My foremost ambition is to construct a new, sturdy house to replace the precarious temporary shelter I currently call home. This makeshift structure provides little security, especially during adverse weather conditions where it feels like it could be swept away by the wind at any moment. With careful planning and hard work, my goal is to initiate the construction project next year. This new home will not only offer safety and stability but also provide a sense of permanence and comfort that my family and I have longed for. The dream of a solid roof over our heads drives my determination, and I am committed to turning it into a reality.

I'm pleased to share that I am now self-employed, and this transformation is all thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers. Their support allowed me to invest in my own business, providing me with the means to create a sustainable income source. This newfound self-employment not only grants me financial independence but also instills a sense of pride and purpose. GiveDirectly has done an excellent job of empowering individuals like me to take control of our destinies, and for that, I'm truly impressed and grateful.

I recently made a significant decision with my recent unconditional cash transfer: I used the entire amount, which was $450, to purchase a secondhand motorcycle. This choice might seem unusual to some, but it was a strategic move to improve my livelihood. I had been working for a friend, and my daily earnings were around $3, barely enough to cover my basic needs. Life was a constant struggle, and I felt that I was stuck in a cycle of financial hardship. However, with this motorcycle, my situation has changed. The motorcycle has opened up new opportunities for me. I now earn close to $5 a day, thanks to the increased mobility it provides. It might not sound like a significant leap, but for someone like me who lives alone and aspires to start my own family soon, this extra income is life-changing. With the motorcycle, I can take on more work, expand my business prospects, and secure a more stable future for my family-to-be. It's a testament to how a small, well-thought-out investment can have a profound impact on one's life, and I'm excited to see where this new chapter takes me.

Moving forward, my goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to purchase metal posts to replace the wooden ones on my land. To achieve this, I have devised a plan to utilize the income I earn from my motorbike work. I am immensely grateful for the support I have received, which has enabled life-changing transformation. I eagerly look forward to embarking on this positive journey ahead.

The operations at GiveDirectly were truly enlightening. The officers did an excellent job of explaining the program and guiding us on what was required. Throughout the sensitization meetings, we were treated with the utmost respect and fairness, without any prejudice. From my perspective, there seem to be no issues with the program's operations.

Upon receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I seized the opportunity to tackle a long-standing challenge on my land. With part of the funds, I decided to invest in fencing to safeguard my crops from intruders and wild animals. Financial constraints had previously hindered my efforts in this endeavor, as I work as a motorbike rider. Currently, I am still single, and despite facing financial difficulties, I remained resolute in improving my situation. Having received $450, I made a significant investment in fencing my land, which has been a crucial step in enhancing its protection where I used $420. Additionally, I spent $30 to purchase essential food supplies. The support I received from GiveDirectly has had an extraordinary and unexpected impact on my life. Being able to invest in securing my land and meeting basic needs has brought immense relief and positive transformation to my existence. I am sincerely grateful for the assistance I received, as it has significantly improved my livelihood.

I felt immense joy when a message popped up on my phone that confirmed the receipt of my first transfer. The villagers' stray goats had been causing me endless trouble, and I desperately wanted to put up a fence to keep them out. It was around 3:00 p.m. when the message arrived, just as I was busy with my regular job. When I returned home in the evening, I couldn't share the news with anyone since I live alone. However, I wasted no time and immediately started planning for the fence construction that would protect my compound from those troublesome goats from the neighborhood.

Since receiving the first transfer, I have taken significant steps to improve my daily life. Among these changes, I ensured that I had enough food to sustain myself as a solo resident and invested in new clothes that boosted my self-esteem. However, the biggest difference in my daily life is the erection of a sturdy circumference fence with a lockable gate, effectively blocking the entry of stray and destructive livestock from the neighborhood. The impact has been profound, as it not only enhanced my security but also saved me from the strenuous task of cleaning animal droppings on my veranda every morning during the rainy seasons. With this barrier in place, I am able to utilize my time more efficiently and enjoy a cleaner and more peaceful living environment, freeing myself from the constant burden of cleaning up after the animals and allowing me to focus on other productive pursuits.

The first transfer arrived at a time when I had already outlined my spending priorities. My compound was constantly invaded by neighboring livestock, leaving droppings on my veranda, especially during rainy days, so I knew it was time for a change. I decided to purchase three chain links, each costing $27. With the existing poles in place, I am delighted to have a lockable gate that effectively keeps the intrusive animals away, only granting access to authorized individuals. I also purchased 10 kg of dry maize grains for $9 and 5 kg of beans for $10, ensuring I had enough food to sustain myself since I live alone. Additionally, I spent $35 on repairing my motorcycle, focusing on replacing the rear wheel dampers. I am thrilled that the repairs were successful, enabling me to provide water transport services upon request, generating a daily income of at least $5. Moreover, I gave my wardrobe a much-needed facelift. I invested $13 in two pairs of trousers and $7 in two new shirts, replacing my worn-out and tattered clothing. This boosted my sense of confidence and ensured I had presentable attire for various occasions. I set aside the remaining amount to cover fuel expenses and weekly repairs, further enhancing my transportation business. This strategic decision has allowed me to expand my services and cater to the needs of the community more effectively.