Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my main focus and biggest goal is to complete the construction of the three-bedroom house. The materials I've already purchased have laid a solid foundation, and I am determined to see this dream become a reality. I plan to use the money from the tomatoes I'm yet to grow on my farm to fund the rest of the building project. The idea of having a proper house fills me with so much joy and satisfaction for me and my five children. It means we will finally have enough space and privacy to live comfortably, which is something we have been longing for.

What truly stands out about GiveDirectly is their unwavering commitment to keeping their promises. I have never encountered an organization that prioritizes its recipients' interests as much as they do. It brings me immense happiness to say that I have received all three transfers exactly as they were promised to me during enrollment, without delays. I am sincerely grateful to GiveDirectly for their consistency and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the poor in society

I have had a strong desire to build a larger house for my family because my children are growing, and our current bedroom is too small for our family of seven. Sadly, our financial situation has made this dream seem out of reach. My spouse, who is our sole provider, earns only $80 as a primary teacher, which isn't enough to cover our basic needs. With four sons and one daughter, it is becoming increasingly uncomfortable for us all to share one bedroom. As they grow older, it is essential for them to have their own space, and my husband and I also need some privacy. Currently, we've set up sleeping arrangements in our living room, but it's not ideal. Everyone deserves privacy and their own space. When I received the third transfer, I saw it as an opportunity to start making our dream a reality. I used part of the money to buy materials: $250 for iron sheets and $80 for posts for construction. However, I know that more funds will be needed for additional materials and labor. So, I plan to save more from my tomato farming to cover these expenses. The remaining amount will be invested in tomato farming on half an acre of our land. I have already prepared the land, and I will be ordering tomato seedlings next week to plant. I am hopeful that this investment will bring in a good income to support my husband in building our house.

Looking ahead to the coming years and beyond, I plan to embark on a tomato farming project. Inspired by the success of my neighbors who have found prosperity through irrigation, I see an opportunity to thrive in our area, given the accessibility to water for irrigation on my land. The prospect of contributing to my family's well-being by selling tomatoes brings a sense of fulfillment and a commitment to supporting my husband in our shared responsibilities. Additionally, my family has a long-term plan to purchase a piece of land outside our current area. This decision is driven by my observations of cultural practices in this region, particularly the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). This cultural tradition is something I strongly oppose, recognizing the serious health risks associated with it, and I am determined not to let my daughter go through it. Therefore, relocating to a faraway place from here provides a safer and more culturally aligned environment for my family's future.

I appreciate GiveDirectly's commitment to conducting individual household visits for eligibility assessments. This personalized and thorough approach ensures that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. Unlike relying solely on information from local leaders, which may carry the risk of favoritism, this method enhances fairness and accuracy. Well done to GiveDirectly for prioritizing a transparent and equitable assessment process, contributing to the effectiveness and integrity of their aid distribution efforts.

I have been obtaining milk for my family from my in-laws, but this has led to conflicts with my mother-in-law. She perceives it as a burden, and sometimes we engage in verbal disputes, which I find unpleasant. Consequently, I've been compelled to seek an alternative source of milk. Purchasing it is expensive, and with a large family of six young children who constantly require milk, I end up spending $0.8 a day on this commodity alone, even before addressing other basic needs. My husband, a primary school teacher, earns a meagre $800 per month, making it challenging to provide for all our necessities. Recognizing the strain on our budget and the recurring conflicts, I saw an opportunity for a lasting solution. I decided to invest in a cow to meet our immediate milk needs and also for future investments. I anticipate that the cow will reproduce and multiply, and I will be selling its offspring to support our children's education. Having spent $250 on the cow, I have saved the remaining amount. I plan to combine it with the third transfer to build a two-roomed iron sheet house. The current living conditions are cramped, with eight of us squeezed into a small space. Some of my children have to sleep in the living room, while the younger two share our bedroom, which is far from ideal. The prospect of having an additional house brings a sense of relief, ensuring that everyone can sleep comfortably and affording us, as parents, a bit more privacy.

One ordinary evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, enveloping the home in a warm glow, I sat in the living room with my five children and husband. Suddenly, a notification popped up on my phone – a message from GiveDirectly. Disbelief and excitement surged through me as I read that we had received $200. It was a moment of sheer joy, and immediately, my mind raced with possibilities. As I shared the news with my family, we unanimously decided to use the money to buy a sofa. The worn-out chairs we had were a testament to the years of shared laughter and conversations, but they had seen better days. The idea of having a comfortable place for us to sit, especially when guests visited, filled me with anticipation. It was not just about a piece of furniture; it was about creating a welcoming space for our family and friends, a small luxury that would enhance the warmth of our home. And so, that unexpected windfall became the catalyst for a simple yet meaningful upgrade to our daily lives.

Since I began receiving the transfers, the most significant change has been the surge in happiness within my family. In the challenging conditions of Baringo, where $200 holds substantial value, these transfers have become a lifeline, helping us navigate the harsh climatic challenges more comfortably. The joy that accompanies each transfer has not only eased financial strains but has also become a beacon of hope, making our daily lives more bearable and allowing us to embrace a newfound sense of contentment.

With my most recent transfer of $200, I prioritized the comfort and well-being of my family. The first purchase was a sofa, a simple yet significant addition to our home. Now, my husband, five children, and I have a comfortable place to gather, share stories, and simply relax. This purchase was not just about furniture; it was about creating a cozy haven for us. Recognizing the need for better sleeping arrangements, I invested in a bed and mattress for my kids. With only one bed previously, accommodating all of them comfortably was a challenge. Now, they have a more conducive space for rest and rejuvenation. The transfer also allowed me to support my child who recently changed schools. I used a portion of the funds to purchase a new school uniform, ensuring she could seamlessly transition into her new academic environment. Additionally, I embraced sustainability by purchasing a goat, an investment that holds promise for the future. Alongside this, I secured enough food to provide for my family, ensuring their nutritional needs were met. In these thoughtful choices, the impact of the transfer resonates not just in our present comfort but also in securing a better future for my loved ones.