I eagerly anticipate the day when my family and I can finally move into a spacious, five-room permanent house constructed with sturdy blocks. While I understand that achieving this dream will be a gradual process, I am filled with optimism and determination. Currently, my main source of income is farming on my one-acre land, but I am committed to saving any surplus funds after covering my children's education expenses to purchase building materials. Transitioning from our current iron sheet house to a permanent structure will provide us with more space and enhance our quality of life. I envision a home that is not only comfortable and secure but also a source of pride for my family. Though the journey may be long, I am determined to create a better living environment for my family.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has made a significant positive impact on us, Lamargweny residents, by providing transfers that have improved our economic well-being. These transfers have facilitated various transformations within our community, including better housing, enhanced access to education, and increased economic empowerment. I am grateful for the opportunity the first transfer provided me to invest in tomato farming. While I have not yet harvested the tomatoes, their healthy growth suggests promising returns soon. I am optimistic that this venture will contribute positively to my financial stability. Overall, I extend my sincere appreciation to GD for their support and the positive changes it has brought to our community.

I deeply value education because I believe it paves the way for our children's dreams to come true. It saddens me to see them at home because we couldn't afford their school fees. Despite working hard on our maize farm, we could only cover half of the fee, putting their education at risk as they could be sent home anytime to fetch the balance. Receiving the second transfer from GD was a relief. It allowed me to pay off the remaining $200, ensuring our children could continue their education without interruption. Without this support, I would have had to sell our only cow, which provides my three young children with milk. Additionally, our pit latrine had become a nightmare. It was filled to the brim, unhealthy, and unpleasant to use. Using $100 from the transfer, I started digging another pit latrine. While it's not yet complete, it will soon provide us with a more hygienic solution and spare us the embarrassment of visitors using the overflowing one. With $100 set aside, I am preparing our one-acre land for maize farming, aiming to boost our income. I utilized the remaining $50 on pesticides to protect our valuable tomato crops, ensuring a good harvest. I am optimistic that this harvest will enable us to cover the next term's school fees for my two children in secondary school.

One evening at six, I was at home with three of my six kids when I received $200 from GiveDirectly. It was a moment filled with joy, and I couldn't wait for the next morning to go to the nearby shopping center to cash out. The first thing that crossed my mind was tithing. I allocated $15 for this purpose, grateful for the blessing that had come my way. Next, I decided to address the living conditions for my kids. With $70, I purchased a chicken house, ensuring they now had a secure and comfortable space. Realizing the importance of providing for my family, I allocated another $70 for buying food. This not only filled our kitchen but also eased my worries about their well-being. In the spirit of spreading joy, I organized a Christmas party at home, making the festive season memorable for my children. Understanding the significance of sustainable income, I set aside $50 to invest in maize farming. This decision aimed to secure a future source of food and income for my family. With these thoughtful allocations, the impact of the GiveDirectly assistance went beyond immediate needs, creating a positive and lasting change in our lives.

Since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly, the impact on my life and my family has been nothing short of transformative. The infusion of financial support has ushered in a positive change that has touched various aspects of our lives. The most significant change has been the ability to engage in poultry farming. With the financial assistance, I was able to invest in establishing a poultry operation. This venture not only brings a sense of purpose but also holds the promise of a sustainable source of income for my family. The prospect of economic stability through poultry farming has instilled a renewed sense of hope and optimism in our household. Beyond the tangible benefits, the change is felt in the atmosphere at home. The financial relief has alleviated the stress associated with meeting basic needs, allowing us to experience a newfound happiness. The burden of financial insecurity has lifted, and our family life has become more harmonious and joyful. The feeling of empowerment and gratitude is overwhelming. The support from GiveDirectly has not only improved our economic situation but has also given us the opportunity to dream of a better future. The positive ripple effect on our lives is palpable, and we are now looking forward to building a more secure and prosperous life for ourselves. The impact of this assistance extends far beyond the financial realm, reaching into the realms of well-being, happiness, and the promise of a brighter future.

Recently, I received $200 from GiveDirectly, and I carefully planned how to use it for the well-being of my family. I decided to allocate $70 to buy a larger house for my chickens. The old space was cramped, and I believe that with a more spacious environment, my chicken farming income will increase. Next, I used $70 for purchasing food and Christmas treats for my kids. It was important to ensure my family's immediate needs were met, and setting aside a portion for a joyful holiday celebration added a special touch. The remaining $50 was invested in maize farming. This serves a dual purpose – providing food for my family and creating an opportunity to sell any surplus for additional income. I aimed for sustainability, wanting to secure a stable source of food and generate extra funds to support my family's needs in the long run. In summary, my decision-making process involved enhancing my chicken farming for increased income, addressing immediate family needs, and investing in maize farming for both sustenance and potential surplus sales. This approach was aimed at achieving a balanced and sustainable improvement in my family's well-being.