In the coming year, my goal is to embark on extensive maize farming to provide both food and income for my family of six. This venture represents a significant opportunity for us to secure our food supply and improve our financial stability. To initiate this maize farming venture, I estimate that I will need approximately $300. This amount will cover various expenses associated with farming, including purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary materials. In order to raise the required capital, I plan to engage in charcoal burning. While this activity requires hard work and dedication, I believe it presents a viable opportunity to generate the funds needed to kickstart the maize farming project. By investing in maize farming, I aim to not only provide nutritious food for my family but also create an additional source of income that can contribute to our long-term financial security. I am optimistic about the prospects of this venture and remain committed to working diligently to achieve our goals. With determination and hard work, I believe that we can successfully establish a thriving maize farm that will benefit my family for years to come

GiveDirectly's assistance has truly made a difference in my life and the lives of my family. Personally, I have been able to acquire assets and ensure food security for our family of six, which would have been difficult without their support. Everything is going well with their approach, and I do not feel there is a need for any changes. Instead, I believe their model should be replicated elsewhere to help more people like me who are in need of assistance. The flexibility and autonomy provided by GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers have allowed us to address our most pressing needs and make decisions that are best for our family's well-being. I am grateful for the support we have received and hopeful that others can benefit from similar programs in the future.

Receiving the transfers was a significant moment for my family. We immediately set out to address our most pressing needs and invest in our future. Education is paramount for us, so I allocated $200 towards school fees for my daughter in grade 11. Ensuring she receives a quality education is a priority, and the transfers provided the means to support her academic journey. With $100, we purchased maize, which not only contributes to our food security but also serves as a potential source of income through the sale of surplus harvests. The remaining funds were used to acquire household goods and clothing for my children. Providing for their basic needs and ensuring their comfort is essential to me as a parent. As a family of six, we depend on farming to earn a living. The transfers have provided a financial boost, enabling us to meet our immediate needs and invest in our future prosperity. I am grateful for the assistance we have received through the transfers. They have provided support during challenging times and empowered us to pursue our goals with renewed confidence.

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, my primary objective is to expand my farm by cultivating more crops. This expansion aims to generate additional income for my family. To bring this dream to fruition, I've strategized to utilize my third transfer, a step that was initially hindered by a lack of funds. The support received from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in realizing financial freedom, enabling me to embark on initiatives that were once out of reach. I am genuinely delighted and grateful for the positive impact this assistance has had on my aspirations and overall well-being.

The unconditional nature of the funds allowed us the flexibility to allocate them based on our specific needs. As I evaluate the impact, I find no areas that need correction in their approach to their work. This has proven to be a valuable aspect, ensuring that the assistance received aligns seamlessly with our unique requirements. I am grateful for the thoughtful and effective support that has been provided, contributing positively to our situation.

My husband and I, both farmers, feel incredibly fortunate to have four children. Our foremost concern was settling a $250 school fee, not only to address pending arrears but also to alleviate the impending burden of upcoming term fees. Once that priority was met, We spent $40 towards acquiring a sack of maize, another $40 for various foodstuffs, and $70 for clothing. The remaining $50 was wisely invested in renting land for cultivation, ensuring we are well-prepared for the upcoming planting season. The sense of gratitude and relief I feel is immense, having successfully managed all these responsibilities within a short span. The task of paying the entire school fee at once was once an uphill task, especially considering that the income from our farm barely covered our basic needs. Reflecting on the progress we've made fills me with appreciation and contentment. I am truly grateful for the positive strides we've taken.

The moment I confirmed that the money from GiveDirectly had landed in my account, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I was at home with my husband at that time, and when I shared the news with him, he too was filled with gratitude. We knew that this financial support would enable us to address many of our pending obligations, including paying our children's school fees. With the assurance that our money was securely in our accounts, we decided not to rush into withdrawing it and waited for three days before taking any action. It was a moment of relief and optimism for our family's future.

The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly has been the plentiful availability of food for my family of six. The constant struggle to secure enough food had been a major challenge, especially since I lacked a reliable source of income. My occasional casual labor and sales of charcoal, which were also restricted, couldn't provide a stable food supply. However, the support from GiveDirectly has granted me the opportunity to purchase sufficient food for my family, and it has filled us with hope that we'll be able to replenish our supplies with subsequent support. This food security has relieved a great burden from our daily lives and has given us a sense of food security going forward since we are currently working hard on our farms, among other sources of income.

Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly brought significant positive changes to our lives. First, I used $100 to pay the school fees for our daughter, who is currently in secondary school. This was a huge relief, as education is a top priority for us. Prior to this support, we had been relying on subsistence farming and small businesses, including charcoal production. Unfortunately, the adverse climatic changes caused by deforestation have made charcoal production unsustainable. With $50, I purchased essential food items such as cereals, 5kg of sugar, and cooking oil, which were crucial for my family of six. I spent the remaining $30 on buying new clothes for my children, and their excitement and gratitude were heartwarming. This support not only eased our financial burdens but also filled our home with hope and optimism for the future.