In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to enhance and improve my farming practices on my one-acre irrigated plot. I intend to cultivate crops with a short maturity period of around three months, such as beans and green grams. These crops will not only provide food for my family but also generate income to cover school fees and support my daily needs. My plan is to fully commit myself to planting and managing these crops efficiently to maximize our harvest.

I appreciate the exemplary dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the Givedirectly staff. Their approach during the enrollment process ensured that all villagers were included, promoting fairness and equity. Moreover, I am particularly fond of the lump-sum transfers provided, which have significantly elevated our community's standard of living. These transfers have been a game-changer for me personally, as they enabled me to send my youngest son, who had been out of school for three years after completing his secondary education due to financial constraints, back to school. As a parent, this has brought me immense joy and satisfaction, knowing that I have strived to provide my children with the best possible education.

Upon receiving the third transfer, I made a significant purchase that had been a long-awaited dream: a water storage tank. This 3000-litre tank, costing $170, has been on my wish list for a while, but financial constraints held me back. My primary source of income is farming, and our region has been grappling with rainfall shortages due to climate change affecting our farm production. The tank has been a true lifesaver, sparing me the arduous journey of fetching water from distant sources since the rivers frequently run dry due to the scorching weather conditions, making access to water a daily challenge. Thanks to the tank, my neighbors and I can now collectively purchase water from water trucks, costing $30 for 7,000 litres, and use it for various needs. Furthermore, I expanded my goat herd by adding four more goats, utilizing $200 from the transfer. Goats are our main source of income generation, as they thrive and reproduce rapidly in our region, fetching favourable prices in the market. This investment ensures our financial stability and prospects. Lastly, I secured my youngest son's college education with the funds by paying his tuition fee of $80. This truly warms my heart, knowing that with the school fees settled, he can fully concentrate on his studies, increasing the likelihood of academic success. His dreams and aspirations are now within reach, thanks to the support from GD.

With the construction of a new house to replace our existing one already in progress, my primary focus in the coming year and beyond is to enhance and improve our ongoing projects, particularly in the farming sector. These farming activities serve as not only a source of food for our family but also generate income that will assist in covering school fees and furthering the construction work. By dedicating my efforts to optimizing these existing projects, I aim to ensure their long-term success and sustainability, contributing to the overall improvement of our livelihood.

I am genuinely appreciative of the excellent work done by GiveDirectly. The challenges we faced during the driest year, with over a year of missed rainfall, were incredibly difficult. Without the support provided, life would have been even harder. The timely transfer of funds not only alleviated hunger but also enabled us to construct new houses and pay school fees. The freedom to decide how to utilize the funds proved to be a significant advantage. However, there is always room for improvement. GiveDirectly should strive to reach more individuals and communities in need, ensuring that their support reaches those who require it the most, just like it did for us.

The payment of my son's college fees had been a persistent challenge, and I had been dearly praying and hoping for the much-needed support, which thankfully arrived through GiveDirectly. Upon receiving the second transfer, I promptly spent $100 to settle the remaining balance for my son's college fees, averting the need to sell the livestock that I heavily relied on as my primary source of income. Furthermore, I am in the process of planning and preparing for the construction of a new house to replace the old one that my family of five currently resides in. As part of this endeavor, I have already purchased 20 iron sheets for $216. To address immediate household needs, I allocated $38 towards the acquisition of essential household items such as kitchenware, toiletries and replenishing our food supplies, which had been depleted. Additionally, the remaining $96 was spent on purchasing a sack of maize and beans, ensuring an adequate food supply for our family's sustenance.

While we were at the farm, I overheard my neighbors discussing the arrival of their transfer. Curiosity got the best of me, and I asked them what they were talking about. That's when they informed me that they had received their funds from GiveDirectly. I rushed home to check my phone and was thrilled to find out that I, too, had received the money. This brought me great joy because I knew it would help me achieve the goals I had set. I shared the news with my son, and he was just as delighted as I was.

One of the most significant changes in my daily life has been the ability to pay for my son's college education, which was previously challenging due to financial limitations caused by unstable sources of income. Additionally, I used the transfer from GiveDirectly to purchase food supplies that will last for an extended period. I am forever grateful for this gift, which has transformed my life and given me hope for a brighter future.

When the transfer arrived, I immediately knew that my top priority was to pay for my son's school fees. It was the most pressing need at the time, and I was able to use $100 of the funds for this purpose. As a widow with only one child to support, I depend on farming for my livelihood. However, due to the harsh weather conditions in our region, my income has been inconsistent. With the remaining $10, I purchased some much-needed food, which would have been impossible without the cash transfer. I am grateful for your support, which has significantly improved my living standards.