My paramount objective is to secure a new home, a haven of stability and comfort. The dwelling I currently inhabit is weathered and far from ideal, prompting a burning desire for a place that offers security and better living conditions. As I embark on this journey, my focus will be on diligent saving and strategic planning, aiming to turn the dream of a new home into a tangible reality. Beyond the immediate comforts, I envision this new abode as a symbol of progress and a foundation upon which I can build a more secure and fulfilling life for myself and my loved ones.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing me with direct cash assistance. This support came at a crucial time, allowing me to prioritize education for my children by paying their school fees promptly. The impact of this direct financial aid is immeasurable, as it not only ensures that my children can continue their education without disruption but also contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty. GiveDirectly's approach of giving recipients the autonomy to decide how to use the funds has empowered me to make choices that directly benefit my family's future.

I allocated a substantial part of the recent unconditional cash transfer, approximately $250, to pay the school fees for my two children, one in secondary school and the other pursuing a fashion and design course in college. Education has always been a priority, and ensuring my children have access to quality learning opportunities is something I cherish deeply. The remaining amount was carefully divided to address various needs. I purchased essential household items like soap, sugar, and foodstuffs amounting to $30, ensuring our daily necessities were adequately met. One significant investment I made was leasing a farm and utilizing $95 to prepare it for planting. The persistent drought had made farming an arduous task, but with the arrival of rain, I seized the opportunity to plant drought-resistant crops like beans. I'm optimistic about the yield; it's not just for sustenance but also a beacon of hope for a bountiful harvest that can support us through these challenging times. The remaining $75 was dedicated to buying clothing for my spouse and children. Witnessing their smiles and the way their faces lit up when they tried on their new clothes filled my heart with joy. Despite our hard work as farmers, our earnings have been insufficient to cover all our needs. But with this support, I feel a renewed sense of optimism, knowing that we've managed to address immediate needs and make crucial investments in our children's education and our farming future.

In the coming year and beyond, my focus is on bolstering my farming efforts, particularly in livestock farming, as it has proven to thrive in our region. Despite the occasional scarcity of water, I have confidence in the resilience of goat farming, as goats are hardy animals capable of surviving on minimal food and water, resources that are readily available in the expansive lands around us. If we are blessed with sufficient rainfall in the coming years, I also plan to reinvigorate subsistence farming as part of my agricultural endeavors.

The GiveDirectly program has been incredibly beneficial, and I must say, it has brought about significant positive changes in the lives of all recipients. The generous support we received was embraced wholeheartedly, and its impact is evident as people were able to use the funds according to their specific needs without any restrictions. We sincerely hope that this same effective approach can be extended to other regions and that the professional staff who facilitated the program with such efficiency can bring the same level of assistance and transformation to communities everywhere.

Our heavy reliance on farming, both livestock and subsistence, has been consistently challenged by adverse drought conditions, making life difficult for us. I was fortunate to be part of the GiveDirectly program, which has provided a crucial buffer against hunger and other hardships. After collecting my second transfer, I spent $70 to pay my child's school fees, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted learning experience. Additionally, I spent $5 on his transportation back to school after collecting the money. Given my child's illness and absence from school, I also invested $10 in purchasing new clothes for him. Preparing for the construction of a new house, I acquired 21 iron sheets for $211, with the hope of providing my family with a more spacious and comfortable living space. To secure our financial future, I spent $80 on two goats, which will help cover future school fees for my children and other financial obligations. As I had a leased piece of land with a maize crop that I couldn't manage to harvest alone, I hired labor for $25 to facilitate the harvesting and transportation of the crops to my storage. Finally, I used the remaining $49 to purchase foodstuffs and household goods for my family of five, ensuring we have enough to sustain us.

While I was busy tending to my farm in the late evening, my neighbour unexpectedly passed by and joyfully informed me that the GD transfer had been sent. Ecstatic with excitement, I wasted no time and rushed to where I had placed my phone under a nearby tree to verify the news. To my satisfaction, the transfer had indeed arrived as promised. I couldn't contain my happiness, and I found myself jumping with joy. I felt excited at the idea of carrying out my goals, which were dependent on this transfer.

My life is much better than before, as GD Transfer has been a source of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change in my life. It has instilled in me a strong sense of motivation to work towards a brighter future, and I am determined to utilize the upcoming transfers wisely and ensure that my dream house becomes a tangible reality.

The arrival of the GD transfer has brought me a sense of relief and hope, as it has enabled me to begin a project that I had been longing for. The current condition of my house, with its walls covered with holes and frames infested with pests, has been a source of concern. However, with the $100 from the transfer, I took the first step of buying nine iron sheets to use to build a new two-room house made of iron sheets, which will provide better living conditions for my family. Additionally, I invested $50 in purchasing a goat, adding to our small herd. This decision was driven by the realization that the goat would serve as a future source of income. By selling its offspring when necessary, I will be able to address urgent expenses that may arise. With the remaining $50, I purchased essential food items to ensure that we have sufficient sustenance for our daily requirements. This has significantly alleviated my worry about food scarcity, providing me with a sense of stability and contentment.