our family, so we dedicated $50 to cover school fees for our child in grade 10. Another $20 was spent on purchasing books, ensuring access to educational resources. The remainder of the funds were used to purchase food for our household. This aspect is crucial for sustaining our family of 11 and supporting our daily activities. Our family relies on our grocery business and Emily's hotel business to earn a living. These ventures not only contribute to our income but also play a vital role in providing for the food needs of our household. I am grateful the transfers boosted our financial status in addition to our current source of income.

In the embrace of my home, surrounded by the warmth of my wife and nine children, the message announcing a $200 transfer from GiveDirectly brought a wave of relief and joy. It was a moment of respite, a lifeline in challenging times. The haunting memory of being displaced by floods lingered, robbing me of the ability to farm and leaving my family without sustenance. As the digital confirmation of the transfer lit up my screen, my immediate instinct was to address the most pressing needs hunger. The specter of food insecurity lifted, replaced by the promise of nourishment for my loved ones. In that simple yet profound moment, the financial assistance not only filled our pantry but also ignited a spark of hope, allowing me to envision a more stable future for my family in the face of adversity.

The impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly rippled through my life, ushering in a positive transformation. With the burden of immediate food concerns lifted, I redirected my focus and resources towards my vegetable business. The newfound financial stability allowed me not only to sustain the business but also to accumulate savings. These savings, once elusive, now serve as a safety net for unforeseen emergencies and, significantly, contribute to my long-term goals. Education, a vital aspect of my aspirations, is now within reach as I earmark funds for school fees. The shifts in my life are not just about surviving day to day; they represent a trajectory towards resilience, growth, and the fulfillment of dreams that were once distant but are now becoming tangible realities.

With the recent $200 from GiveDirectly, I strategically allocated the funds to address immediate needs and invest in the future. Recognizing the urgency of the times, I secured two sacks of maize, ensuring a reliable source of food for my family during these challenging days. Education remained a priority as well I directed a portion towards supporting my child in secondary school, investing in their future. The rest of the funds were wisely invested in our small ventures I an expansion of my vegetable business and a boost for my wife's modest hotel. This thoughtful allocation aimed not just at surviving the present but at laying the foundation for stability and growth, a resilient response to the uncertainties that life presents.