In the upcoming year, my goal is to dive into extensive goat rearing. I currently have five goats, and my plan is for them to become the cornerstone of a growing herd through breeding. This expansion will serve as a dual means of support for my family of six, providing both income and a sustainable source of food. The vision is simple yet impactful: I am hopeful these goats will not only multiply in number but also become a reliable source of income for our family. Their offspring will gradually grow our herd, allowing us to sell surplus goats and their products while also ensuring we have a steady supply of milk and meat for our own consumption. This venture into goat rearing is more than just a business; it is a way to secure our livelihood and create stability for my family. With their ability to multiply and provide, these goats represent hope for a brighter and more secure future for us all.

GiveDirectly's support has been nothing short of commendable, especially for those enduring poverty. Witnessing the transformation it has brought about is truly remarkable. Assets have been acquired, and the community has been blessed with sustenance in the form of food. For me personally, the assistance allowed me to make crucial investments. I fenced my farm, securing the foundation for future cultivation, and invested in goats that will undoubtedly be a pillar of support for my family of six in the years to come. The impact of this assistance is beyond words, and it is something for which I am immensely grateful. I hold the fervent wish that GiveDirectly continues its current approach without altering a thing. If anything, I hope they expand and replicate their incredible work in other areas, touching the lives of many more families in need. The model they have employed has brought tangible change, and the ripple effects have been nothing short of life-changing.

When the transfers came through, I made two essential investments: $390 went into purchasing fencing wire, a crucial step toward securing my dedicated 3-acre farm. The rest of the funds were invested in a goat, a valuable asset in its own right. The fencing wire holds immense significance as it will enclose the land where I plan to cultivate maize. This maize farm is not just about sustaining my family of six today; it is a crucial step in securing a future for my children. As I grow older, I have come to rely on farming to ensure my children have the means to pursue education by covering their school fees. This farm represents more than just a piece of land; it is a beacon of hope for the future. It is my way of laying the foundation for my children, ensuring they have opportunities ahead despite my limitations. Every stalk of maize planted is a step toward securing their future, allowing them to grow and flourish even when I am no longer able to provide as I do now.

Even though there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of my crops on my farm, I am filled with hope for the remaining transfer, which I intend to use to complete the fencing project. This will not only help in preventing animal intrusions on my farm now but also prove invaluable in the coming year and beyond as I aim to further enhance my farming practices, shifting from subsistence farming to increasing the number of goats on my farm. I am deeply grateful for the support provided by GiveDirectly, which has rekindled our optimism and given us another chance to set things right once more.

GiveDirectly has rekindled the spirit of hard work within every household that has had the privilege of receiving a free cash transfer. Their approach, which treats every individual and family with the utmost fairness, has been a welcome and heartwarming experience for our community. It was a clear demonstration of their fairness that we all received the same amount of money on the same day. What they have accomplished beyond our village is nothing short of commendable, and we earnestly hope this continues in the new villages they are yet to visit. I must admit, I never thought someone would offer such a substantial amount of money without expecting repayment, but after receiving the first and second transfers, I have come to believe in the possibility and am genuinely grateful for GiveDirectly's generosity. However, there is room for improvement to expand their reach and impact, ensuring that more underserved communities can experience the positive changes we have witnessed in our village.

With the second cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I made several strategic investments to improve my family's life and our farm's security I bought 10 chain links at $250 each and a roll of barbed wire for $58 to fence our farm. We needed to protect our crops from animal intrusions. Though we couldn't complete the fencing entirely, I am optimistic about finishing it with the final transfer. Additionally, I used a portion of the money to buy a solar panel and lighting bulbs, making a $15 down payment and committing to $3 installments every 10 days. This upgrade brightened our home and eliminated the need for frequent fuel expenses. To improve our future prospects, I invested $50 in acquiring another goat, expanding our total to five. Lastly, I allocated the remaining $77 to purchase essential foodstuffs and household goods for my family of five, ensuring we met our basic needs.

The arrival of my transfer infused my life with a renewed sense of hope, and its timing was impeccably fitting. I was engrossed in my farm tasks when my phone suddenly buzzed, alerting me to a new message. Upon examining its contents, a rush of delight overcame me as I absorbed the message's content. The timing couldn't have been more ideal, as I had depleted essential food supplies in my home. The significant enhancement in my financial situation has brought me immense satisfaction, as it has positively influenced my overall quality of life.

One of the remarkable shifts in my daily existence is the newfound capacity to enclose my land, a task that had appeared unachievable due to financial constraints. Furthermore, I have effectively secured an abundant reserve of food within our household, providing us with substantial relief. The aid we received has elicited profound appreciation, infusing us with both joy and gratitude.

Farming holds immense importance for both my wife and I, serving as the primary source of sustenance for our family. However, our productivity has suffered due to adverse weather conditions. With the blessing of five children, we welcomed a transfer and made the joint decision to spend $150 towards procuring essential food supplies for our household, recognizing its paramount significance in ensuring our daily meals. The remainder of the funds was directed toward fencing our land. I am genuinely elated that this choice has brought a positive transformation to our lives. Our children no longer have to endure empty stomachs before sleep, and we hold an optimistic outlook on the days ahead.