At the age of 65, engaging in the physical demands of farming has become challenging for me. However, my primary focus has shifted towards goat farming, a more manageable venture at my age. In the coming year and beyond, I plan to continue rearing and increasing my goat herd whenever the opportunity arises. The ease of managing goats, coupled with their quick multiplication, provides a sustainable avenue for me to support my children's education. I anticipate that selling the offspring will generate the necessary funds whenever there is a need, contributing to the financial well-being of my family. This strategic approach aligns with my current capabilities and long-term goals, ensuring a practical and fruitful endeavor in my later years.

In my perspective, GiveDirectly is undertaking commendable work, appreciated by both those who have already received financial support and those awaiting it. The introduction of monetary support is unprecedented, as previous aid organizations provided material goods, limiting the potential impact. The flexibility of using the money according to our needs has resulted in significant transformations in many families. Personally, I am pleased to have invested in education, livestock, and the construction of a decent kitchen that I currently use. There seems to be no need for changes in the program, as the results have brought happiness and satisfaction to all of us who have received and utilized the funds.

The construction of a kitchen became a pressing need as I had been cooking in an open-air makeshift area that was often disrupted by rain and wind. Investing $150, I purchased essential materials, including iron sheets, poles, and nails, and also covered a labor charge of $50. The result is a comfortable space where I can cook without being affected by the weather. This area now not only functions as a kitchen but also provides a bed space for my children. Livestock farming, especially goats, is a prevalent practice in our region due to their resilience in harsh conditions and ability to forage for food even when feeds are limited. With an initial herd of 100 goats, I used $95 from my third transfer to add two more, reinforcing the backbone of our family's support. This additional livestock allows us to cover school fees for my four children and address various household expenses. Furthermore, I utilized the remaining $155 to partially pay the school fees for my son in college and three others in secondary school. I appreciate GiveDirectly's financial support, empowering us to make choices in allocating funds, prioritizing education, and preserving our goats for future opportunities.

In the coming year and beyond, my primary focus and goal remain steadfast on providing the best opportunities for my family's education and ensuring their well-being. I aim to continue prioritizing the payment of school fees for my four children, allowing them to pursue their academic aspirations without hindrance. Additionally, I will strive to sustain our food security by engaging in subsistence farming, cultivating crops to meet our dietary needs. The rearing of goats will also play a significant role, as they provide both sustenance and potential income. By maintaining these practices, I aim to create a stable and nurturing environment for my family's growth and success.

GiveDirectly excels in providing financial support to households, ensuring fair allocation and timely delivery of funds directly to recipients' accounts. However, an area for improvement lies in educating recipients on effective decision-making when receiving substantial amounts. By offering guidance and resources on financial planning, budgeting, and investment opportunities, GiveDirectly can empower individuals to make informed choices that maximize the long-term impact of the support they receive.

With the most recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I made several spending decisions that were driven by my desire to prioritize my family's well-being and address our immediate needs. I spent $180 on school fees for my four children, one of whom is in college and the other three in secondary school, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their academic goals by eliminating any disturbances they have been experiencing while being sent to collect money. I also used $80 to purchase food for my family of six. This included cereals and groceries, which are essential for our nutritional needs. Furthermore, I invested $25 in acquiring an additional goat to expand our existing herd of 100 goats. With access to vast grazing land and the ability to feed on herbs and thickets, the goats serve as a valuable asset, helping us meet expenses such as school fees and other essential requirements. I also spent $150 on purchasing iron sheets. These materials were intended for the construction of a new house for my children, who had been cramped into a small kitchen area. I needed to provide my children with a comfortable and conducive environment that also provided them with the privacy they deserved. Finally, I spent the remaining $15 to buy household goods, which would enhance our daily lives and ensure our basic needs were met.

I was tending to my livestock up the hill at approximately 1:00 PM when I received an SMS. Since I was unable to read it due to a lack of formal education, my child whom we were with assisted me in checking it. Upon learning that it was indicating that I had received the GiveDirectly transfer, I was overcome with joy and gratitude, and I whispered a prayer of thanks to God.

The most significant change is that I feel at ease and can relax without worrying for sometime. I have purchased enough food for my family, and the maize will sustain us for an extended period, which means we won't have to endure hunger. Moreover, I am delighted that, for the first time, my children can attend school without being sent back home due to school fees arrears.

The GiveDirectly transfer arrived just in time as we had exhausted the little amount of flour we had left. I was worried about how we would purchase more and feared that we may have to go hungry for a few days until my husband could sell one of our emaciated goats to raise money. The drought had greatly affected our goats' health. Upon receiving the transfer, I was filled with joy and immediately went to buy a sack of dry maize with $60. Additionally, I had four children who had already returned to school without clearing their fees. I used the remaining $140 to pay their school fees, ensuring that they could stay in school until the end of the term. This assistance came as a huge relief to my family during these difficult times.