This year, I want to try maize farming. It all depends on the rains, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll come. Doing maize farming is my goal for this year. If I can make it happen, I'll feel incredibly happy and satisfied.

GiveDirectly has truly changed our lives for the better. I've achieved things I never thought possible. I've managed to fence my farm, which was a huge challenge before. They've also helped with the water problem by providing a tank for my home. Now, I can store water easily, which has eased the burden of water scarcity. I have no complaints about GiveDirectly's current programs, and I don't have any recommendations for changes.

After getting $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to use it wisely. I used $260 to fence one acre of land for farming. This fence will keep wild animals away and protect my crops from risks. Then, I spent $40 on mango seedlings. Mangos grow well here, and there's a good market for them. Finally, I invested $120 in buying two sheep. I plan to take care of them so they can multiply, and I can sell them if needed in emergencies.

Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to fence my land, providing protection against goat invasions, and subsequently venture into cultivating mangoes. I intend to use my third transfer to turn this dream into reality. This endeavor not only holds the promise of securing my land but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable agriculture and growth.

What particularly caught my attention was the unconditional nature of the transfer. It has empowered both the young and the entire community, ensuring that everyone's needs are addressed. A notable example is the construction of latrines by many in my village, addressing a basic necessity and significantly enhancing our way of life. In contrast to the past when most people would use the bushes for such purposes, this positive change has brought about improvements. As of now, I haven't identified any aspects that require correction.

I work as a motorcycle taxi rider, and I am currently single. Upon receiving my transfer, I made the decision to invest in initiating a sheep project with the goal of increasing my income. I am planning to settle down soon and start a family, and this project aligns with my long-awaited aspirations. The financial constraints I faced in the past made it challenging to fulfill this goal, as the daily income from my work is quite modest, and accumulating a lump sum was beyond my means. To kickstart the sheep project, I spent $190 to purchase three goats and invested $100 in constructing a proper sheep pen. Additionally, I used $120 to renovate my house, which involved plastering, and utilized the remaining $40 to carry out necessary repairs on my motorbike. Achieving this dream in such a short span of time is truly a dream come true for me, and I am immensely grateful for the timely and substantial support that has significantly uplifted my living standards.

Around 3:00 pm, unexpectedly, I received a message that took me by surprise. Reading it, I easily identified with it as it bore the name Segovia Technology, a name well-known from enrollment. I happened to be in the nearby shopping center at that moment, and some friends who also received the news were sharing the excitement. The joy was overwhelming, and having everything planned, I didn't rush to collect the money. I headed to the shopping center in Marigat, where I retrieved the funds and made the initial purchases from my planned list. The sense of happiness during this moment was shared among friends, and it marked a positive turn in my life, I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.

The most significant change in my daily life since receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly is the expansion of my old house, creating a spacious and comfortable living environment. Despite living alone, I value having ample space, and this improvement allowed me to acquire a sofa seat, complementing the two plastic chairs I previously had. The sense of contentment and pride in my enhanced living conditions is immense. Additionally, I am delighted that I can now comfortably earn at least 500 a day, which is sufficient for my needs as I continue to live independently. The support from GiveDirectly has not only transformed my physical living space but has also positively impacted my daily life and financial well-being.

After receiving the initial transfer from GiveDirectly, I had several plans, and my immediate focus was obtaining construction materials. I started by purchasing 8 iron sheets, nails, and a window, totaling $110, to expand my current house. The materials were quickly put to use, addressing the issue of space as the previous house was too small to accommodate a bed and a better seat. Additionally, I invested $35 in a sofa set, replacing the plastic chairs and creating a more welcoming space for visitors. Another significant improvement was repairing my motorbike, essential for my taxi business. With $40 spent on new spare parts, I am now back in the taxi business, my primary income source alongside subsistence farming. The remaining funds were wisely used to settle construction charges, totaling $15 after combining them with my modest savings. This support from GiveDirectly has brought tangible enhancements to my living conditions and reinvigorated my economic activities.