In the coming years, my primary focus will be dedicated to maximizing income generation from the half-acre of land I plan to lease. I am committed to overseeing a well-timed process, including land preparation, planting, and input management for the tomato farm, with a strict adherence to quality standards for the tomatoes. I am optimistic that venture will be success. The earnings from this venture will be consistently saved with the ultimate goal of establishing a shop. This strategic financial planning is driven by my desire to ensure a comfortable and secure future for my children when I have a family.

I appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the GD staff during the enrollment process, in my view. Their practice of not accepting any hospitality from households is commendable, fostering a fair and unbiased environment throughout the procedure. This approach not only eliminates concerns about the provision of food but also maintains a level playing field for all participants. While expressing satisfaction with the current practices, I hold the hope that the organization might consider an additional transfer, especially for individuals like myself who are on the verge of starting a family. This extra support could significantly contribute to building a strong foundation for our families, allowing us to navigate the challenges of starting a household with greater ease and security.

I began building my two-bedroom iron sheet house using the second transfer, but unfortunately, the project was left incomplete. Determined to see it through, I used $280 to complete it, which involved adding 15 iron sheets, acquiring a metallic door, windows, cement, sand, and covering labor expenses. The completed house is more spacious than my previous single-room dwelling, providing a comfortable space for my future family since I am planning to marry in two years time. The relief is immense, especially considering that the new house doesn't suffer from leaks that used to disrupt my peace whenever it rained. In a bid to eradicate the discomfort and embrassment of open defecation, I directed $18 towards the construction of a pit latrine, a project that is progressing and will soon be finalized. Additionally, I invested $60 in poultry farming, purchasing twelve chicks to supplement my income derived from the posho mill where I currently work. The prospect of generating revenue through egg sales adds a hopeful note to my financial endeavors. I have set aside the remaining funds with the intention of leasing a half-acre of land adjacent to the river for irrigation. Inspired by my neighbor's successful experience, I intend to cultivate tomatoes for commercial purposes in order to earn an extra income.

In the coming year and beyond, I have several plans that I hope to accomplish. Firstly, I plan to complete the furnishing of my new construction. Although this will be covered by the remaining transfer, I may need to use some of my savings to buy new furniture. After that, I hope to start a cereal business that focuses on selling dry beans to the immediate community since they are in high demand. Currently, I am working in a posho mill, hired by a neighbor and a friend who pays me an appreciable amount at the end of each month. I plan to start saving from this job and in the future, I hope to secure a shop where I will stock some cereals to sell to the immediate community members. To achieve these goals, I will need to be intentional with my spending and continue to work hard to save up enough money to start my business

GiveDirectly has made a remarkable impact in the village, and I believe they are doing an excellent job. The cash transfers provided by GiveDirectly have brought about visible transformation in the households that receive them. Unlike traditional aid from other organizations, GiveDirectly's support is monetary and allows us to address our specific challenges. Providing unconditional cash transfers is effective in empowering us to make decisions that best suit our needs. In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done an amazing job, and I don't see any areas where they could do better, except for expanding their reach to other communities in dire need of such generous support. Overall, GiveDirectly's direct cash transfer model has proven to be impactful and transformative in our villlage.

I am grateful for the second transfer from GiveDirectly, which has had a significant impact on my life. From the first day I received the transfer, I was intentional about how I spent the money. Before receiving the transfers, I was living alone in a small room made of iron sheets, which could not accommodate any additional person in the household. With the $367, I spent $182 on buying 20 iron sheets, $160 on building poles, and $25 on nails. I was also able to pay a labor charge of $80 to complete the construction work. Initially, I had planned to construct the same-sized room as the old one I was living in, but I changed my plan and bought more materials to construct a spacious house with an extra room that serves as a bed space. I am happy and grateful for the generous support from GiveDirectly, and I hope to do more with the final transfer.

As the clock struck 3 PM, a message notification brought unexpected joy into my tranquil afternoon. I was home, enjoying a rare moment of solitude. The message was from a source I didn't expect, and as I opened it, my heart skipped a beat. It was about the cash transfers, and in that instant, I knew that things were about to change for the better. For too long, the issue of having enough food had been a constant weight on my mind. The uncertainty of having sufficient meals for my family had been a source of worry, consuming my thoughts every single day. But now, with the promise of cash transfers, the hope of a brighter and more secure future began to take root. The thought of being able to put food on the table without constant worry was a liberating feeling. No longer would I have to count pennies or ration meals to make ends meet. As the excitement filled my heart, I couldn't help but imagine the abundance that lay ahead.

The cash transfers have empowered me to take charge of my life and fulfill my responsibilities in ways I couldn't have imagined before. My newfound ability to support my loved ones fills me with pride, and rightly so. Having hope for a good house is a testament to my determination and perseverance, thanks to the opportunities provided by the cash transfers. Each step I take towards building that home brings me closer to a future filled with security and stability. Reflecting on the past, I see how much I have grown and evolved. The cash transfers have given me the means to lend a helping hand to my loved ones, demonstrating your commitment to being there for them in times of need.

With the cash transfers in hand, I made decisions that aimed to transform our lives for the better. The first step towards securing a brighter future was investing in our home. I used $100 to purchase 10 pieces of iron sheets, a significant contribution towards building a solid and stable shelter for my family. The dream of having a proper home, a place to call our own, had always been a distant hope. But with the cash transfers, that dream began to take shape. Each iron sheet represented a piece of our future, a step closer to providing my family with a safe and comfortable place to live. Beyond shelter, I recognized the importance of presenting oneself well. With $30, I bought clothes that would not only make me look presentable but also boost my confidence as I carried out my daily duties. It was a small investment, but its impact on my self-esteem was immeasurable. My brother fell seriously ill, and we had no choice but to rally together as a family to support him. With $70, we managed to pay the hospital bill, ensuring he received the medical attention he needed. The experience brought our family even closer, reminding us of the strength we possessed when we united for a common cause. With a grateful heart and a determined spirit, I looked forward to the next cash transfers, knowing that they would continue to open doors of opportunity for my family.