In just a few short months, I hope to have completed the $640 motorcycle loan and fully own it. It is a monumental achievement, one that fills me with pride and a sense of financial freedom. With this milestone on the horizon, I am now looking toward the future with a new goal in mind. I plan to venture into the grocery business right here in our village. It is a move that feels both exciting and practical. To make this dream a reality, I am considering taking a loan from the table banking company. It is a group that has supported many individuals in our community, and I believe their assistance could be instrumental in getting my grocery business off the ground. It is a decision I do not take lightly, but I see it as a strategic step toward expanding my income sources and providing better opportunities for my family. Additionally, I have been blessed with an incredible gift: my aunt has generously given me one acre of land situated on the shore of the river. This location offers easy access to water, a precious resource for growing tomatoes and vegetables. It is a chance to not only contribute to the local food supply but also to generate additional income.

It was through GiveDirectly that we finally witnessed a transformation that lifted our community from the depths of poverty. The impact of GiveDirectly's support has been profound, but we recognize that our journey to prosperity is not yet complete. To truly secure our brighter future, we yearn for more financial transfers that would be nothing short of transformative. These additional funds would empower us to implement vital developments and initiatives that could change the lives of everyone in our community.

In our family of two, our livelihood relies heavily on the motorcycle taxi business to earn $5 daily, just enough to put food on the table and make those weekly loan repayments. I had applied for a $2000 motorcycle loan. The repayment plan was set at $30 weekly, a sum that, while fulfilling our obligations, brought with it a certain level of stress. To meet these repayments, I had to put in extra hours, working tirelessly to ensure that I was on track. The original plan was to complete the loan repayment by April 2024, and I was committed to making it happen. However, a turning point came when GiveDirectly stepped in. When I received the transfers, I used $120 to clear a portion of the motorcycle loan. It was a significant relief, and it changed the timeline of my repayment. I will clear the remaining $640 in arrears by December 2023. I invested the rest of the transfers in expanding our two-room iron-walled house. This expansion was not just about having more space; it was about creating a better living environment for my family. It is a step that I am immensely proud of, as it has enhanced our quality of life and comfort. The burden of financial strain has lightened, and the shadow of shame has been banished.

In the upcoming year, my primary objective is to fully repay the loan for the motorcycle, enabling me to operate without financial constraints and increase my savings. This financial stability will provide an opportunity to accumulate sufficient funds for my son's school fees, ensuring his education continues uninterrupted. Additionally, I aim to leverage the daily transportation service to generate extra income, further bolstering my savings. Looking beyond the immediate future, my long-term aspiration is to acquire an additional motorcycle and hire someone to ride alongside me, thereby expanding my business and creating an additional stream of income.

We express our heartfelt gratitude for the prompt and much-needed financial support provided by GiveDirectly. The support came in at a time when we were severely impacted by a devastating drought that had devastating effects on both our subsistence and livestock farming. It has been a lifeline for us during this challenging period. While we appreciate the aid we have received so far, we also hope that the support could extend beyond the third transfer, acknowledging the needs of other deserving villages as well. In terms of improvement, it would be beneficial if GiveDirectly could explore ways to continue assisting communities like ours, ensuring sustained relief and recovery in the face of ongoing challenges.

After obtaining a motorcycle on credit with a $200 deposit prior to receiving the first transfer, the arrival of the first transfer proved invaluable in repaying the loan. I was pleased that the second transfer further facilitated the repayment, as I made an additional deposit of $10. Utilizing the motorcycle, I began offering transport services to the nearby communities, which became a consistent source of income for managing other household expenses. Additionally, I had plans to relocate my house away from the roadside to a quieter and safer area. To achieve this, I spent $116 towards the purchase of construction materials, including 15 building poles and 16 frames, which are already at the construction site. I eagerly anticipate the move to a more secure location, where I can avoid disruptions from stray livestock and human intrusions. To support my son's education, who is currently in junior secondary school, I cleared a $20 arrear, ensuring he can attend classes undisturbed. Following my separation from my wife some years ago, as she moved on and remarried, I became the sole caretaker of my firstborn son. As a family of two, we used $40 for new clothing and $120 for food supplies, including a sack of maize and other household goods. With $54 remaining, I have been using it for fueling the motorcycle and managing various household needs and expenses.

I was very elated, since I had no money for food, debt

There is a huge significant difference through the thoughtful allocation of the unconditional transfers, I made great strides towards improving my life and the lives of my loved ones. By settling my motorbike debt, which demonstrated financial responsibility and relieved myself from the burden of debt. The purchase of iron sheets enhanced our living conditions, while the acquisition of maize secured my family's food supply.

I was extremely alated when I received my first transfers from Give Directly since I have been burdened by a motorbike debt of $ 50, and I understood the importance of resolving this financial obligation. With the support of the unconditional transfers, I was able to clear the debt, alleviating the stress and burden associated with it. By taking this responsible step, I paved the way for a fresh start, free from the weight of debt and its financial implications. Recognizing the significance of shelter, I decided to allocate a portion of the funds towards purchasing iron sheets. With $42, I was able to acquire the necessary materials to improve my housing situation since it was not conducive anymore. Furthermore, I prioritized the well-being and nourishment of my family. With $66, I purchased a sack of maize, ensuring a steady supply of food. This guaranteed that my family's nutritional needs would be met, reducing the uncertainty and stress associated with food insecurity