I am considering acquiring more land to expand my farming activities, specifically exploring poultry farming as a means to secure my financial future. Diversifying my agricultural pursuits seems like a prudent step to take. Financial planning will play a significant role in this expansion. I intend to create a comprehensive budget that accounts for acquiring poultry, constructing or renovating shelters, purchasing feed, and other necessary supplies. Furthermore, ongoing expenses, including vaccinations and healthcare for the birds, will be factored in to ensure financial stability. Starting with a small flock is part of my strategy as I am new to poultry farming. Gradually scaling up as I gain experience and confidence will minimize risks and allow for better learning opportunities.

I am satisfied and happy with the support I received from GiveDirectly. There was no corruption involved in the process, and the amount sent was directly channeled to me as the beneficiary. I appreciate that GiveDirectly's approach involves all villagers, including local leaders like chiefs and village elders, in the assistance programs. This level of inclusivity ensures transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid. I was particularly impressed with GiveDirectly's decision to reach out to those affected by floods and insecurity in Baringo South. It shows their commitment to addressing the specific needs of the community and providing assistance where it is most needed. This is a commendable approach that others should emulate when offering any kind of aid in this community. Being one of the beneficiaries, I can attest to the positive impact of the transfers. The assistance has been crucial in helping me and my family during challenging times. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program and for the positive change, it has brought to our lives.

In the wake of a heartbreaking loss, life took an unexpected turn for me. My wife passed away in the delivery room, leaving me with a newborn baby to care for. The weight of grief and the responsibility of being a single parent overwhelmed me. Knowing I needed help, I brought my precious baby to my mother's home. Financial struggles compounded the challenges I faced. My income from casual work was never enough, and providing for the family became a constant worry. I knew I had to do something to secure a better future for my little one and myself. Amidst the hardships, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of GiveDirectly transfers. The assistance came as a much-needed relief, allowing me to increase our food budget to $250, ensuring that we were adequately nourished. The burden on my shoulders felt a little lighter, knowing that I could provide better for my family. As I attended to the baby's needs, I used $200 to buy different types of clothes for the baby which was not possible to get before due to a lack of enough money to purchase all what was needed.

As a single parent with the responsibility of caring for my infant, I have been exploring ways to generate additional income. I am fortunate enough to have access to a small piece of land owned by my boss, who hired me to manage his mango farm. With this opportunity, I plan to venture into dairy farming as well as revive my initial poultry farming business. I am optimistic that through the salary I receive from managing the farm, I will be able to save enough to use as initial capital for my new business. By doing this, I hope to earn a steady income to support my family and provide for my children's needs. I understand the challenges that come with starting a business, but I am determined to work hard and make it a success.

The financial boost provided by GiveDirectly has made a positive impact in our village. It is especially noteworthy that the household transfers have helped to minimize quarrels and disagreements that would have risen over sharing communal money. This approach has ensured that everyone in the village receives an equal share of the assistance, which is a fair and equitable way to distribute resources. However, I there is a concerns about the youth in our community who were not part of the target group. It is my wish that the organization would involve the younger generation since they represent the future of the community. Engaging and empowering the youth will enable them to bring about positive change and contribute to the long-term growth and development of the village. It would be great to see GiveDirectly involve the youth in their programs and initiatives, as this would not only benefit them but the community as a whole.

Upon receiving the first transfer, I spent a large sum of money paying off my wife's hospital bills after she was admitted for pregnancy-related complications. I was relieved to receive a second transfer of funds in a timely manner. Sadly, my wife passed away just a week after giving birth due to excessive bleeding. Fortunately, my mother has been taking excellent care of the baby. I used the second transfer to purchase items necessary for the baby's care, such as 10 pieces of infant formula for a total cost of $170, and other essential supplies. Additionally, I paid $10 in examination fees for my elder daughter, who is currently in the fourth grade, as well as bought her a new pair of shoes and a school uniform for $16. I also bought $62 worth of household foodstuffs, including maize and beans. In addition, I invested $60 in a medical insurance card, ensuring that any future hospital visits will be covered, and I will not have to spend as much on medical bills. As the rainy season began, I spent $15 on seeds and fertilizers to plant crops and hopefully yield a better harvest in the upcoming months. The remaining funds were saved to cover emergencies and my children's daily expenses, such as expensive toiletries.

When I first received the first transfer, I was overjoyed to read a message with good news at a time when I needed it the most. I was in the hospital and could not afford to miss any alerts on my phone, which was always with me. I had driven my wife to the hospital because we were expecting our second child. She was not in good health at the time of her admission and had to be there for her the majority of the time. It felt good to read the message confirming the receipt of the first transfer and to be thankful for its promptness. I told my wife the news, and I could hear her sigh of relief, though she couldn't see it.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the peace of mind that I had when I received the first transfer to the hospital with my wife. Even though we could not talk about it much, I was relieved that I had found a way to meet the bill with ease. Even though the death robbed me of my spouse, I was always hopeful and thankful that I had the support I needed and more to come in the future that I hope to use to realize my family's dream.

It was wonderful to learn that we were expecting a child and would be eligible for free financial support from GiveDirectly. It was also a coincidence that I received the money while my admitted wife was in the hospital. It was a relief because it came at a time when I had nothing to sell to cover the hospital bills and had no idea how long she would be there with an increasing bill. When our daughter was successfully delivered, we were greeted with the anticipated bundle of joy, but her mother bled profusely. She died as a result of the bleeding, leaving me with a two-week-old baby. The pain was unbearable, and I couldn't bear the thought of suppressing my dreams of raising our daughter together. My family and neighbors rallied behind me, raising additional funds to supplement the transfer and covering the full hospital bill. It has been difficult to overcome the painful and costly experience. My life has completely changed; I can no longer raise my two daughters on my own. My elder daughter has been through a lot as well, and while she feels safe with her grandmother, she has had chicken pox for the past week. I am hoping to return to work at a nearby mango plantation, tending to and harvesting the fruits. I had planned to purchase goats and chickens, but a medical emergency intervened. I'm hoping that with the subsequent transfer, I will be able to realign my plans for my daughter's future.