In the coming year and beyond, I have some important goals I am determined to achieve. Firstly, I hope to connect piped water to our home and invest in a larger water tank that will allow us to store rainwater for various purposes, including livestock, household needs, and kitchen gardening. This will not only make our lives more convenient but also ensure a sustainable water supply. Additionally, if circumstances allow, I aspire to construct a pit latrine in the future. For far too long, our household hygiene has been compromised as we had to answer the call of nature in the bushes. This change would significantly improve our living conditions and overall well-being, making me hopeful for a healthier and more comfortable future for my family.

Receiving unconditional money from GiveDirectly has been a great boost to our community. Were it not for this support, most of the people here, including myself, would have succumbed to hunger. We are profoundly grateful for the great generosity shown by GiveDirectly. What sets this organization apart is that they are not biased; they reached out to everyone without considering our wealth status and provided us with the same amount of money. It was refreshing to feel that equality in the face of adversity. The best part is that we were given the freedom to plan on our own, without any external influence from the organization. They would simply call or visit later to assess how we made our spending decisions. So far, this is the best program that I wish other regions suffering from the same poverty index could enjoy, as it has truly transformed our lives for the better.

I used my unconditional monthly cash transfer to address various essential needs. I used $50 to purchase much-needed medication, as my health had not been great lately I have been struggling with my vision and visiting a private hospital for check-up always needs a lot. I also used $8 to cover the transportation cost from the shopping center to my home. To sustain our food supply, I spent $7 on dry maize grains. The most significant part of my spending was the $220 I invested in purchasing 16 metal bars. I have been living in an old hut for far too long, and I have been longing to build a new, more comfortable house for my family. This decision brought lots of hope and improvement to our living conditions that will ensure a better future for us all.

There was an overwhelming feeling of joy when I finally received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, just a few weeks after enrolling in their program. It had been our family's fervent prayer that once we received it, we could immediately address the urgent challenges we had been facing both as a household and individually. I shared the exhilarating news with my family members and entrusted my spouse with the responsibility of handling all the withdrawals and expenses since my health condition prevented me from walking to the shopping center. The rest of the household members were equally thrilled upon receiving the long-awaited news.

The biggest differences in my daily life after receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly, is twofold. Firstly, there is now an abundance of food available for my family of six, ensuring that our basic nutritional needs are met. Secondly, I now have the opportunity to visit the hospital for regular check-ups and to refill the medication that I am currently relying on. This newfound access to healthcare has brought about a positive shift in our overall well-being and has provided us with a sense of security and peace of mind.

After enduring a debilitating illness that not only affected my legs but also gradually impaired my vision and halted my ability to engage in economic activities, I was immensely relieved when I finally enrolled in the GiveDirectly program, which provided us with much-needed financial support. Having battled with illness for over a decade, my quest for a viable solution and medical intervention has proven unsuccessful. The support from GiveDirectly instilled hope and alleviated the burden on my family, which had been struggling to provide for me. With a family of six to feed, I allocated $73 towards the purchase of maize, rice, sugar, groceries, and other essential items, which will continue to sustain us until the next transfer. As my previous source of income from livestock farming diminished due to frequent sales for medical expenses, we found ourselves relying on the goodwill of our neighbors before receiving the transfer. Additionally, I used $50 to settle debts at a local shop where we had been purchasing food on credit, another $50 for medical check-ups and medication that I am currently using, and the remaining $21 for purchasing much-needed household goods, including toiletries. I am profoundly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly and eagerly anticipate utilizing the coming transfers to address various pressing needs.