Once a farmer, always a farmer, they say. It is a sentiment that rings true in my heart. Despite the relentless onslaught of harsh climatic conditions that have made traditional farming seem almost impossible, I refuse to surrender to despair. Instead, I have devised a bold plan to not only adapt but also to thrive in the face of adversity. My vision is extensive sheep rearing—a choice rooted in a deep understanding of the land and its challenges. The goal is to curb the long-term effects of drought that have plagued our region for far too long. It is not just a venture; it is a mission to reclaim the land and prove that with determination and innovation, we can overcome nature's harshest blows. My plan is to build a self-sustaining flock that can withstand the rigors of drought. I will carefully choose sheep breeds known for their drought resistance, animals that can endure the toughest conditions and still thrive.

The impact of GiveDirectly's transfers has been nothing short of transformative in our community. Lives that were once marked by uncertainty and struggle have taken a turn towards hope and prosperity. As people have acquired assets and ventured into extensive businesses, a wave of positive change has swept through our village. However, to truly solidify this progress and transform these changes into long-term solutions, we believe that extending the duration of these transfers is essential. While the initial support has undeniably made a substantial difference, the challenges we face in our region require sustained and consistent assistance. Long-term transfers would allow us to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability.

Living as a family of two, we have always relied on farming to sustain ourselves. Unfortunately, harsh climatic conditions have taken a toll on our productivity, causing the loss of our animals over time. However, I am determined not to lose hope; life must go on. When the transfers came through, I allocated $240 to purchase sheep and $15 for chickens, hoping these investments would provide us with a source of food and income. With food shortages looming, I had no option but to buy food for my family, and I am grateful the transfers enabled this. I spent $108 on maize, beans, and peas to ensure we had enough to eat. The remaining funds fulfilled a long-held desire: I bought furniture to improve our home. Now, sitting in our comfortably furnished house, I cannot help but smile. Despite the challenges we have faced, I am content and grateful for the assistance that has brought comfort and happiness into our lives.

In the coming year, I have set my sights on looking for casual jobs around my area and using the saving from the hustle to add more sheep to my livestock. With four school-going kids to support and the constant worry of financial emergencies, I believe this venture will provide a secure backup and help me pay their school fees. By combining these resources, I hope to build a stable financial foundation that will benefit my family for years to come.

In my opinion, GD has proven itself by fulfilling its promise of alleviating poverty through cash transfers. These transfers have allowed me to pursue a dream that once seemed unattainable. As of now, I'm delighted to say that I have around 10 sheep and a growing poultry farming. With confidence, I believe these livestock will multiply and become a substantial source of income in the near future

Ever since I started dreaming of prosperity for my family, owning a thriving livestock venture has been at the forefront of my aspirations. So, when the second transfer came in, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to kickstart this endeavor. With $260 in hand, I wasted no time in purchasing six sheep and four hens, laying the foundation for my vision of abundance. Furthermore, I used $50 to clear the school fee arrears for my child in secondary school, ensuring she would not be sent home and miss her classes. I had utilized part of the first transfer to pay for the fee, but it was not enough to fully cover it. Additionally, I managed to utilize the remaining amount from the transfers to buy enough food to sustain my family of six for the coming months. By doing so, I'm confident that we can navigate through any financial challenges and ensure our well-being while the livestock rearing venture takes shape. This is a step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all of us.

The memory of receiving the funds from GiveDirectly remains vivid in my mind. I was in the midst of working on my farm when my phone suddenly rang. Upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. The overwhelming joy I experienced at that moment is difficult to put into words, as I knew it meant that I could now bring my dreams to fruition. The support I received brought an abundance of happiness into my life. I wasted no time; I immediately began planning how to utilize the transfer now that I had the necessary funds available to pursue my aspirations.

The most significant change in my life today is that my son is now attending school and enjoying a comfortable learning environment. This was made possible by the support I received, which alleviated the financial burden and allowed me to prioritize his education. Additionally, I successfully launched a poultry project, which was previously challenging due to limited financial resources. This project now serves as a valuable source of income. I am incredibly happy and contented with the achievements I have made thus far, knowing that they have positively impacted both my son's future and my overall well-being.

In the past, I experienced the heartache of my wife leaving me when I was away seeking employment. The tough living conditions made life unbearable for her, prompting her to leave with our two children. However, despite this painful memory, I gathered the strength to pick up the pieces and move forward. When I was informed about the monetary assistance from GiveDirectly, I knew that my first priority would be to pay my son's school fees, as it was the most urgent need at the time. I allocated $53 towards this important expense. Additionally, I purchased a sheep for $40 and embarked on a poultry project, investing $27. With the remaining amount, I procured essential food supplies. I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude, as the support I received enabled me to achieve my goals within a short period of time, which once seemed impossible.