In the coming year and beyond, my main focus will be on expanding my goat rearing business, as I believe it holds the key to securing my children's future, especially in terms of their education. With our area, characterized by hot and dry climatic conditions conducive to goat farming, I aim to acquire five goats annually, gradually increasing my livestock over time. This strategic approach will provide a stable income stream that I can invest in my children's education. To achieve this, I plan to generate additional income through maize cultivation on the leased acre of land. I am optimistic that the proceeds from selling maize will support my goat rearing venture, helping me reach my goal of acquiring five goats each year. Ultimately, my aim is to ensure a brighter future for my children by providing them with access to quality education.

In my view, GiveDirectly is excellent at keeping their word about sending transfers promptly, as they promised during registration. Initially, I had doubts about whether they would actually do it, but they did, unlike other organizations. This makes me very thankful, knowing they're dedicated to helping people like me improve in overcoming poverty.In my view, GiveDirectly is excellent at keeping their word about sending transfers promptly, as they promised during registration. Initially, I had doubts about whether they would actually do it, but they did, unlike other organizations. This makes me very thankful, knowing they're dedicated to helping people like me to overcome poverty.

I've had a long-term aspiration to expand our house, as our one-room dwelling was becoming increasingly cramped for our growing family. Thanks to the recent transfer, I was able to add another room using the $185 that was gathered for the building materials as well as labor. With the new room, our home feels more spacious and orderly unlike the single room that served as both a living area, kitchen, and bedroom, leading to congestion and disorderliness. This has also relieved us of the embarrassment of hosting visitors in such a cramped space. Additionally, I invested $45 in purchasing a goat, inspired by the livelihood success stories of my neighbors who own livestock. Becoming a proud goat owner is a significant step towards securing our family's financial future through their sales. I also leased an acre of land near the river for $100. This will allow me to engage in irrigation farming, particularly of maize, for both household consumption and commercial purposes. Furthermore, with the anticipation of our new addition to the family in three months, I used $50 to purchase new baby clothes, ensuring that our child will have everything they need upon arrival. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food for our family. As a seasonal tractor driver, my income is inconsistent, especially during the non-ploughing season, making it challenging to provide for the family's nutritional needs.

While I was diligently plowing the land in a nearby village, steering the tractor that constitutes my primary source of income, a message suddenly appeared, confirming a generous $200 from GiveDirectly. Waves of joy surged within me, yet I restrained my elation in front of my fellow workers, focusing on my task at hand. As the day wore on and I returned home, I couldn't contain the news from my expectant wife. Her eyes lit up with pure delight upon hearing about the unexpected blessing. The overwhelming emotion that enveloped us centered on the certainty of a brighter future for our 3-year-old and our unborn child. At that moment, gratitude overflowed from our hearts to GiveDirectly for their unwavering support.

The prospect of expanding my house feels like a dream come true. The struggles of living within a single room have been overwhelming. It's been a constant battle—having to turn friends away and refusing visitors due to the lack of privacy. Sometimes it's even challenging to approach people outside because there's no suitable space indoors. During the rainy season, our one room served as everything—our kitchen, dining area, and bedroom. In the dry season, we resorted to cooking outside, which was equally challenging and inconvenient. Expanding our home is nothing short of a game-changer. It’s a shift that will significantly impact our lives. With this expansion, we'll have separate spaces, bringing comfort, privacy, and the freedom to welcome guests without hesitation. The possibilities it opens up for us are beyond measure. I can't express enough gratitude to GiveDirectly for the hope they've brought into our lives.

Receiving $200 from GiveDirectly brought a wind of change into our lives. With this support, the first thing I did was address the pressing need for food. Spending $35 on food was a relief—food had been a constant challenge for us. My wife lacks a stable job, and my own employment as a seasonal tractor driver, earning $30 per acre, offers no guarantees, particularly in our area where farming opportunities are scarce. The next purchase was a significant one—a sofa seat for $105. Our makeshift chairs were fragile and prone to breaking, prompting the need for something more sustainable. This addition would transform our living space, offering the comfort and durability we had longed for. Allocating $37.4 towards purchasing three iron sheets served to extend our home. Our current dwelling, a single-roomed house, posed numerous challenges. During the dry season, outdoor cooking was a necessity, while during rains, we crowded into the same room for cooking, dining, and sleeping. The lack of space not only hindered our comfort but also limited our ability to host visitors or even provide privacy for ourselves. I dedicated the remaining $22.6 to purchasing clothes for my family of three and anticipating the needs of our expected child. Each allocation was a step towards securing a better life for our growing family.GiveDirectly's support brought transformative change, addressing immediate needs and offering us hope for a more stable and comfortable future.