As the head of a family of nine, one of my biggest challenges is ensuring that we have enough food while also providing quality education for my children. The heavy rains during October, November, and December last year were particularly cruel, as they led to a poor harvest for us. Our farm, which is located along the river bank, suffered greatly as the excessive rainwater washed away most of our crops. Meanwhile, my husband's business of tapping palm wine has also taken a hit. The demand for palm wine has been so low that even the stock tapped in the morning can go unsold for up to three days. This downturn in business has significantly impacted our household income. As a result of these challenges, we've been forced to cut down on our meals, from three a day to just two. As a woman in the household, I've had to step in and implement various strategies to help make ends meet alongside my husband. It's been a difficult time, but we're doing our best to navigate through these tough circumstances.

As a mother in a family of 7, the most significant source of joy for me over the past six months has been the good health of my family. Despite the many challenges we have encountered, I am grateful that we have not had to bear the additional burden of medical expenses. All members of my family are in excellent health, and this brings me immense happiness. Beyond the well-being of my family, I find great joy in the peaceful environment we have cultivated at home. My husband and I share a strong bond and understanding, which has empowered us to tackle the various challenges that come our way as a united front. Our ability to navigate difficulties together has been a source of strength and happiness for me.

Receiving the funds will have a significant impact on my life and the lives of my family members. The opportunity to receive these funds for our project is truly a dream come true and a remarkable milestone for our village. The funds will serve as the beginning of our family's progress and prosperity. Given the diverse needs of our family, the funds will play a crucial role in ensuring that we can meet these needs. We have carefully planned the allocation of the funds. Specifically, we plan to allocate $250 to construct a new, durable iron-roofed structure for our family, which will provide us with a safe and comfortable living space. Additionally, we intend to use $150 to purchase two calves, representing a valuable future investment for our family. Furthermore, we aim to allocate $100 towards purchasing essential bedding items, and the remaining amount will be utilized for various household needs, ensuring that our family's overall well-being is taken care of.