In the upcoming year and beyond, my primary goal is to pay for my kids' school fees. The thought of accomplishing this fills me with joy because I believe education is the key to their future success. Providing them with an education means more than just securing their employment; it symbolizes breaking the cycle of hardship. I feel a profound happiness, knowing that their achievements will not only benefit them but also create opportunities for them to support me in return. It's a journey toward a brighter future for us all.

GiveDirectly has effectively addressed hunger issues in Baringo through its direct cash transfer program. Their approach of providing financial assistance directly to those in need has made a positive impact. What they excel at is the directness of their support, ensuring immediate relief. However, there's room for improvement by expanding their reach to more villages. While their current efforts have made a difference, broader coverage could amplify their positive influence, reaching even more communities in need. Strengthening their outreach would enhance the program's effectiveness in alleviating hunger and fostering positive change across a wider geographical area.

With my most recent transfers, I invested $450 from GiveDirectly in a life-changing transformation. Instead of borrowing and buying milk, I bought a cow to ensure a steady supply. This not only saved me money but provided my family with a reliable source of milk. Moreover, I used the funds to complete my house, painting it and purchasing three comfortable mattresses. Now, all nine of my kids can sleep peacefully, replacing the struggle of fitting them onto a small mattress. It's a tale of newfound self-sufficiency and improved living conditions.

In the years to come and beyond, my goal is to lease an acre of land close to the river. This will open up opportunities for practicing irrigation, which is crucial in our area due to recurrent rainfall shortages that impact crop production. My plan is to cultivate maize on this land, with the dual purpose of selling it for profit and ensuring a stable supply for our domestic needs. This step toward irrigation farming will help secure our food supply and potentially generate additional income for my family.

What impressed me most about GiveDirectly was that it gave us transfers that shielded us from the typical famine that plagues our region during recurring droughts. I am confident that everyone who received these transfers did not suffer from hunger. This was evident when Baringo County, where we reside, did not make headlines for famine this year, and I believe the transfers played a role in that. Since I received the funds, my family has not skipped meals or rationed food. We owe our consistent meals and improved food security to GiveDirectly.

The second transfer brought a wonderful transformation to my home. It's no longer a dilapidated old house but a welcoming refuge. With $145, I gave it a complete makeover. We replaced the old, rusty, and leaking roof with shiny new iron sheets. Termite-infested frames were swapped out for fresh ones. A fresh coat of paint adorned the walls and roof, adding a burst of colour. We even got new cushions for our seats worth $30, a significant upgrade from the worn-out ones. Now, I'm a proud homeowner, ready to receive visitors without feeling ashamed of my house's appearance. Additionally, I pampered myself with new shoes and clothes, spending $50 to replace my old garments. Now, I'm ready to look my best, whether I'm attending special functions or going to town. I also decided to upgrade my sleep game with a new $50 mattress, saying goodbye to my worn-out, decade-old one. Now, I sleep like a baby. Not forgetting the welfare of my kids, who used to share a tiny bed, I got them a bigger one for $20. I also cleared a food debt of $60 in a nearby shop to show the owner my commitment and maintain a good relationship with him. With the remaining amount, I stocked up on food to ensure my family of eight always had enough since my income is not consistent as I rely on casual construction for a living.

Around 2 PM, our neighbor hurriedly came to our house, brimming with excitement. They asked if we had received the transfers from GiveDirectly. Without wasting a second, my wife and I immediately called our helper to confirm the news. We were thrilled beyond measure. The reason for our excitement was that we had borrowed a cow from a neighbor, and we needed to repay the debt as soon as possible. The loan had been pending for a long time, and it weighed heavily on our minds. Clearing this debt became our top priority. The cow had been a valuable asset, providing us with sustenance and the opportunity to generate income from its milk and offspring. However, we understood the importance of honoring our commitments and maintaining trust within our community. Repaying the debt was an essential step in upholding our integrity.

It was an uncommon sight for us to have an abundance of provisions, and the joy that welled up within us was indescribable. Gone were the days of rationing meals and struggling to make ends meet. With the GiveDirectly transfers, we could finally experience the luxury of three satisfying meals each day. The laughter and contentment that filled our home were a testament to the transformative power of having enough to eat. As we embarked on this new chapter, we couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the assistance we had received. The GiveDirectly transfers had brought us not only sustenance but also hope, a glimmer of possibility in a world that had often felt restrictive. They had provided the catalyst for change, fueling our determination to transcend our circumstances and shape our destiny.

First and foremost, we recognized the importance of honoring our debt for the borrowed cow. We allocated $80 towards repaying this debt, understanding the significance of fulfilling our obligations and maintaining trust within our community. To ensure our family's well-being, we set aside $80 for food expenses. Nourishing ourselves and providing sustenance for our loved ones was a fundamental priority. Recognizing the need for warmth and comfort, especially during colder months, we allocated $40 towards acquiring blankets. This investment would provide us with a sense of security and protection from the elements. It was a small but important step in ensuring our physical well-being and comfort. We understood that the limitations of casual work had impacted our ability to accommodate all our needs at once. We were determined to continue seeking opportunities for growth and stability and GiveDirectly came in, making the most of the resources and support available to us.