Having a small piece of land dedicated to kitchen gardening has been beneficial, allowing me to cultivate vegetables, income-generating crops like sweet potatoes and tobacco, as well as fruits. However, maintaining the garden has become challenging due to recent invasions by goats, resulting in significant damage to my crops. In the upcoming year and beyond, my plan is to fence around the garden to mitigate such issues and enhance the management of the diverse crops. This strategic move aims not only to ensure food security but also to serve as a consistent source of income. Despite the interest from village members eager for the vegetables, I am currently unable to plant anything new until I erect a new fence, which I plan to accomplish by early January. This proactive measure reflects my commitment to sustaining and expanding the productivity of my kitchen garden.

GiveDirectly has proven to be instrumental since its inception, allowing me to make significant improvements in my life. With the cash support received, I have been able to acquire three goats, invest in food supplies, and plan for the construction of a new house, a project I hope to see completed soon. The autonomy to decide how to use the money is something I appreciate, as it puts me in control of my financial decisions. I am sincerely grateful to GiveDirectly for the positive impact it has had on my life, and I hope others in new locations yet to be visited will experience the same transformative support.

Receiving the second transfer, I prioritized investing a significant portion in construction materials for a new house. Currently residing in a mud-walled cubicle house vulnerable to termite damage, I plan to build a sturdier one with metallic poles and iron sheets, resistant to infestations. So far, I have spent $212 on iron sheets, roofing frames, and nails. The remaining funds are saved for upcoming labor charges and additional household goods during the construction. Despite the extended construction plans, the support from GiveDirectly brings peace of mind, especially knowing I have ample foodstuff purchased with the first patch. I am grateful for this assistance, making long-term improvements possible.

However, I tried to read the message myself that I received from GiveDirectly around 2 pm, but I could not quite comprehend it. So, I had to patiently wait for my helper to return home from his daily chores. When my helper finally arrived and read and confirmed the message, a wave of excitement washed over me. I couldn't wait to access the funds, so I eagerly made plans to withdraw the money from the nearby shopping center the following day. It was a moment of great joy and hope for a brighter future.

I am truly grateful that I was able to make significant changes in my life with the first transfer from GiveDirectly. However, the most profound transformation has been the replacement of my old, worn-out sleeping arrangements with a comfortable bed and mattress. This upgrade has had an immense impact on my daily life, particularly in terms of my sleep quality.

When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I carefully considered how to allocate the funds to improve my life. I decided to invest in the future by purchasing three goats at $28 each, with the intention of breeding them and selling their offspring to cover any financial obligations for my family down the line. Additionally, I spent $40 on a 50-kg bag of maize and a carton of milk, which have been sustaining me for over two weeks now since I live alone. The most significant improvement, though, was replacing my old, tattered sleeping arrangements with a comfortable bed and mattress. It has made a world of difference in my sleep quality. As for the remaining $10, I wisely saved it, and it has proven useful in replenishing essential household consumables. This support from GiveDirectly has brought both short-term relief and long-term prospects for a better life.