In the upcoming year and beyond, my aspiration is to establish either a retail store or a small shop to generate income. To initiate this endeavor, I intend to utilize the proceeds from selling maize. This strategic plan aligns with my long-term goals and represents a proactive step towards financial independence.

I found great joy in how the unconditional cash assistance facilitated the achievement of my goals effortlessly. The enlightening sensitization meetings, particularly on MPesa security, were instrumental in broadening my understanding. The emphasis on using the money responsibly, in accordance with the laws of the land, was commendable. Furthermore, the organizers were highly respectable individuals. I encountered no issues that required correction during my interactions with them.

The financial assistance from GiveDirectly arrived at a crucial moment of need, as I have been grappling with a serious illness that requires urgent medical attention. However, due to financial constraints, I couldn't gather the required funds all at once. My income primarily stems from seasonal farming, yielding around $90 per harvest, while my wife earns $150 monthly at a production company. Despite our combined efforts, these earnings barely suffice for our family's needs, especially considering the hefty school fees for our eight children, four of whom are in high school, three in primary school, and one awaiting college admission after completing high school. With medical expenses looming, I spent $350 for the impending treatment, utilizing the remainder to upgrade our home's roof from grass to iron sheets, amounting to $200. The prospect of finally addressing my long-standing illness brings immense relief, and I am profoundly grateful to GiveDirectly for extending a lifeline of hope during this challenging time.

While attending to my farm around 3pm, I received a notification on my phone indicating that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. Grateful for this unexpected blessing, I expressed my thanks to God, feeling relieved knowing that my troubles were about to be alleviated. I have not been this happy for quite some time, and on this day, I felt like a light had been illuminated upon me. Being retired and unable to secure steady employment due to health constraints, I often engage in light, occasional work to sustain myself. Despite living alone, I support my wife and three children, who reside in another town where she is employed. With two children in secondary school and one in primary, the pressure to meet their educational expenses weighs heavily on me. Upon receiving the funds, my immediate priority was to settle the $130 in school fees that had accumulated for one of my children, who was at risk of being barred from attending school if the arrears were not cleared

GiveDirectly has truly been a godsend. With its assistance, I've been able to access the treatment I desperately needed, and I'm now free from pain, making steady progress in my recovery. I remain optimistic about undergoing surgery and achieving full healing in due time. Clearing the school fees debt has brought immense relief; my child is now able to attend school without the looming threat of being sent home. The heavy burdens that once weighed heavily on our shoulders have been lifted, leaving us with a profound sense of peace and contentment. We're grateful to be free from the constant worry about fees and health issues that previously plagued our lives, allowing us to finally find solace and happiness in our newfound stability.

GiveDirectly's assistance has truly been a saving grace for us, offering a glimmer of hope during our most challenging times. The support arrived just in the nick of time to address the urgent matter of my child's overdue school fees. The weight of a $130 debt threatened to disrupt her education, with the looming possibility of her being sent home. Therefore, I used $130 of the transfer to settle this debt, ensuring that my child could remain in school undisturbed, focusing on her studies. The relief of this burden is immeasurable, and we're grateful for the stability it brings to our family life. I also forwarded $100 to my wife, supplementing her earnings to ensure our household's immediate necessities are met. Alongside providing for my family, I've been grappling with hernia since May 2023, and I've been unable to afford the necessary treatment. Previously, I used to work in the mines, but the closure of the mines by government mandate left me unemployed, exacerbating our financial strain. Thus, I allocated $150 from the transfer to cover clinic expenses for my condition. While the treatments have provided some relief, surgery remains the ultimate solution to fully address my health concerns. I have set aside the remainder of the funds for the impending surgery, a prospect that offers hope for a pain-free future and the opportunity to resume earning a livelihood to support my loved ones.