In the upcoming year and beyond, I am filled with optimism about the livestock I have invested in, and the coffee plantation I have initiated. My holdings currently include 100 coffee trees and 20 goats, which I anticipate will thrive and multiply over time. This will not only enhance milk production but also generate income through the sale of their offspring. Additionally, in the more distant future, I aim to acquire a maize milling machine, a valuable asset that can generate income, especially since many of my neighbors currently have to travel far to access one, even during the rainy seasons.

GiveDirectly has truly made a remarkable difference in our lives, offering support that has been instrumental in so many ways, and I am incredibly grateful for what they have done. I now have a multitude of hopes and aspirations for the future. Unlike other organizations that often support specific individuals, leaving others without support, GiveDirectly was entirely fair to everyone in the community. I am particularly glad that, for the first time, I was enrolled without having to make any payments or give anything in return. What sets GiveDirectly apart is their approach of giving us the mandate to decide how to use the money, as there were no restrictions or predetermined lists of how we should spend it. While GiveDirectly has done exceptionally well in this regard, one area for improvement could be to provide additional resources or training to help us make the most of the support and ensure long-term sustainability.

Right after receiving the third, transfer, I could not wait to start spending since I had a lot enlisted. I then tried to address various crucial needs for my family of eight by first purchasing a $60 sack of maize to ensure we had enough food to sustain us. Additionally, I used $100 to pay the school fees for my three children, two of whom are in secondary school and one in college. Despite the challenges we faced due to the drought affecting our farming activities, which had previously been our ultimate source of income, I am immensely grateful that my children have continued their education, thanks to GiveDirectly's support. Furthermore, the safety and well-being of my three daughters were a concern, as they had been seeking shelter in the neighborhood. To address this, I used $240 in materials and paid a labor cost of $50 to construct a new house within our compound, providing them with a comfortable and secure place to sleep. I am genuinely thankful for the generous support we received from GiveDirectly, which has significantly improved our quality of life and safety.

In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to purchase a motorbike for my son to empower him financially. Alongside that, I aspire to buy a posho-mill. To bring this dream to fruition, I have devised a plan to use the profits from the goat rearing project. I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, this vision can be realized. By strategically managing the goat rearing project and reinvesting the returns, I am confident that I can provide my son with the means to establish his own financial independence through the motorbike. Simultaneously, acquiring a posho-mill will open up new opportunities for additional income streams and further contribute to the betterment of our family's future. With determination and persistence, I am optimistic that I can make these aspirations a reality in the coming year.

Throughout the entire process, from enrollment to completion, the organization's operations were flawlessly executed. We received valuable education on the importance of safeguarding our money, and every individual we encountered treated us with the utmost dignity and respect. The field officers were reliable and trustworthy, fulfilling their commitments with sincerity. I am genuinely grateful for the experience and support we received from the organization. My hope is that they will continue to remember and support us in the future, enabling us to build upon the positive impact their assistance has had on our lives. Their dedication to empowering individuals like us is truly commendable, and I look forward to seeing the organization's continued success in helping others achieve their goals and aspirations.

My husband works as an Assistant Chief, while I primarily depend on agriculture, and together we are blessed with nine children. When I received my transfer, I made the thoughtful decision to invest in goat-rearing as a means to secure an additional source of income for potential emergencies. Accordingly, I spent $280 towards initiating the goat project. Furthermore, I purchased maize supplies worth $70 and invested $50 in coffee planting. I also acquired a beehive for $25. Additionally, I dedicated $25 to pay for my children's school fees and used the remaining amount to buy clothes for them. These expenses were previously unattainable due to financial limitations. I am elated that I was able to achieve this goal within a relatively short period, which brings me great joy and satisfaction.

On that day, I was occupied with my daily duties of herding cows and I had left my phone at home to charge. It wasn't until around 5:00pm that I returned to the house. As soon as I entered, my excitement led me to check my phone to see if I had missed any calls or messages. I was so delighted on discovering an Mpesa SMS notification indicating that I had received a transfer from GiveDirectly. The news filled me with immense joy, prompting me to quickly call my spouse and share the wonderful news with him.

Since I began receiving the transfer, my happiness has increased significantly. The primary reason for this is the fact that we now have a latrine that allows us to dispose of fecal matter comfortably and without the need to hide or be seen by others. This not only protects our privacy but also greatly reduces the risk of diseases for both myself and my children. The presence of a proper sanitation facility has brought about a remarkable improvement in our overall sanitation practices and hygiene. It has restored a sense of dignity and self-respect within our household, knowing that we have a clean and safe place to attend to.

With the first transfer I received, I made the decision to use the entire amount towards building a pit latrine for my family. This involved various expenses such as digging the pit, acquiring materials for both the slab and superstructure, as well as paying the laborers involved in the construction process. Although the funds were not sufficient to complete the latrine entirely, such as installing a door, I am grateful that we now have a functional facility. Previously, we had been living without a pit latrine, resorting to open defecation, which was both embarrassing and posed health risks, increasing the likelihood of contracting fecal-oral diseases.The construction is a significant improvement in our living conditions and contributes to better hygiene practices within our household.