I have always dreamed of having my own herd of goats and cows. The idea of rearing these animals and providing for my family of eight with their milk and meat has been a long-held aspiration. However, as a watchman, my $40 monthly income is not enough to fulfill this dream; therefore, I hope to put my driving skills to use. Recently, I learned of a promising business opportunity that will not only help me achieve my dream of owning goats and cows but also provide a better future for my family. I learned about the demand for fresh vegetables in Shakahola, a nearby town. It struck me that I could leverage my driving skills and this market demand to start a profitable business. I plan on applying for a loan of $5000 from Watu Credit, which would be sufficient to buy the car I needed. With the car, I will establish a grocery business and use the profits to not only repay the loan but also fulfill my dream of rearing goats and cows. It is a bold move, but it feels like the right step toward a brighter future for my family.

It is wonderful that GiveDirectly has implemented unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) in my community, and it is clear that this approach has made a positive impact by allowing people to plan for what works best for them. The fact that the organization follows up to monitor progress is also commendable, as it ensures transparency and accountability in the program. However, the transfer size should be reviewed, especially for individuals or families with larger projects or aspirations. Adding more transfers or providing additional support for those with significant plans can indeed be a beneficial strategy.

Our family of eight struggles to make ends meet, and every penny we earn is spent on putting food on the table. My biggest concern was education for my three children in grades 6, 3, and 2. I knew education was their ticket to a brighter future, so I used $150 for their school fees, and now I am hopeful for a brighter future. Furthermore, I had always dreamed of rearing goats, but our finances were never enough to fulfill that dream. I am employed as a watchman on Somali-owned land to prevent wild animals from encroaching on the crops. It is a tough job, but it earns me about $40 a month—barely enough to support my family. I am glad the transfers made my dream come true, as I bought two goats for $95 and now my children are busy looking after the small herd after school. To add to our financial woes, I had a pending dowry to pay. I have been married since 2014 and had already paid $500 towards it, but there remained a hefty $100 to settle. The dowry was a symbol of my love and commitment to my wife, and I was determined to clear this debt so I used the rest of the transfers to reduce this debt.

The day the GiveDirectly transfers arrived, a mixture of joy and relief washed over me. It had been a difficult time, and we were struggling to make ends meet. As I held that money in my hands, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. It meant that we could put food on the table. The weight of that burden lifted, replaced by a sense of comfort and security. Yet, amidst the relief, there was another concern that had plagued my thoughts—the school fees. As a parent, providing my children with an education was of utmost importance to me. But the financial strain had made it increasingly difficult to meet those obligations. The fear of our children being denied access to education due to unpaid fees kept me up at night. When I saw the amount of money we received, It was a lifeline that could ensure our children's education continued uninterrupted. The GiveDirectly transfers had not only provided financial relief but also reignited our belief in the possibility of a brighter future.

The joy and excitement of our children were immeasurable as they discovered the new addition to our family - the four female goats. They were eager to take on the responsibility of herding and caring for them. It was not just about the immediate happiness they brought but also the opportunity to learn valuable skills and responsibility. With the school fees paid and the financial burden alleviated, we could now plan ahead and pay school fees in advance. This was a significant milestone for us, as it meant we could secure our children's education and ensure their uninterrupted learning journey. It was a testament to the positive impact that the GiveDirectly transfers had on our lives. It allowed us to plan better and provide our children with the stability and educational opportunities they deserved.

With the GiveDirectly transfers in hand, we had the opportunity to address some pressing needs. As we assessed our priorities, we decided to allocate $150 towards school fees. Education was paramount to us, and ensuring our children had access to quality education was non-negotiable. Recognizing the importance of a good night's sleep, we dedicated $90 to purchasing a comfortable mattress. Rest and rejuvenation were essential for our well-being, and a new mattress would provide the comfort and support we needed after long days of hard work. It was an investment in our health and overall quality of life. To improve the infrastructure of our home, we allocated $150 towards purchasing iron sheets and covering labor costs. This investment would enhance the durability and functionality of our shelter, protecting us from the elements and creating a more comfortable living space. We also saw an opportunity for sustainable livelihood through livestock. Recognizing the potential for income generation, we decided to allocate $90 towards acquiring four female goats. Goats were known for their resilience and ability to multiply, making them a valuable asset for our family. The goats would not only provide us with milk and meat but also open doors for future breeding and expansion of our herd.