I want to buy half an acre of land elsewhere, somewhere it doesn’t flood. Where I stay currently is prone to floods whenever it rains, and I need a place that’s more secure. The constant worry isn’t something I want to live with forever. To achieve this, I’ll keep going with maize farming. It’s steady, but I also plan to try watermelon farming this time. They fetch a good price, and if things go well, I should make a decent amount from both crops. The plan is to sell the melons and maize, then use that money to buy the piece of land. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m determined. It’s time to move to a place where rain doesn’t bring fear with it.

The GiveDirectly staff not only gave us the money, but they also checked in afterward to see how we were doing and how the funds were helping us. It felt good to know that they cared about the impact beyond just handing out cash. Their approach was clear from the start; they took the time to explain everything in detail, so there was no confusion about what we were receiving or how it would work. What stood out most to me was how fair they were. Unlike other projects where only a few people benefit, GiveDirectly gave money to everyone in the village, regardless of their social status. This made us feel included and valued, knowing that no one was left out or treated unfairly. I think they’ve done an excellent job, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. The respect they showed us, the transparency, and the follow-ups all made the experience smooth and empowering.

I used $240 to buy a generator, which I now use to pump water from the river. Before this, I had to rely on borrowing pumps from my neighbors, and it was always a challenge when I needed to water my crops but their pump was in use. Now, I no longer have to wait or negotiate for equipment, and it feels good to manage my farm on my own schedule. Yesterday, I spent most of the day irrigating my maize, and it was a relief to do it without any delays. I also invested $175 in three sheep because they are easy to care for and survive well in this area. I chose sheep not only for their resilience but also as a kind of savings. If an emergency arises, I can sell one and solve the problem quickly without scrambling for money. Lastly, I used $35 to plough an acre of land in preparation for planting maize. The seeds are already in the ground, and I’ve been keeping an eye on them, especially now that I have my own irrigation setup. Having control over the water supply has made a huge difference—I'm no longer worried about missing watering times or depending on anyone else. I’m excited to see how things turn out this season.

In the afternoon, while I was in the farm with my sister, taking care of the crops, a message popped up on my phone. When I checked it, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me $200. I immediately told my sister, and we both celebrated the good news, as it was a huge support for us. My first thought was to stay calm and not let my excitement get the better of me, so I could stick to my plan for using the money wisely.

The biggest difference in my life since receiving $200 from GiveDirectly has been the acquisition of household assets and gaining exposure to handling a significant amount of money. For the first time, I was able to buy essential items like a cupboard and utensils, preparing my home for when I married. I also improved my living conditions by repairing a leaking roof and invested in a smartphone to stay updated with news. This experience has not only helped me build a more stable home but also given me confidence in managing and using a substantial amount of money wisely.

When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and excited. It was the first time I had such a significant amount of money. As a single young man with a fiancée, I am focused on acquiring household assets for our future together. I allocated $110 to buy a new cupboard, which I needed for organizing my house and storing utensils and other items. I also spent $34 on household items like utensils, as I want to be prepared for when I get married, ensuring that my fiancée will find everything she needs. Additionally, I used $20 to repair my roof, which was leaking during the rain and causing discomfort. With this improvement, I no longer worry about rain affecting my home. Lastly, I spent $40 as a deposit for a new smartphone. I want to stay updated with local and international news, and having a reliable phone is important for this. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support, which has helped me make these important improvements.