In the coming years, I am eager to revitalize my one-acre plot of land that has been left fallow for the past three years due to its poor performance amid recurring drought conditions. The recent one-month spell of rains has sparked optimism, renewing my hope for successful farming in the coming year. My plan is to cultivate drought-resistant crops with a short life span, including beans, green grams, and groundnuts. This strategic choice aims to mitigate the impact of potential drought while also maximizing the benefits of the current favorable weather conditions. The cultivation serves both commercial and domestic purposes, ensuring a sustainable source of income while also securing an ample food supply for my household in the coming year.

GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing unconditional and lump-sum transfers. This innovative initiative has brought about a significant transformation in our village. Over the past three months of receiving these transfers, I have witnessed numerous positive changes. One notable improvement is the reduction in the number of school-going children missing their studies due to unpaid fees. This has had a direct and positive impact on the education of the children in our community. Additionally, individuals who, like myself, did not have adequate housing have been able to build better houses. Others have wisely invested in ventures such as buying goats or starting their own businesses. As a community, we deeply appreciate GiveDirectly for the positive impact it has had on our lives. These transfers have not only alleviated immediate financial concerns but have also empowered individuals to make lasting improvements in their living conditions and pursue sustainable economic opportunities.

Initially, I had begun the construction of a house, but insufficient funds left it incomplete. I am happy that the second and third transfers, along with support from my children, helped me realize my dream of building a three-roomed iron sheet house. I utilized $150 from the third transfer to complete the house by purchasing doors and windows and covering the installation fee. The new cozy house now comfortably accommodates me, my spouse, and my four grandchildren. This is a significant improvement from the cramped, one-roomed structure we used to inhabit, which was also tedious to smear. Furthermore, I used $150 from the third transfer to expand my goat herd by buying four goats. Recognizing the resilience and low maintenance requirements of goats in our area, this strategic move holds the potential for long-term benefits, contributing to both family sustenance and additional income through breeding. To address immediate food needs, $10 was sensibly spent on purchasing two sacks of maize during the harvesting season, taking advantage of favourable prices. This ensures a stable and sufficient food supply for my family of six in the upcoming months, mitigating the impact of poor harvests that was as a result of the drought that we experienced this year.

The transfers from GiveDirectly has filled our hearts with hope for the future. It's shown us that positive change is achievable, even in the face of challenging circumstances. This newfound hope has revitalized our determination to build a better life. Looking ahead, I have clear and ambitious goals. Firstly, I plan to increase the number of goats in our livestock. Goats are valuable in our community and a source of income and sustenance. Additionally, I aim to introduce sheep to our herd, which will diversify our livestock and provide further economic security. Furthermore, I'm considering ways to invest in our children's education. Education is a powerful tool, and I want to ensure our children have access to quality schooling, which can open doors to brighter futures. The transfers from GiveDirectly has improved our present circumstances, giving us the confidence and determination to work towards a more prosperous future. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity and we're committed to making the most of it to better the lives of our family.

It's heartwarming to see the transformation that has swept through our community since the support from GiveDirectly arrived. People here have newfound hope and energy, and there's a palpable sense of purpose and ambition in the air. It's like a long-awaited dawn after a seemingly endless night of hardship. One of the most significant changes has been in our children's education. They are now able to attend school without the constant fear of being sent home due to unpaid fees. Our Form Four candidates, in particular, have had the opportunity to concentrate on their studies without the disruptive worry of school fees. This change is not just about individual families; it's about our entire community coming together to create a brighter future. We're collectively inspired to work hard and make the most of this newfound stability and support. It's incredible how a little assistance can ripple through an entire community, awakening dreams and aspirations that were once buried under the weight of daily struggles. We're immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for being a beacon of hope in our lives and for giving us the opportunity to thrive once again.

With the transfers I received, I allocated $200 to address a long-standing issue which was the roof of my house. I had managed to build the house, but due to a lack of funds, it remained without a roof for quite some time. The money from my children, who had pooled their resources, wasn't enough to complete the house. The transfers finally provided the financial boost I needed to ensure that my family had a proper roof over their heads. I used $80 of the transfers to purchase food. This might seem like a simple thing, but for my family and me, it meant no longer worrying about where our next meal would come from. Seeing that many in our community owned goats, I decided to invest $150 in purchasing three goats. Owning goats wasn't just a matter of prestige; it was also a way to secure a source of income for my family. It felt good to be on the same level as our fellow community members, sharing in the responsibilities and benefits of goat ownership. Lastly, I allocated $20 to buy a mattress. This seemingly small purchase brought immense comfort. No longer would I have to endure uncomfortable nights sleeping on ragged clothes, this might sound trivial, but a good night's sleep can do wonders for one's overall well-being.

I was still out at the farm not far from home at approximately 3:00 PM when my daughter who was in the possession of my phone then reached out to me, informing me that the promised transfer from Givedirectly had been successfully sent. A wave of happiness washed over me, and I realized then that I could now put all my planned endeavors into action.

The most significant change in my life has been the capacity to provide food and other basics for my family. A substantial portion of the transferred funds went into purchasing food supplies for my household. Before, I used to harvest and sell trees for firewood to support my family's requirements. However, following the receipt of the transfer, my involvement in this activity diminished, and at present, I haven't felled or sold any of my trees. As a result, my family of three, which includes two grandchildren, is experiencing improved health due to the availability of sufficient food.

A few days after receiving the first transfer, a distressing situation arose within our family. Collins, my 31-year-old son, commonly known in the village as Lukas, became unwell and required immediate hospitalization. Despite our best efforts, Lukas's health unfortunately deteriorated, and he eventually passed away during. Consequently, the remaining funds from the received transfer, after allocating $120 towards food for my family of three, were directed towards settling the hospital bills and covering other associated expenses.