My paramount objective is to generate more funds to bolster my farming activities, with a special emphasis on cultivating tomatoes. The vision behind this pursuit is twofold: not only to ensure a steady income for myself but, more importantly, to secure a prosperous future for my children. I am acutely aware of the pivotal role education plays in shaping their lives, and the earnings from expanding my farming endeavors will be earmarked for their academic pursuits and overall well-being. As I sow the seeds and tend to the tomatoes, I am metaphorically sowing the seeds of a brighter future for my family.

The organization's approach to providing unconditional cash has been a lifeline for me. The simplicity of just receiving cash without any strings attached is a game-changer. It's not just about the money; it's about the trust and respect embedded in the process. GiveDirectly recognizes that I, as an individual, understand my needs better than anyone else. This unconditional support has allowed me to address immediate concerns like housing, ensuring that my family has a secure and comfortable place to live. The freedom to decide how to use the money has empowered me, and I am grateful for GiveDirectly's innovative and impactful approach.

Addressing the critical issue of food security was my top priority when I received my recent unconditional cash transfer. Allocating $222 towards buying sufficient food for my family was a crucial step in ensuring my children wouldn't have to endure the pangs of hunger anymore. It pained me to see them go to bed with empty stomachs, affecting their health negatively. Additionally, I used part of the funds to kickstart a salon business for my wife. Investing $80 in acquiring essential equipment like a blow dryer, various types of hair, and oils not only provided her with a means of livelihood but also relieved some financial burden from my shoulders. Now, she could contribute to supporting our family with the profits from her newfound venture. After that,I utilized part of the remaining funds to purchase materials for building a new kitchen. Cooking outside the house had been unhygienic, and I believed a decent kitchen was essential for the well-being of my family. The remaining funds were wisely spent on acquiring pesticides to protect my tomato farm from destructive worms. Given that tomatoes were a significant source of income for me as a farmer, safeguarding the crops was crucial to preventing losses that could impact my family of four. I feel a sense of relief and accomplishment, knowing that my actions have not only improved our immediate living conditions but have also set the stage for sustained income and a healthier, more secure future for my family.

In the upcoming year and beyond, my central objective revolves around initiating a goat-rearing project and constructing a decent kitchen. My ultimate aim is to utilize the third transfer to realise this aspiration. I appreciate the achievements I have already made, and I approach the future with a profound sense of gratitude and enthusiasm.

What stood out for me was the freedom we had in utilizing our funds to address our individual needs. The program's officers exhibited exceptional dedication by thoroughly explaining the process, offering valuable guidance, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged us to freely voice our opinions. During the sensitization meetings, we were consistently treated with the highest level of respect and equity, devoid of any discrimination. Furthermore, the program provided invaluable security insights, ensuring the safeguarding of our funds. In conclusion, I find the program's operations to be flawless, with no discernible issues requiring attention.

As farmers, my wife and I rely on our land for our livelihood. We are blessed with two children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made a decision to spend $250 towards renovating our house by plastering the floor. Our daily needs are closely tied to our farming income, and accumulating significant amounts of money has always been a challenge due to the difficulties in our area caused by harsh weather conditions. With the remaining funds, I covered school fees amounting to $80, purchased household items worth $37, and spent $80 for essential food items. My wife and I were overwhelmed with joy that we could complete the house renovation in such a short time. I will forever cherish the support that not only increased our income but also granted us financial freedom.

At 4 pm, the long-awaited transfers finally arrived. I was alone, eagerly anticipating the funds so I could act quickly to address the pressing issue at hand. I had prepared a budget in advance, knowing that time was of the essence. The first thing that came to my mind was food, given the critical situation unfolding due to the devastating drought. The scarcity of food had become a growing concern, and with each passing day, the prices continued to soar, making it even more difficult for people to afford basic necessities.

Buying school uniforms for my children has had a remarkable impact on their appearance and behavior at school. With the help I received, they are now very presentable and respectable among their peers and teachers. The uniforms have instilled a sense of pride and confidence in them, which reflects positively on their overall attitude towards learning and interacting with others. Moreover, the investment in the farm, particularly the tomatoes, has been successful. The crops are thriving, and I am delighted with the progress. The improved yield not only contributes to our family's food security but also opens up opportunities for additional income through sales. Given the positive outcomes with the tomatoes, I am eager to expand the farm's size. By increasing the cultivation area, I hope to further improve the quantity of tomatoes produced. This expansion could lead to even more significant benefits for our family, such as increased self-sufficiency and the potential for better financial stability. I am immensely grateful for the help and support I have received, as it has made a tangible difference in our lives. The newfound respect and confidence of my children at school and the success of our farming venture have brought us hope for a brighter future. With continued hard work and the support of programs like the one that assisted us, we are determined to build a better life for ourselves and create a more prosperous environment for our family.

I allocated $70 to purchase essential food items, understanding the urgency of the situation and the importance of securing provisions for my family during these challenging times. With the remaining funds, I decided to lease a piece of land for farming. It cost me $300, but it was strategically located along the river, allowing me to implement irrigation whenever necessary. I saw this as an opportunity to invest in a more stable future and increase our chances of having enough food in the long run. Part of the money went towards paying $50 for school fees, reflecting my commitment to education and providing opportunities for a better life for my family. To make the most of the farming venture and avoid borrowing tools, I spent $30 to purchase equipment like a hammer and a saw. This way, I could efficiently build essential structures, such as the chicken house, and ensure a successful farming operation. The assistance I received from GiveDirectly made all of this possible. Without their support, I wouldn't have been able to take these steps towards a more sustainable future. Now, I am patiently waiting for the crops to mature, hopeful that they will shield us from the inadequacies of food and lead us to a more self-sufficient life.