With a 0.5-acre piece of bare land waiting to be cultivated and the much-anticipated rains approaching, I have decided it is time to take action. My family of three is eager to make use of this land by sowing beans and maize to sustain ourselves. However, we know that to protect our future harvest, we first need to fence the property. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, I plan to reach out to my dependable neighbor and propose a joint effort to build the fence. I am confident that together we can achieve our mission of a plentiful harvest and nourishing food for our family.

GiveDirectly's transfer programs have had a remarkable impact on the lives of many families. These initiatives have provided essential support by ensuring families have access to food, helping them acquire assets, and even enabling them to build homes. This approach has been instrumental in uplifting families from poverty and improving their overall living conditions. By staying committed to their mission, GiveDirectly can keep making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, ultimately fostering economic empowerment and a brighter future for these families.

My family of three often depends on maize farming to earn a living. Unfortunately, the harsh climatic conditions have made the land unproductive, therefore lowering the yield as well as income for the household. GiveDirectly has marked a turning point for me and my family through the transfers. When I received the transfers, I spent $346 on constructing a 2-room house besides the 1-room house I currently have. I am glad my family now has a spacious and comfortable house. I also spent $24 on barbed wire that I wish to fence my farm with. Additionally, I paid $10 in school fees for my children, $20 on household goods, and saved $50 for emergencies. GiveDirectly did not just provide us with financial assistance; they provided us with the opportunity for a better life, and for that, we are truly elated and grateful.

We held high hopes for the future as they nurtured our newly acquired goat. They understood the potential for the offspring of the goat to multiply, paving the way for a more stable financial future. With each passing day, we cared for the goat with love and attention, ensuring its well-being. We learned about proper breeding techniques and sought guidance from experienced goat farmers in our community. We eagerly anticipated the arrival of newborn kids, envisioning a growing herd that would bring us economic stability.

During a time of great hunger and desperation, an unexpected lifeline arrived, bringing forth a glimmer of hope. It was an opportunity to address my greatest challenge, a chance to prioritize the well-being of my children and make their dreams come true. And for that, I am eternally grateful to GiveDirectly. The transfers came at a time when our struggles were at their peak. It brought much needed relief and allowed us to focus on what truly mattered. With the support we received, we were able to provide our children with a good home, a dream that had seemed unattainable for so long. The weight of hunger lifted from our shoulders, replaced by renewed hope and the opportunity to create a brighter future. We seized the chance with gratitude in our hearts, determined to make the most of this newfound stability. Seeing our children happy and secure in their new home was the greatest gift we could ever ask for.

Our previous home was small and inadequate for our growing children, who often had to seek out alternative places to sleep in the neighborhood. Determined to provide a better life for our family, we began constructing a new home. Although the house was modest, it held the promise of comfort and happiness. As the construction progressed, our anticipation grew. Finally, we completed our new abode, valuing it at $390. Within these walls, we hoped to create a haven where our family could thrive. Not content with just improving our living conditions, we also had an eye toward the future. Recognizing the potential in investments, we purchased a goat for $40. This seemingly unconventional choice was made with a clear purpose in mind. We believed that the goat could become a valuable asset, whether through breeding or utilizing its products for additional income. In addition to our investment, we understood the importance of sustaining ourselves. we wisely allocated $20 to purchase food, ensuring that our loved ones would never go hungry. Through GiveDirectly transfers, we transformed our living situation, created a home, and took steps toward securing our future.

I was just going about usual duties in the farm when I received a messaging confirming that I had received money from Givedirectly.I was filled with joy upon confirming and I was glad that they kept their promise of sending the transfers within the time that that had promised to do so.

The biggest change in my life is that I am no longer required to sell my goats in order to meet my other requirements. Despite the drought, we are currently irrigating our farm in Marigat with the support of the cash we received from Givedirectly, and we are optimistic that in the near future, we will harvest some food for family consumption. I was also able to employ and pay someone to prepare my land for tilling.

We have a farm close to Marigat town, and since accessing water there is considerably simpler, we usually plant food crops like corn and practice some irrigation. We therefore spent $20 to buy water for irrigation using the first transfer received. There is currently a drought here, making it practically hard for plants to survive on their own, therefore this is the only reliable method of obtaining food. In addition to the goats I already own, I also spent $30 on a goat for rearing. Goats are relatively draught-resistant and inexpensive to maintain and thus the reason we keep them. I bought food for my family and paid for land tilling with the remainder of the transfer.