Receiving the transfer was the most significant blessing I have encountered in my life, primarily because of the urgent needs we faced. Our long-held dream of having a pit latrine within our household had been affected by financial constraints. We relied on farming and my husband's income from a small retail shop, which barely covered our basic necessities, particularly the hefty school fees for our three children in secondary school. However, upon receiving the transfer, I spent $130 to construct a latrine, a luxury we did not have as we were accustomed to relieving ourselves in the open. Additionally, I used $320 to purchase a water tank, as my health prevented me from carrying water on my back. The impact of this milestone on my life has been profound, and I am immensely grateful for the remarkable improvements it has brought about.

The flexibility to use our transfer funds according to our individual needs was truly empowering. It allowed us to direct the money towards matters of significant personal importance. Furthermore, the fact that I received the money directly on my phone was a notable feature. I encountered no issues requiring correction, as everything was executed seamlessly. I am deeply thankful for the support we received, as it has brought about profound transformations in our lives, far beyond our initial expectations.

In the upcoming years, my primary objectives are to fortify the security of my land with proper fencing and to guarantee a steady food supply. Additionally, I intend to renovate my house. I will rely on the income generated from my farming efforts to turn these dreams into reality. The support from GiveDirectly has proven invaluable, and I cannot overstate my gratitude for the positive and transformative impact it has had on our lives.

With the second transfer, I spent $320 to purchase a large plastic water tank with a capacity of 5000 liters from the nearby shopping center. Although we already had a similar-sized tank, the scarcity of water caused by severe drought conditions and the occasional malfunction of the distribution pump necessitated the need for an additional tank. These two tanks now hold enough water for my family of 12 for several weeks before needing a refill. I also took the opportunity to install strong gutters around the roof and positioned the tank strategically to collect rainwater. As I set up the tank, there were additional expenses involved, including a $30 transportation cost, the purchase of materials, and a $29 construction cost for the base, along with an expenditure of $10 for extra gutter holders. I am pleased to say that everything is now in place, and the tank is already filled and ready for use. Additionally, I allocated $20 to support my spouse's retail business in the nearby shopping center of Marigat and used the remaining $41 to purchase other essential household goods that were previously lacking.

GiveDirectly has implemented a remarkable project by providing us with financial support. Initially, the idea of receiving money was something we hadn't imagined, but it made a significant impact once we received the first transfer. I appreciate the opportunity given to me and my family to make our own decisions and plan accordingly on how to utilize the cash. However, I believe it would be beneficial if GiveDirectly could also consider supporting young families. These newly established households often face numerous responsibilities, particularly when they lack income-generating projects. Including them in the program would greatly assist them in meeting their needs and achieving financial stability at their early age instead of being dependent on their ageing parents.

Looking ahead to the upcoming year and beyond, there are several tasks that I aim to accomplish. At the top of my list, I am determined to complete the construction of the latrine project that is already dug, which is a crucial priority. Additionally, I plan to further invest in goat farming, as it brings multiple benefits such as milk production and a source of mutton when faced with severe drought conditions, as we can slaughter one for sustenance. Moreover, the goats can be sold to help cover other household expenses. These endeavors will contribute to improving our overall well-being and financial stability.

Receiving financial assistance from GiveDirectly was certainly a blessing for me and my family. I work as a farmer, while my husband runs a retail shop in Marigat, and we are blessed with ten children. Upon receiving the initial transfer, I immediately put my plan into action, prioritizing my son's education by paying $50 in school fees. I then invested $90 in farming to boost our yields and ensure food security. The remaining funds were utilized to purchase food. Within a short period, I was able to accomplish a great deal, thanks to the financial support from GiveDirectly. This was something I never thought possible due to financial limitations, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

The financial aid I received has made a profound impact on my daily life, allowing me to purchase food and invest in my farming endeavors with ease. This was not feasible before due to financial hardships. I am now filled with optimism that in a few months, I will have a bountiful harvest that will provide ample food for my family. The gift of financial support that has transformed my life will always be remembered with gratitude.

The most delightful experience I had was when I received money from GiveDirectly. I vividly remember the moment I was at home, taking it easy when my son came back with a beaming smile on his face. When I inquired about his joyous mood, he shared the amazing news that GiveDirectly had transferred money to me. This news brought me immense happiness and became the highlight of my day. Subsequently, my son and I collaborated to strategize on how to make the best use of the funds.