Venturing into extensive farming is my goal for the upcoming year. I see this as a pivotal step towards not only providing income for myself but also securing sufficient food for my needs. My plan is to use the profits generated from the farm proceeds to make this ambition a reality. I believe that extensive farming holds the potential to significantly improve my livelihood. By wisely investing the profits back into the farm, I aim to expand its capacity and diversify the crops or livestock, enabling me to generate more income and ensure food security for myself. This venture represents a pathway to greater self-sustainability and a step towards a more stable and prosperous future. I am excited about the possibilities it holds and committed to putting in the effort needed to make this farming venture successful in the coming year.

I am incredibly grateful for the transfers I received; they have made a significant difference in my life. Thanks to this support, I now have a decent shelter and enough food for myself. Currently, everything is going well, and I am content with where I am. Reflecting on the broader impact on my community, I have noticed remarkable changes. People have been able to construct houses, something that seemed challenging before. This transformation has significantly improved the quality of life for many in the community. In essence, I believe the organization's assistance has been immensely beneficial, not just for me but for the entire community. As things stand, I see no need for any changes in their approach. Their impact has been substantial, bringing tangible improvements to people's lives, and I am truly thankful for that.

Receiving the transfers marked a significant turning point in my life. With careful planning, I allocated the funds to address crucial aspects of my situation. Firstly, I spent $80 cultivating my 0.5-acre plot of land, sowing maize in hopes of a successful harvest. This was an essential step towards securing a source of sustenance. Additionally, $45 went towards necessary clothing, ensuring my personal needs were met. However, the most significant portion, $325, was dedicated to completing the construction of a two-room iron-walled house for myself, as I now live alone following the separation from my wife. This newfound home offers a sense of security and stability that was sorely lacking before in the grass-thatched house. Currently, my livelihood depends on farming, as I am unable to pursue casual jobs due to my age. Despite the challenges, I am determined to make the most of the opportunities at hand and strive for a better future. These changes have brought a newfound sense of hope and stability to my life, for which I am truly grateful.

As I continue to reside in my grass-thatched hut, my hope for the upcoming year and beyond is to initiate the construction of a new house to replace my current hut. My goal involves utilizing the proceeds from my farm to gradually accumulate the necessary construction materials. While I might not be able to acquire them all at once, I hold the belief that procuring these materials in bits will eventually result in the realization of my dream—a new and improved home that surpasses the limitations of the grass-thatched hut I currently inhabit.

I hold GiveDirectly in high regard and attribute their support to a higher power. I am appreciative that they took the time to visit my home, educate me about their program, and allowed me the space to fully comprehend before making a decision. The information presented was crystal clear, facilitated by direct communication between their staff and me. This approach greatly enhanced understanding, leading to widespread acceptance and a warm reception of the program in the entire community. The whole process, from the program's inception to its completion, unfolded seamlessly, and I am thankful. I hope that other communities in similar need will also experience the same level of positive engagement and support from this organization.

Since my separation from my spouse, who left me with our two children, my daughter and son, I've been tirelessly working to provide for them through farming, casual labor, and maximizing the aid resources available to me. The support from GiveDirectly has been an immense blessing, transforming our household in numerous ways. With the second transfer, I allocated $135 to secure an ample food supply, prioritizing the well-being of our family of three. I also invested $15 in new clothing for both my daughter and myself, replacing the worn-out garments we had been using. My son, who left school to work as a rider in a nearby shopping center, has been self-sufficient for his essentials. Clearing a $30 debt not only relieved my financial burden but also restored my confidence in interacting with friends who had lent me money during a time of need. Additionally, I ensured my commitment to my daughter's education by settling her $102 tuition fees, determined to prevent her from following her brother's path of dropping out. Witnessing her improved grades and increased study time filled me with pride. To enhance our living conditions, I used $128 in construction materials after demolishing our old kitchen, and spent the remaining $41 on labor and transport expenses.

Late in the evening, as I was tilling my land, my phone suddenly buzzed, alerting me to a new message. Without a moment's delay, I pulled it out of my pocket, and to my utter surprise, it was an SMS confirming the receipt of money from GD. Overwhelmed with joy, I could not contain my excitement, dropping my hoe and rushing home to share the wonderful news with my mother. This blessing brought a ray of hope, knowing that we would not have to skip meals for a while. The relief and happiness we felt were indescribable, thanks to GD.

My life is better since I started receiving the transfer, as it presented a turning point for me and my mother. Not only has it given us hope, but it has also provided opportunities to enhance our living conditions. The most comforting aspect is that we now have enough food, ensuring my elderly mother won't have to skip meals again. This positive change is truly a blessing, and I am hopeful that it will continue to bring further comfort and stability to our family.

Living with my elderly mother has been a constant struggle, especially with the irregular work I do, earning just $2.5 on fortunate occasions. It's tough to make ends meet, but the recent transfer brought a glimmer of hope. I used $50 to ensure we have enough food to sustain ourselves, and I also invested $20 in weeding my maize farm, hoping for a good harvest that will benefit us. In addition to our daily challenges, I've always dreamed of a better home than the small hut my mother lovingly built for us. But my financial constraints made that dream feel out of reach. Thankfully, the recent transfer has changed everything. With $100, I purchased 10 iron sheets, a significant step towards building a better house. I plan to build a two-roomed house made of iron sheet walls. With $10 remaining from the transfer, I wisely invested it in repairing my goats' shelter, which had holes that the small ones could pass through. This improvement ensures our livestock will be safe and secure.