This year, my biggest goal is to build a house. Right now, my family and I live in a small, muddy house with my four kids. It's cramped and there's not enough space or privacy for us. But with the money from the tomatoes I've grown on my farm, I'm determined to make this dream a reality. I'll use some of the money from selling the tomatoes to start building our new home. The thought of having a proper house brings so much joy and satisfaction to me and my family. It means we'll finally have enough space and privacy to live comfortably. It's a dream we've had for a long time, and I'm determined to make it happen.

GiveDirectly has been amazing, and I can't thank them enough. Because of them, my life has changed for the better. My kids are now able to attend school, and I have a farm, something I couldn't have imagined before. Before GiveDirectly, I didn't have the money to invest in farming. But now, with their help, I do. And it's not just me; many people in my community have benefitted from GiveDirectly too. People have been able to build houses, and that has made a huge difference. Having a proper home means better health and more security. And with the money they've received, they can afford to buy nutritious food, improving their health even more. I haven't encountered any problems with GiveDirectly's programs, so I don't have any suggestions for changes. They've truly made a positive impact on our lives, and I'm incredibly grateful for that.

After getting $450 from GiveDirectly, I was really happy. At that time, I had two kids in school, one in primary and the other in secondary. I decided to use $100 to pay their school fees. School fees had been a big worry, but thanks to GiveDirectly, my kids are in school now. I work as a farmer, and with the money, I saw an opportunity to invest in agriculture. I spent $200 to buy tomato seeds. Tomatoes grow well here, and they sell well too. I planted them on a 3/4 acre of land. I'm expecting to make around $200 from the farm produce. Some of this money will go towards school fees, some for our daily needs, and I plan to save some because I want to make this farming venture sustainable for the future.

We plan to focus on farming by expanding our cultivation area from half or 1 acre to the entire 2 acres available. Our decision to concentrate on the timely planting of vegetables, specifically tomatoes, is based on their high market demand. Brokers frequently visit our farm to purchase these crops. Tomatoes mature quickly, usually within two months, making them suitable for our farming strategy. This rapid growth allows us to mitigate potential water challenges, as we can align planting schedules with favorable weather conditions. Opting for tomatoes brings the added benefit of deterring zebras, which tend to target maize crops. By steering clear of maize and concentrating on tomatoes, we safeguard our produce from destruction and also optimize our yield for a more lucrative market. This comprehensive approach ensures a more efficient and profitable farming operation.

The impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly on our community has been transformative. The respectful manner of GiveDirectly officers has been a key factor. Notably, during the selection process, there was no discrimination, allowing individuals to join at their own will, fostering a sense of fairness. The operational model employed by GiveDirectly is commendable, standing out as one of the best. Transparency and openness during the entire process contribute to its effectiveness. I express my earnest wish for GiveDirectly to continue its operations in the same manner, benefiting more communities in need. The positive impact of GiveDirectly serves as an example of how well-executed aid can bring about meaningful change in communities.

I recently received a sum of $450 from GiveDirectly, which I utilized entirely for my daughter's school fees and other requirements. My daughter is joining high school on January 17th, and alongside her, I have three other children at the elementary school level. My husband and I primarily rely on small-scale farming, which proves to be quite unpredictable, especially when rivers dry up. Our main crop is maize, though last year, we encountered a significant challenge with zebras from a nearby conservancy destroying our crops, resulting in a low yield. Unfortunately, we did not sell anything, leaving us without the means to finance our daughter's education. In addition to farming, we also engage in charcoal production. We often resort to seeking casual jobs to supplement our earnings. Given the unpredictable nature of farming and charcoal production, financial stability becomes a constant concern for our family. The timely assistance from GiveDirectly has eased our immediate financial burden and instilled hope for a more stable future. As we navigate the challenges of farming and other income generating activities, we are grateful for the support that enables us to invest in our children's education and strive for a better tomorrow.

Receiving my first payments from GiveDirectly brought overwhelming joy, and the moment was especially memorable. It was around 3:00 p.m., and I received the message while taking a moment to relax at home after a day of tiring housework. The confidence in the correctness of the receipt filled me with a sense of relief and gratitude. At that time, my children were at school, and my husband was out seeking casual work for our livelihood. The news had to wait until the evening, when he returned home. When I shared the good news with him, he, too, was delighted. Despite the excitement, we decided to carefully plan how to use the funds, and we waited until a week later to begin the necessary expenditures.

There is a notable improvement in my life compared to before. The assurance of having enough food for my family has instilled a profound sense of peace into my daily life. The constant worry about going hungry or struggling for meals has been replaced with a reassuring certainty. Moreover, the opportunity to plant maize with the current rains has added another layer of hope to my circumstances. Anticipating a bountiful harvest, I am optimistic that this will ensure my family's sustenance for the coming year.

The transfers have brought a profound sense of hope into my life, particularly as I grapple with the challenges of a poor harvest this year due to the ongoing drought. With a strategic allocation of $80, I prioritized purchasing food to ensure that my family of six doesn't endure hunger during these difficult times. As farming remains my sole source of income, this decision holds immense significance for sustaining my family. In addition, I dedicated $40 to buying clothes for my children, with the intention of providing them with decent attire for various functions. This investment not only addresses their immediate clothing needs but has also noticeably contributed to an improved sense of self-esteem. Observing them socialize more freely with their peers is a heartening testament to this positive impact. Furthermore, I invested $80 in farming activities, covering expenses such as digging, acquiring farm inputs, and planting maize on my one-acre plot, taking advantage of the current rainfall. This multi-faceted approach reflects my efforts to address immediate needs while also investing in the future productivity of my land