I aspire to establish a shop business in our community's trading center to secure a stable income source. To gather the necessary initial funds, I intend to diversify my farming endeavors by cultivating short-term crops such as butternut and tomatoes on my one-acre plot. This strategic move is geared towards generating income through commercial farming, with the aim of using the proceeds to launch the shop business. I am optimistic that this initiative will enable me to effectively support my family, ensuring my children do not miss their studies due to unpaid fee.

The assistance provided by GiveDirectly has made a tangible difference in the economic well-being of our community, evident in the improvements seen in housing, education, and farming practices. Personally, I take great pride in the acquisition of two Dorper breed sheep through the transfer, foreseeing their potential to multiply and serve as a significant income stream in the future. I express my sincere gratitude for the transformative influence GiveDirectly has had on my life and the broader community.

The third transfer arrived just in time, alleviating the burden of my children's school fees, which had been weighing heavily on my mind. With two children in secondary school and one in college, the proceeds from selling one of our cows for the first-term fees fell short, leaving us with outstanding arrears. Allocating $180 from the transfer to clear these fees was a huge relief, ensuring my children could focus on their studies without the fear of being sent home. I also spent $28 to purchase a new uniform for my son, who was joining his seventh grade for his junior secondary, as this was the school requirement. The pride on his face as he wears his new uniform melts my heart. Additionally, I invested $150 in purchasing food essentials, including maize, to prevent hunger from affecting our family of 10. This was necessary because we had a poor harvest last year from our two-acre maize farm due to inadequate rainfall, resulting in only two sacks of maize. My spouse and I also rely on irregular farm work, earning just $3 per day. These work opportunities are scarce, as we would only be able to work two or three days a week, making it difficult to meet our daily basic needs. Allocating $50 for clothing ensured everyone in the household had good attire. With the remaining amount, I decided to invest in new utensils to replace old ones, ensuring our household essentials were functional and appealing.

I plan to go into horticultural farming, specifically growing tomatoes. This decision is strategic, as tomatoes have a short maturation period of two months. However, success in this endeavor hinges on timely planting, which I am prepared to manage diligently. Fortunately, I own land suitable for this purpose, and there's a promising market for my produce. Buyers from other counties regularly come to our area, purchasing tomatoes at a rate of $50 for three crates. This price presents a viable opportunity for me to sustain my family through this agricultural enterprise. With careful planning and dedication, I am confident this venture will be successful and rewarding.

One aspect of GiveDirectly's approach that particularly stood out was their method of individual enrollment, as opposed to the mass enrollment process. This approach fostered a sense of fairness and allowed participants to join the program at their own discretion. Such a personalized method is commendable, as it respects individual circumstances and choices. The support received from GiveDirectly. Has significantly improved the economic living standards within our community. This improvement is not just in numbers but is visible. Personally, the support enabled me to engage in farming beans, an endeavor that has contributed positively to my livelihood. We are truly grateful for the difference they have made and hope to see this incredible work sustained and expanded.

Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly marked a turning point in my life. With this significant amount, I allocated the funds to address various pressing needs. First, I spent $117.5 on food. Securing food has always been a challenge, as we rely on casual jobs and small-scale farming. We depend on rainfed agriculture since accessing water for irrigation is difficult due to the distance from a water source. We focus on short-season crops, as these are the only ones we can grow with certainty, provided we time them right. Living on the border has its own set of challenges. Our neighboring community once stole seven cows and thirty goats, a significant blow to our livelihood. My husband and I work together in farming to support our family of 11. We have nine children, three of whom have completed higher studies, while the rest are still in school. The payment of school fees has always felt like an unattainable dream. However, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I allocated $232.5 for this purpose. The relief and gratitude I felt are indescribable. I thank God for this incredible assistance. With the festive season, I also wanted to bring some joy to my family. Therefore, I spent $100 on clothes for the Christmas holiday. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly. Their support provided immediate and instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, for which we are grateful.

After receiving an alert, I got a message, at around 3:20 pm. I was thrilled to confirm the arrival of the money I had been eagerly anticipating. At home with my husband when the message came, we shared the joy, both excited that our plans were falling into place. With the kids at school, I visited the shopping center the next day to collect the money. The anticipation and subsequent joy of finally having the funds in hand added a sense of fulfillment to our family, marking a memorable and positive moment that aligned with our aspirations.

The money I received from GiveDirectly made a significant impact by allowing me to purchase sufficient food. Witnessing my children having enough to eat and experiencing peace of mind marks the most significant difference in my daily life. Now, I can divert my efforts towards other income-generating projects, aiming to cover not just school fees but also other household needs. This newfound stability and ability to focus on broader goals have brought a positive shift in my family's well-being, and I am genuinely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.

With a family of 10, providing food was challenging due to the unreliable income from casual work and subsistence farming. Upon receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I strategically spent $115 on essential food items like maize, rice, beans, milk, cooking oil, and sugar, ensuring a sustained supply for my family. Recognizing the need for personal space, I invested $13 in two plastic chairs, supplementing the existing ones. Addressing the clothing needs of my four young kids, I joyfully spent $40 on new outfits, bringing them happiness and a sense of dignity. Additionally, I allocated $5 to my husband for personal use and provided $20 to my college-going daughter for upkeep. The remaining funds were used for transportation to and from the shopping center. This financial support has significantly improved our daily lives, ensuring basic necessities and fostering a sense of well-being and dignity within our household.