In the upcoming year and beyond, my objective is to launch an animal trade business to enhance my income. My plan entails waiting for my goats to multiply, after which I will sell them and use the proceeds to start the business. I am optimistic that with time and dedication, I will be able to turn this dream into a reality.

GiveDirectly excels in conducting sensitization programs that provide valuable insights, particularly on financial management and safeguarding our funds. These sessions were instrumental in educating us about potential fraud risks and effective ways to secure our money. In my assessment, I didn't identify any areas in need of improvement because everything was executed effectively.

The support provided by GiveDirectly came at precisely the right time when it was most needed. It coincided with the drought season, when affording essential foodstuffs had become a challenging endeavor due to the adverse impact of the harsh weather on our farms. Therefore, when I received the assurance that I would receive financial assistance from the organization, I knew it would be a transformative moment in my life. I am married and blessed with eight children, and my wife and I rely on farming to make ends meet. Consequently, I spent $120 to purchase foodstuffs, addressing our most immediate need. Additionally, I used $60 to pay for my children's school fees, and I completed the construction of a house for them with $50. Finally, I utilized the remaining funds to acquire various household items and address other pressing needs. I am immensely relieved and grateful that we were able to achieve so much within a short period, which was not possible before due to the lack of financial resources.

I intend to invest in the livestock sector, God willing. This will increase the amount of money I make from the significant farming I have been doing. As soon as I get my next transfer, I'll start by purchasing two or three goats. As a result, this will assure me that my family will never go without anything, which will also give me peace of mind as a parent.

According to me, GiveDirectly did well by offering us basic teachings on how to secure our cash from fraudsters, online scammers, and all sorts of thieves. This showed how much they cared about us and wished us well. I am not where I used to be because I have accomplished most of my dreams, which maybe would have taken years for me to achieve.

I had a $50 debt at my friend's shop, which I had to pay off when I got the money. She vowed to stop lending me items anytime I needed them, so I feel at ease now. I would like to express my appreciation to GiveDirectly for coming to my rescue and helping me regain my composure. Additionally, I spent $66 on buying six iron sheets to build my four now-teenage children a new house. They formerly resided in a grass-thatched home, which some locusts had destroyed it. They either couldn't fit in my house, so they had to rely on my neighbours to shelter them every night. My pride became tarnished by this, and I felt like I had let them down as a parent. I'm glad GiveDirectly has made it possible for me to achieve my dream. I later paid fees of $70 for my daughter, who is in Form 1. After not attending school for days, she is now in class with her fellow students. Additionally, I spent $60 on a solar panel, which has helped light up my home at night. At first, I would buy kerosene or candles which was expensive. It is therefore a relief for my children. They won't have to struggle to stay awake while studying at night because they might occasionally be left in the dark. For them, this serves as inspiration. In addition, I purchased shoes for the children who have been walking barefoot to school. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my family of ten members. I am a substantial farmer, and in a day I earn around $2, which is not enough to feed my family.

I have a clear memory of the moment I received a text notification indicating that I had been granted $200. I was at home, enjoying my midday meal when my phone suddenly rang. Upon checking, I was overwhelmed with joy and left speechless upon seeing the message from GiveDirectly informing me of the financial assistance. The support arrived at a time when we least expected it, and I felt an immense sense of gratitude. I immediately shared the news with my wife, who shared the same sentiment of gratitude and relief, knowing that we would now be able to pursue our goals. From that point on, we embarked on planning our next steps with renewed hope and determination.

The most significant change I have experienced in my daily life is the ability to provide enough food for my family, especially during the challenging drought season. This support has spared us from going to bed on empty stomachs and has brought immense happiness and gratitude into our lives. Not only has it ensured our basic needs are met, but it has also uplifted our overall living standards. I am truly thankful for the assistance that has made such a positive impact on our well-being.

Farming is our main source of income for my wife, our nine children, and me. When we received the transfer, our most pressing need was to secure food for our family. Therefore, I made it a priority to purchase a sack of maize worth $62. With the remaining funds, we bought other essential food supplies. The prolonged drought had made things challenging for us, making this support crucial and arriving at the perfect time of need. We are eternally grateful for the assistance provided, as it has alleviated our immediate concerns and brought much-needed relief to our family.