My current subsistence farming has always come in handy, and I am grateful that I have never spent a penny on maize flour, even during the dry seasons. With a good harvest, I was able to store more than ten sacks of maize, of which I will sell some and eat some. At the moment, I am hoping to improve farming practices in order to harvest enough produce for my household consumption as well as a surplus for sale. In this case, the sale proceeds will cover other household expenses that would have depleted my savings.

Many households in the village, in my opinion, appreciated GiveDirectly's enormous effort to alleviate their poverty. Everyone who received the transfer invested in what they needed the most, as it was made clear that we were responsible for deciding how to spend the cash transfers we received. I never heard anyone complain about the process, but everyone appreciated GiveDirectly's fair treatment, which did not favor anyone but distributed equal support.

When I received my second transfer, I spent $110 on a solar lighting system to replace a chargeable bulb we had been using for the past year, despite the fact that it could barely light the wall room. The new solar panel came with three brighter bulbs, which I distributed throughout my house's three critical areas: the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. I am relieved that I no longer need to take the single bulb to the charging point at the nearby shopping center because the solar panel is enough to keep the house illuminated continuously on a sunny day. I also spent $75 on new clothes for my grandson, with whom I am currently staying, as well as some pairs for myself. I used the remaining funds to prepare the land, purchase hybrid maize seeds, and pay the labor force during the double weeding season. I am pleased that the crops have flourished as a result of the recent rains, promising a better harvest. I saved the remainder and used it to purchase foods that we currently consume.

I was at home relaxing when I heard my phone ringing. I then informed my children to interpret for me what the message was all about since I am illiterate. I was so overwhelmed with happiness when I was told that I had received the promised transfer from GiveDirectly. I knew that I will be able to renovate my house by tiling the flow. I am so grateful for the support that lifted my living standard amazingly.

The biggest difference in my life today is that I was able to accomplish the most important dream that I had desired to achieve for a long time. My house is very decent, I feel so happy and fulfilled that I have managed to realise this dream. Since I was unable to achieve my dream earlier due to financial constraints. I am grateful for the transfer of money that comes my way to improve my living standard and that of my people.

Upon receiving my transfer I thought of putting tiles on my house. This had been my dream for a very long time, though I was not in a position to renovate my house due to insufficient funds. Therefore, I used 35,000 on the tiles. I then saved the rest of the money for any other additional cost that might be incurred. I am so thankful for the opportunity that I was given for me to lift my living standard to a higher level.